The Tenzer Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Tenzer Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $146,130 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $55,000. 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$146,130
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$55,000
- Assets$10.8 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2025 was up from $117,980 the year before.
16% 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 | $3.1 million | 25 | $8.6 million |
| 2024 | $117,980 | 25 | $9.2 million |
| 2025 | $146,130 | 25 | $10.8 million |
How to apply
The Tenzer Family 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 Tenzer Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 5 | $85,780 |
| Illinois | 9 | $34,250 |
| Colorado | 1 | $8,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $6,000 |
| Wisconsin | 5 | $5,100 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $5,000 |
| New York | 2 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shriners Hospital for Children | General purposes | $55,000 |
| Artis-Naples | General purposes | $25,000 |
| Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Wind River Ministries Inc | General purposes | $8,000 |
| Blessings in A Backpack | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Depaul College Prep | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (Fcacc) | General purposes | $5,000 |
| St Jude's Children's Research Hospital | General purposes | $5,000 |
| The MDS Foundation | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Gulfshore Playhouse | General purposes | $2,500 |
| Heavens Gait Ranch | General purposes | $2,500 |
| Wounded Warrior Project Inc | General purposes | $2,280 |
| Enchanted Backpack | General purposes | $2,000 |
| Danny Did Foundation | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Geneva Lake Conservancy | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Geneva Lake Water Safety Patrol | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Fgcu Academy | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Sisters of Christian Charity | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Smile Train | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Anan Harmon Chapter Nsdar | General purposes | $500 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | General purposes | $500 |
| Prevent Child Abuse America | General purposes | $500 |
| 626 Landmark Foundation | General purposes | $250 |
| Geneva Lake Association | General purposes | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Kathryn L McClain
- Marilyn E Tenzer
- Rebecca E Tenzer
- Melissa K Tenzer
Questions people ask
Does The Tenzer Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Tenzer Family Foundation give?
$146,130 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Tenzer Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kathryn L McClain (Trustee), Marilyn E Tenzer (Trustee), Rebecca E Tenzer (Trustee) and Melissa K Tenzer (Trustee).
What does The Tenzer Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and education.