The Seeley Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Seeley Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $740,706 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $105,000. 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$740,706
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$105,000
- Assets$17.4 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was up from $633,800 the year before.
37% 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 | $703,740 | 24 | $15.1 million |
| 2024 | $633,800 | 25 | $15.6 million |
| 2025 | $740,706 | 27 | $17.4 million |
How to apply
The Seeley 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 Seeley Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Missouri.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 5 | $250,000 |
| Virginia | 4 | $200,000 |
| Wyoming | 7 | $170,100 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $45,000 |
| New York | 2 | $40,606 |
| California | 6 | $28,000 |
| Idaho | 2 | $7,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of Bridger-Teton | General support | $105,000 |
| Kansas City Ballet Assoc | General support | $100,000 |
| George Mason Univeristy Fdn | General support | $100,000 |
| Owen Cox Dance Group | General support | $62,000 |
| Kansas City Symphony | General support | $50,000 |
| Wellspring Health Access | General support | $45,000 |
| Nature Conservancy Virginia | General support | $40,000 |
| Weta Public Television and Radio | General support | $35,000 |
| Community Fdn of Jackson Hole | General support | $30,100 |
| Cornell Lab of Ornithology | General support | $25,606 |
| Friends of Dragon Run | General support | $25,000 |
| Charlotte Street Foundation | General support | $20,000 |
| Bach Aria Soloists | General support | $18,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | General support | $15,000 |
| Nature Collective | General support | $10,000 |
| Chelsea's Fund | General support | $10,000 |
| Wyoming Public Media | General support | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of San Diego County | General support | $6,000 |
| Jackson Hole Community Radio | General support | $5,000 |
| Foundation 23 Race to Raise | General support | $5,000 |
| Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center | General support | $5,000 |
| Winter Wildlands Alliance | General support | $5,000 |
| Astoria Park Conservancy | General support | $5,000 |
| Scripps Institute of Oceanography | General support | $5,000 |
| Friends of Idaho Public Television | General support | $2,000 |
| Quail Gardens Foundation | General support | $1,500 |
| Oceanside Museum of Art | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Judith M Seeley Renshaw
- Ellen Fales Roberts
- Dana M Seeley
Questions people ask
Does The Seeley Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Seeley Foundation give?
$740,706 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Seeley Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Judith M Seeley Renshaw (President), Ellen Fales Roberts (VP, Secretary) and Dana M Seeley (Vice President).
What does The Seeley Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and environment and conservation.