The Acorn Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 36-3991208 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$44K
Organizations funded29
Typical grant$1,000
Total assets$594K
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $1,500.
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
65% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago, IL | Museum | $8,000 |
| Colby College | Waterville, ME | Educational | $2,500 |
| Depaul College Prep | Chicago, IL | Educational | $2,500 |
| The Fund for Sarah Lawrence - Sarah Lawrence College | Bronxville, NY | Educational | $2,500 |
| University of Iowa Foundation | Iowa City, IA | Educational | $2,500 |
| Organiceye | LA Farge, WI | Advocacy | $2,400 |
| Charitywater | Franklin, TN | Environmental | $2,000 |
| Latin School of Chicago | Chicago, IL | Educational | $1,500 |
| Action Against Hunger-Usa | New York, NY | Human services | $1,200 |
| Hillel International | Washington, DC | Human services | $1,200 |
| The Actors' Fund of America | New York, NY | Cultural | $1,200 |
| The Jarrett Meeker Foundation | LA Mesa, CA | Human services | $1,200 |
| Anshe Emet Synagogue | Chicago, IL | Religious | $1,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Chicago, IL | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Field Museum | Chicago, IL | Museum | $1,000 |
| Friends of Lincoln Park High | Chicago, IL | Educational | $1,000 |
| Honeybee Research Facitlity-Wsu Foundation | Pullman, WA | Environmental | $1,000 |
| Jewish Family Services of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Human services | $1,000 |
| Kpbs Tvfm | San Diego, CA | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | New York, NY | Advocacy | $1,000 |
| Ronald Mcdonald House | Chicago, IL | Human services | $1,000 |
| School Year Abroad - Office of Advancement | North Andover, MA | Educational | $1,000 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Educational | $1,000 |
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | Educational | $1,000 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation | New York, NY | Educational | $1,000 |
| Adler Planetarium | Chicago, IL | Museum | $500 |
| Federalist Society | Washington, DC | Advocacy | $500 |
| Interlochen Center for the Arts | Interlochen, MI | Cultural | $500 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre | Chicago, IL | Cultural | $500 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,700 | 29 |
| 2024 | $87,000 | 33 |
| 2023 | $0 | 0 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Aug 20, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202632329349101203
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 36-3991208
- 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.