Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.1 million in 13 grants; the typical grant was $100,000 and the largest $120,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.1 million
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$100,000
- Largest grant$120,000
- Assets$26.5 million
- New grantees39%
Giving in 2024 was up from $80,000 the year before.
39% of its 2024 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 | $80,000 | 8 | $25.9 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 13 | $26.5 million |
How to apply
Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker 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 Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 8 | $700,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $240,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $100,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $50,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard College | General charitable purposes | $120,000 |
| Harvard Medical School | General charitable purposes | $120,000 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Chicago Symphony | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Bank | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Wounded Warriors | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Guest House Chicago | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| One Day to Remember | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Cures Within Reach | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Live Different USA | General charitable purposes | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lawrence Elman
Questions people ask
Does Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2024, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $100,000.
Who runs Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Lawrence Elman (Trustee).
What does Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, animals and arts and culture.