Bill Nygren Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 36-3987600 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$1.3M
Organizations funded33
Typical grant$17,500
Total assets$31.8M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $8,000 and $50,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2024 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
54% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berrien Community Foundation | St Joseph, MI | Unrestricted | $205,000 |
| Strides for Peace | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $135,000 |
| Tri-County Council for Child Development Inc | Paw Paw, MI | Unrestricted | $135,000 |
| Benton Harbor Community Development Corp | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Sw Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation | St Joseph, MI | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| United Way of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Emerge Innovation Hub | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $75,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Friends of Berrien County Trails | New Buffalo, MI | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Harbor County Mission | Sawyer, MI | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys & Girls | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Mosaic Ccda | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Court Appointed Special Advocatessw Michigan | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Emergency Shelter Services | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Vida Valiente Foundation | San Clemente, CA | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Chicago Public Library Foundation | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $17,500 |
| Caring Connection | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Junior Achievement Berrien County | St Joseph, MI | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Springboard Foundation | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Ctr Fdn | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| One Hope United | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Present Pillars Foundation | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| The Josselyn Center | Northfield, IL | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Youth Guidance | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $8,000 |
| Dawn Farms Treatment Center | Ypsilanti, MI | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Experience Camps | Westport, CT | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Growth Works Inc | Plymouth, MI | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Readiness Center | Benton Harbor, MI | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Re-Connect Chicago | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Imerman Angels | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Chicago Survivors | Chicago, IL | Unrestricted | $1,250 |
| Christ Child Society of Chicago | Orland Park, IL | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,340,750 | 33 |
| 2023 | $1,205,450 | 38 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 6, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202533109349100648
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 36-3987600
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.