Randy and Michele Mehrberg Schara Family Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 26-2026540 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$93K
Organizations funded13
Typical grant$5,000
Total assets$2.2M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $10,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2025 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
46% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL | General fund | $35,000 |
| Cure | Lemoyne, PA | General fund | $15,000 |
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Chicago, IL | General fund | $12,500 |
| History Makers | Chicago, IL | General fund | $10,000 |
| College Possible | Chicago, IL | General fund | $5,000 |
| United Way of Metro Chicago | Chicago, IL | General fund | $5,000 |
| National Mill Dog Rescue | Port Washington, NY | General fund | $5,000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | New York, NY | General fund | $1,500 |
| The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia | Washington, DC | General fund | $1,000 |
| The Cycle Effect | Eagle, CO | General fund | $1,000 |
| Challenged Athletes Foundation | San Diego, CA | General fund | $1,000 |
| Chicago Bar Foundation | Chicago, IL | General fund | $500 |
| Jewish United Fund | Chicago, IL | General fund | $500 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $93,000 | 13 |
| 2024 | $201,200 | 17 |
| 2023 | $157,385 | 17 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 11, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202641319349104489
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 26-2026540
- Profile updated Nov 6, 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.