The Lenke Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lenke Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $590,000 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $210,000. 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$590,000
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$210,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees77%
Giving in 2025 was up from $385,000 the year before.
77% 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 | $637,000 | 19 | $853,665 |
| 2024 | $385,000 | 15 | $822,097 |
| 2025 | $590,000 | 13 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
The Lenke 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 Lenke Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 1 | $210,000 |
| New York | 4 | $129,500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $75,000 |
| California | 2 | $65,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $50,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $25,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $25,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Creighton University | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $210,000 |
| St Paul the Apostle Church | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $100,000 |
| Northwestern University | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $75,000 |
| Setting Scoliosis Straight | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $60,000 |
| University of Notre Dame | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $50,000 |
| Food Bank for New York City | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $25,000 |
| Washington University in St Louis | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $25,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $25,000 |
| National Spine Health Foundation | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Solve Mecfs Initiative (Solve) | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Sun River Health Foundation | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| The Paulist Fathers | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $2,000 |
| Sacred Heart Home Health | Unrestricted use in exempt purpose | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Lawrence G Lenke
- Elizabeth A Lenke
Questions people ask
Does The Lenke Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lenke Foundation give?
$590,000 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Lenke Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lawrence G Lenke (Trustee) and Elizabeth A Lenke (Trustee).
What does The Lenke Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.