Thing 123 Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Thing 123 Foundation is a private foundation in Elmhurst, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $256,796 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$256,796
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$7.0 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was up from $232,436 the year before.
35% 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 | $205,884 | 24 | $4.7 million |
| 2024 | $232,436 | 24 | $5.6 million |
| 2025 | $256,796 | 26 | $7.0 million |
How to apply
Thing 123 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 Thing 123 Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 13 | $140,000 |
| California | 7 | $54,796 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $30,000 |
| New York | 1 | $12,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Book Harvest | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Elmhurst Yorkfield Food Pantry | Unrestricted | $17,500 |
| St James Faith Lab | Unrestricted | $15,796 |
| Josselyn Center | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Nourishing Hope Food Pantry | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Second Harvest FB of Oc | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Exodus World Services | Unrestricted | $12,500 |
| Girl Scouts of America | Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Care for Friends | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Chicago Youth Programs Inc | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Gay and Lesbian Center of Oc | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Trans Youth Equality Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Cardz for Kidz | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Every Mom Chicago | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Save Our Youth | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Chicago Lights | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Childrens Hospital U of C | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Cradles to Crayons | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Culinary Care | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Easterncentral NC | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Kaleidoscope Youth Center | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| La Regional Food Bank | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| The Literacy Project | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Newport Harbor Foundation | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- James Ruprecht
- Nancy Ruprecht
- Jan Leaders
Questions people ask
Does Thing 123 Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Thing 123 Foundation give?
$256,796 in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Thing 123 Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James Ruprecht (Director), Nancy Ruprecht (Director) and Jan Leaders (Director).
What does Thing 123 Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger and youth programs.