The Regenstein Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Regenstein Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $11.6 million in 29 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.8 million. 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$11.6 million
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.8 million
- Assets$77.5 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $6.3 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 | $1.3 million | 32 | $73.3 million |
| 2024 | $6.3 million | 34 | $74.8 million |
| 2025 | $11.6 million | 29 | $77.5 million |
How to apply
The Regenstein Foundation 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.
What The Regenstein Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 20 | $6.2 million |
| Florida | 7 | $460,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shedd Aquarium | Operational support | $1.8 million |
| Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital | Operational support | $1.1 million |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Operational support | $1.1 million |
| Rush University Medical Center | Operational support | $1.0 million |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | Operational support | $550,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Operational support | $240,000 |
| Gulfshore Playhouse | Operational support | $225,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Operational support | $150,000 |
| Field Museum | Operational support | $100,000 |
| Naples Community Hospital | Operational support | $100,000 |
| Chicago Zoological Society | Operational support | $90,000 |
| Naples Zoo | Operational support | $90,000 |
| Lumen Christi Institute | Operational support | $55,000 |
| American Red Cross | Operational support | $50,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Operational support | $50,000 |
| Art Institue of Chicago | Operational support | $25,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Operational support | $25,000 |
| Artis - Naples | Operational support | $25,000 |
| Parliament of World's Religions | Operational support | $15,000 |
| University of Illinois | Operational support | $15,000 |
| Conservancy of Southwest Florida | Operational support | $10,000 |
| The Service Club of Chicago | Operational support | $10,000 |
| The Wasteshed | Operational support | $10,000 |
| Children of Abraham Coalition | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Holocaust Museum of Southwest | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Katz Rheumatology Research Educaion Fund | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Millennium Park Foundation | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Naples Botanical Garden | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Serbs for Serbs | Operational support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan Regenstein
- Joseph Regenstein III
- Marshall Field V
- F Oliver Nicklin Jr
- Patricia Wallies
Questions people ask
Does The Regenstein Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Regenstein Foundation give?
$11.6 million in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs The Regenstein Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan Regenstein (Chairman & President), Joseph Regenstein III (Secretary/Treasurer), Marshall Field V (Director) and F Oliver Nicklin Jr (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Regenstein Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, animals and youth programs.