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Grant funders / Illinois / The Polsky Foundation

The Polsky Foundation

Chicago, Illinois  ·  EIN 651164639  ·  Private foundation

The Polsky Foundation is a Illinois-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $5.3M in annual giving against $21.4M in assets. This page documents the 139 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for The Polsky Foundation — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.

$5.3M
Annual giving (FY2020)
$21.4M
Total assets
139
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What The Polsky Foundation funds

The Polsky Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, faith-based (christian), faith-based (jewish), faith-based, health care, and related causes.

Arts & CultureFaith-Based (Christian)Faith-Based (Jewish)Faith-BasedHealth CareHigher EducationYouth Development

Populations it has supported include children, families, immigrants & refugees, men boys, veterans, women girls.

childrenfamiliesimmigrants & refugeesmen boysveteranswomen girls

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for The Polsky Foundation, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
Uchicago Polsky Center
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$4.0M2022
Uchicago Polsky Center
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$2.4M2023
Brca Research and Cure Alliance
Charity
Chicago, IL$2.3M2024
Northwestern Memorial Foundation
Charity
Chicago, IL$2.0M2024
Northwestern Memorial Foundation
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$2.0M2020
University of Chicago
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$2.0M2020
Northwestern Memorial Foundation
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$2.0M2022
University of Chicago 2016
Charity
Chicago, IL$1.7M2024
University of Chicago
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$1.5M2017
Our Home Ukraine
Charity
Chicago, IL$968K2024
Obama Foundation
GENERAL FUND
Chicago, IL$667K2022
United States Holocaust Museum
GENERAL FUND
Highland Park, IL$600K2022
Illinois Holocaust Museum
GENERAL FUND
Skokie, IL$600K2020
World Resources Institute
GENERAL FUND
Washington, DC$500K2022
White Stork
GENERAL FUND
Winnetka, IL$414K2023

The Polsky Foundation giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2017$1.8M
2020$5.3M
2022$9.1M
2023$4.4M
2024$7.8M

How to apply for funding from The Polsky Foundation

The Polsky Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal.

Is The Polsky Foundation the right funder for your nonprofit?

This page shows what The Polsky Foundation has funded. Bespoke Grants tells you whether it fits your mission — and finds every other foundation that does. Free, no credit card.

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Frequently asked questions about The Polsky Foundation

Does The Polsky Foundation accept grant applications?
The Polsky Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does The Polsky Foundation fund?
The Polsky Foundation's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include Uchicago Polsky Center, Uchicago Polsky Center, Brca Research and Cure Alliance. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does The Polsky Foundation give in grants?
The Polsky Foundation reported $5.3M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $28.4M over 139 grants.
Where is The Polsky Foundation located?
The Polsky Foundation is based in Chicago, Illinois. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 651164639.
How can I find foundations similar to The Polsky Foundation?
Bespoke Grants matches your nonprofit against 225,000+ foundations like The Polsky Foundation, ranking each by how well it fits your mission, location, and budget — with the reasoning shown. It is free to search.

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Foundations similar to The Polsky Foundation

Other Illinois grantmakers with overlapping priorities:

About this profile. This page is built from The Polsky Foundation's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with The Polsky Foundation. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.