The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation is a private foundation in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $135,515 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $30,000. 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$135,515
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$194,214
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was down from $148,500 the year before.
11% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $153,625 | 19 | $423,381 |
| 2024 | $148,500 | 22 | $305,781 |
| 2025 | $135,515 | 19 | $194,214 |
How to apply
The Sue and Melvin Gray 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 Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 17 | $129,515 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Newberry Library - Conversations | General | $30,000 |
| Ryan Opera Center | General | $25,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | General | $15,000 |
| Intrinsic Schools of Chicago | General | $10,000 |
| Lurie Children's Memorial Foundation | General | $10,000 |
| University of Chicago-Medicine & Biological Sciences Dept | General | $10,000 |
| Sinai Congregation | General | $6,515 |
| Art Institute of Chicago (Sustaining Fellows) | General | $6,000 |
| Human Rights Watch | General | $5,000 |
| Wfmtwttw | General | $5,000 |
| Bga-Better Government Association | General | $2,500 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theater | General | $2,500 |
| Jewish United Fund | General | $2,500 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General | $1,500 |
| Brain Research Foundationn Bobins | General | $1,000 |
| Chikaming Open Lands | General | $1,000 |
| Spertus Institute | General | $1,000 |
| Iit - the Mies van Der Rohe Society | General | $500 |
| Environmental Law & Policy Center | General | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Melvin Gray
- Sue Gray
- Steven F Gray
Questions people ask
Does The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation give?
$135,515 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Melvin Gray (President), Sue Gray (Vice-President) and Steven F Gray (Secretary).
What does The Sue and Melvin Gray Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and science and research.