Polen Family Foundation
Invitation OnlyHighland Park, Illinois · EIN 20-3970463 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$141K
Organizations funded35
Typical grant$2,000
Total assets$1.4M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,500 and $5,000.
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
37% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirly Ryan Abilitylab | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation | Aspen, CO | Charitable | $12,700 |
| Catholic Charities | Carol Stream, IL | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $10,000 |
| United Way | Alexandria, VA | Charitable | $7,500 |
| For Autistic Kids | Glenview, IL | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Hp Community Foundation | Highland Park, IL | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Jimmy Fund | Brookline, MA | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Staten Island, NY | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Vision Corps | Lancaster, PA | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Aspen Community Foundation | Basalt, CO | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Northern Illinois Food Bank | Geneva, IL | Charitable | $3,000 |
| American Friends of the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled | Northfield, IL | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Cancer Wellness Center | Northbrook, IL | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield, IL | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | New York, NY | Charitable | $2,500 |
| America's Vetdogs | Smithtown, NY | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Disabled American Veterans | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Heifer International | Little Rock, AR | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Icfs | National City, CA | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Jewish War Veterans of the USA | Washington DC, DC | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Multiple Sclerosis of America | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $2,000 |
| The Ark | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Wild Aid | San Francisco, CA | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Chicago Botanical Garden | Glencoe, IL | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Josselyn Center | Northbrook, IL | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Lake County Children's Advocacy | Gurnee, IL | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Uso | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $1,500 |
| College Board Opportunities | Highland Park, IL | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Lake Forest Open Lands | Lake Forest, IL | Charitable | $1,000 |
| National Park Foundation | Washington DC, DC | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Pads Lake County | Waukegan, IL | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Paws Chicago | Chicago, IL | Charitable | $1,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $140,700 | 35 |
| 2023 | $126,000 | 35 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 13, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202533179349102818
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 20-3970463
- 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.