The Tarko Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Tarko Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $86,500 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $20,000. 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$86,500
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$1.6 million
- New grantees84%
Giving in 2025 was up from $52,000 the year before.
84% 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 | $50,500 | 29 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $52,000 | 31 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $86,500 | 25 | $1.6 million |
How to apply
The Tarko 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 Tarko Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Washington. It also paid $12,500 in 2 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 7 | $20,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $20,000 |
| North Carolina | 4 | $15,000 |
| Illinois | 7 | $10,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
| New York | 1 | $2,500 |
| Utah | 1 | $2,500 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Center for the Integration of Dance and Martial Arts | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $20,000 |
| Gavi Alliance | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $10,000 |
| Manna Foodbank | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Holocaust Center for Humanity | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Jewish Family Service | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Ballard Food Bank | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Marshall Relief Alliance | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $5,000 |
| Kavana | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $4,000 |
| Democracy Forward Foundation | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| International Rescue Committee Inc | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| Rebuild Hot Springs Area | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| Tell Japan | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| Beacon of Hope | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $2,500 |
| Borderless Magazine | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Chicagoland Pig Rescue | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Trash People | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Chicago Votes | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Girl Forward | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $1,000 |
| Cascade PBS | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $500 |
| Comfort Station | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $500 |
| Friends of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $250 |
| Kuow Cascade Public Media | General support to help fund the work of this organization | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Eli Halpern
- Erica Moen
- Robert Halpern
Questions people ask
Does The Tarko Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Tarko Foundation give?
$86,500 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The Tarko Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Eli Halpern (Director), Erica Moen (Director) and Robert Halpern (Director).
What does The Tarko Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, international and food and hunger.