The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $327,100 in 74 grants; the typical grant was $2,125 and the largest $69,500. 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$327,100
- Number of grants74
- Typical grant$2,125
- Largest grant$69,500
- Assets$9.5 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was up from $264,163 the year before.
45% 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 | $276,035 | 42 | $5.9 million |
| 2024 | $264,163 | 57 | $7.2 million |
| 2025 | $327,100 | 74 | $9.5 million |
How to apply
The Ruttenbergkagan 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 Ruttenbergkagan Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 45 | $253,600 |
| New York | 10 | $47,000 |
| California | 5 | $7,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 6 | $4,600 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $2,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund of Metro Chicago | Charitable purpose of recipient | $69,500 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Charitable purpose of recipient | $20,000 |
| Access Community Health Network | Charitable purpose of recipient | $15,000 |
| WTTW Jewish Heritage Programming | Charitable purpose of recipient | $12,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | Charitable purpose of recipient | $10,000 |
| Youth for A Better Future | Charitable purpose of recipient | $10,000 |
| Chicago Cred | Charitable purpose of recipient | $10,000 |
| Chicago's Womens Health Center | Charitable purpose of recipient | $10,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Charitable purpose of recipient | $10,000 |
| Temple Shalom | Charitable purpose of recipient | $9,350 |
| Chicago Film Archives | Charitable purpose of recipient | $7,500 |
| Chicago Gay Men's Chorus | Charitable purpose of recipient | $6,000 |
| Project Education Plus | Charitable purpose of recipient | $6,000 |
| College Possible | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| ACLU Foundation | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Facing History & Ourselves | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Family Focus | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Imerman Angels | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Lincoln Park Soccer Boosters Inc | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Milwaukee Art Museum | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Charitalble purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Street Soccer USA | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| The Block Museum of Art-Northwestern University | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Youth Guidance | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Invest for Kids | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Jewish Federation Los Angeles - Jfedla | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Nourishing Hope | Charitable purpose of recipient | $5,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Charitable purpose of recipient | $4,500 |
| Northwestern Pritzker School of Law | Charitable purpose of recipient | $3,000 |
| American Jewish Committee | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Brain Research Foundation | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Chicago Help Initiative | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Field Museum | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Harold E Eisenberg Foundation | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Reading in Motion | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Figueroa Wu Family Foundation Pilsen Food Pantry | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,500 |
| Wbez | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,250 |
| Owls Lacrosse | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,000 |
| Human Rights Watch | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,000 |
| Hyde Park Arts Center | Charitable purpose of recipient | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David W Ruttenberg
- Jonathon McCulloch
- Heather Lee Baumann
- Jacob C Ruttenberg
- Geoffrey W Ruttenberg
- Alisa R Kagan
- Pamela I Kaji
Questions people ask
Does The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation give?
$327,100 in tax year 2025, across 74 grants, with a typical grant of $2,125.
Who runs The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David W Ruttenberg (President/Director), Jonathon McCulloch (Secretary/Director), Heather Lee Baumann (Treasurer/Director) and Jacob C Ruttenberg (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The Ruttenbergkagan Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and health.