Matthew Zell Family Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 83-2650859 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$1.7M
Organizations funded22
Typical grant$10,000
Total assets$49.6M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $5,000 and $60,000.
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
50% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Nature Conservancy | Arlington, VA | Sustainability | $500,000 |
| Imagine H2O Inc | San Fransisco, CA | Sustainability | $325,000 |
| Powell Gardens Inc | Kingsville, MO | Sustainability | $250,000 |
| Savanna Institute | Madison, WI | Sustainability | $200,000 |
| Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Inc | Chicago, IL | Cultural and Religious | $118,000 |
| National Ramah Commission Inc | New York, NY | Cultural and Religious | $60,000 |
| Blue Forest Finance Inc | Sacramento, CA | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| Medicine Fish Corp | Gresham, WI | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| The Aspen Institute Inc | Washington, DC | Sustainability | $50,000 |
| National Kidney Foundation of Illinois | Chicago, IL | Health | $20,000 |
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago | Chicago, IL | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| Maot Chitim | Northbrook, IL | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| North Suburban Synagogue Beth El | Highland Park, IL | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| Rochelle Zell Jewish High School | Deerfield, IL | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| The ARK | Chicago, IL | Cultural and Religious | $10,000 |
| American Modeling Teachers Association | Boothwyn, PA | Education | $5,000 |
| Carmel Catholic High School | Mundelein, IL | Education | $5,000 |
| Ida Crown Jewish Academy | Skokie, IL | Cultural and Religious | $5,000 |
| Inheiritance Project LTD | New York, NY | Cultural and Religious | $5,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago, IL | Education | $5,000 |
| Imagination Productions Inc (DBA OpenDor Media) | Sunrise, FL | Cultural and Religious | $1,000 |
| Medication Induced Suicide Education Foundation | Chicago, IL | Health | $1,000 |
Grants approved for future payment
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Ramah Commission Inc | New York, NY | Cultural and Religious | $189,000 |
| Blue Forest Finance Inc | Sacramento, CA | Sustainability | $100,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,700,000 | 24 |
| 2023 | $2,360,522 | 21 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Oct 10, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202522839349100302
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 83-2650859
- 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.