The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute
Preselected recipients only
The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.3 million in 16 grants; the typical grant was $100,000 and the largest $350,878. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.3 million
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$100,000
- Largest grant$350,878
- Assets$52.6 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.1 million the year before.
38% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.8 million | 20 | $44.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.1 million | 19 | $47.4 million |
| 2025 | $2.3 million | 16 | $52.6 million |
How to apply
The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 16 | $2.3 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Il at Chicago | Program support | $350,878 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Program support | $300,000 |
| Sinai Health System | Program support | $250,000 |
| Mobile Care Foundation | Program support | $225,000 |
| Rush University Medical Center | Program support | $225,000 |
| Children First Fund | Program support | $210,000 |
| Iws Family Health | Program support | $200,000 |
| Lawndale Christian Health Center | Program support | $100,000 |
| Michael Reese Health Trust | Program support | $100,000 |
| United Way of Metropolitan Chicago | Program support | $100,000 |
| Community Health | Program support | $75,000 |
| Chicago Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Center | Program support | $50,000 |
| Chicago Community Foundation | Program support | $50,000 |
| Esperanza Health Centers | Program support | $50,000 |
| Health and Medicine Policy Research Group | Program support | $25,000 |
| City Orchards Cooperative | Program support | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Christy Prahl
- John A Svoboda
- Lee Francis MD MPH
- David G O'Neill
- Michelle L Collins
- Edward K Chandler
- Kary McIlwain
- Julian G Posada
- T Sands Thompson
- Bryan S Traubert MD
- Kevin B Weiss MD MPH
- Stephanie A Whyte MD Mba
- Rebecca M Wurtz MD MPH
- Adrienne White-Faines
Questions people ask
Does The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $100,000.
Who runs The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute?
Its 2025 filing lists Christy Prahl (Executive Director), John A Svoboda (Chair and Director), Lee Francis MD MPH (Vice Chair and Director) and David G O'Neill (Treasurer and Director) among 14 officers and trustees.
What does The Otho Sa Sprague Memorial Institute fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health and education.