Vail Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Vail Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $91,500 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 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$91,500
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $57,450 the year before.
40% 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 | $59,250 | 17 | $1.9 million |
| 2024 | $57,450 | 19 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $91,500 | 20 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
Vail 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 Vail Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $70,500 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $7,500 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $3,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,500 |
| New York | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ravinia Festival | General operating fund, setting the stage | $30,000 |
| Geneva Foundation | General operations | $10,000 |
| Clearbrook | General operations | $7,500 |
| Church of the Holy Spirit | General operating fund | $5,000 |
| Phillips Exeter Academy | General operations | $5,000 |
| Northfield Mt Herman School | General operations | $5,000 |
| Winnetka Community House | General operating fund | $4,000 |
| Lake Forest College | General operations | $4,000 |
| Home of the Sparrow | General operations | $3,000 |
| Martha Graham Dance Company | General operating fund | $2,500 |
| Winnetka Historical Society | General operating fund | $2,500 |
| Phillips Academy Andover | General operations | $2,500 |
| Emory University | General operations | $2,500 |
| Door County Community Foundation Inc | Food pantries and the ellie helm foundation | $2,000 |
| Evanston Public Library | General operating fund | $1,500 |
| Glen View Club Scholarship Foundation | General operating fund | $1,500 |
| Friends of the Kress Pavilion | General operations | $1,000 |
| New Trier Township - Angel Fund | Food pantry | $1,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | General operating fund | $500 |
| Egg Harbor Firefighters | General operations | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Margaret C Vail
- James D Vail IV
- John F Vail
- James D Vail V
Questions people ask
Does Vail Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Vail Family Foundation give?
$91,500 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Vail Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Margaret C Vail (President, Director), James D Vail IV (VP, Treas, Sec, Director), John F Vail (Exe VP, Asst Treas, Director) and James D Vail V (Vice President, Director).
What does Vail Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and food and hunger.