The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $505,525 in 79 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $75,000. 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$505,525
- Number of grants79
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$75,000
- Assets$4.9 million
- New grantees58%
Giving in 2025 was down from $534,800 the year before.
58% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $645,610 | 98 | $4.0 million |
| 2024 | $534,800 | 83 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $505,525 | 79 | $4.9 million |
How to apply
The Robert Thomas Bobins 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 Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 64 | $474,025 |
| New York | 5 | $12,800 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $2,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,500 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,700 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $500 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Erikson Institute | General support | $75,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago | General support | $60,200 |
| University of Chicago (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) | General support | $35,000 |
| Field Museum of Natural History | General support | $27,500 |
| Window to the World Communications | General support | $27,500 |
| Anti-Defamation League | General support | $25,000 |
| Brain Research Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Navy Pier Inc | General support | $25,000 |
| Anshe Emet Synagogue | General support | $23,750 |
| Kollel Torah Mitzion Inc (DBA - Yu Torah Mitzion Kollel) | General support | $20,000 |
| Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center | General support | $17,500 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | General support | $15,000 |
| American Friends of the Louvre Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| Catholic Churchc Extension Society of USA | General support | $10,000 |
| Depaul University | General support | $10,000 |
| Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University | General support | $7,500 |
| Chicago Council on Global Affairs | General support | $7,500 |
| Archives of American Art - Smithinsonian Institute | General support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Elnet | General support | $5,000 |
| Old St Partick's Church | General support | $5,000 |
| Red Sweater Project | General support | $5,000 |
| American Writers Museum | General support | $2,500 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | General support | $2,500 |
| Chi Arts Foundation | General support | $2,500 |
| Erie Family Health Foundation | General support | $2,500 |
| Lincoln Park Zoological Society | General support | $2,500 |
| Music Institute of Chicago | General support | $2,500 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | General support | $2,500 |
| Teach for America | General support | $2,500 |
| The Antiquirian Society | General support | $1,775 |
| Breakthrough T1D | General support | $1,700 |
| Chicago Cultural Alliance | General support | $1,500 |
| Friends of the Children Chicago | General support | $1,500 |
| Keshet | General support | $1,500 |
| 626 Landmark Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Advance Illinois | General support | $1,000 |
| American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee | General support | $1,000 |
| American National Red Cross & Its Constituent Chapters and Branches | General support | $1,000 |
| Ausl (Academy for Urban School Leadership) | General support | $1,000 |
| Better Government Association | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Norman Bobins
- Virginia Bobins
Questions people ask
Does The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation give?
$505,525 in tax year 2025, across 79 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Norman Bobins (Trustee) and Virginia Bobins (Trustee).
What does The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and youth programs.