Virginia Lee Cook Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Virginia Lee Cook Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $460,000 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $300,000. 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$460,000
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$5.1 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $300,000 the year before.
20% 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 | $220,000 | 5 | $4.3 million |
| 2024 | $300,000 | 5 | $5.1 million |
| 2025 | $460,000 | 5 | $5.1 million |
How to apply
Virginia Lee Cook 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 Virginia Lee Cook Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 1 | $300,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $100,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin Foundation | General purpose | $300,000 |
| Animal Aid Inc | General purpose | $75,000 |
| K9 Battle Buddies | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Monkey's House Dog Hospice and Sanctuary | General purpose | $25,000 |
| St Patrick Parish | General purpose | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jeffrey Bakiares
- Lynn Bakiares
- John Brown
Questions people ask
Does Virginia Lee Cook Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Virginia Lee Cook Foundation give?
$460,000 in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Virginia Lee Cook Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jeffrey Bakiares (President/Director), Lynn Bakiares (VP & Treasurer/Director) and John Brown (Director).
What does Virginia Lee Cook Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals.