The Kara Foundation
Invitation OnlyLibertyville, Illinois · EIN 36-3779796 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$425K
Organizations funded23
Typical grant$10,000
Total assets$15.6M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $22,000.
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
47% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smiles | Darien, WI | Operational support | $125,000 |
| 3 Fires Council | St Charles, IL | Operational support | $65,000 |
| Racine County Zoo | Racine, WI | Operational support | $50,000 |
| Lifeline Pilots | Peoria, IL | Operational support | $30,000 |
| Lakeland School of Walworth County | Elkhorn, WI | Operational support | $26,500 |
| Wetosha Senior Community Center | Bristol, WI | Operational support | $22,000 |
| Wayne Township Food Pantry | West Chicago, IL | Operational support | $20,000 |
| Mobile Care Chicago | Chicago, IL | Operational support | $20,000 |
| York Township | Lombard, IL | Operational support | $15,000 |
| Naperville Respons for Our Veterans | Naperville, IL | Operational support | $10,000 |
| United Spinal Association | Palos Heights, IL | Operational support | $10,000 |
| Donka Inc | Wheaton, IL | Operational support | $10,000 |
| Tri Cities Health Department | St Charles, IL | Operational support | $7,000 |
| Givenkind | Buffalo Grove, IL | Operational support | $3,000 |
| Burlingtom Senior Activity Center | Burlington, WI | Operational support | $3,000 |
| Kexp | Seattle, WA | Operational support | $1,500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Hagerstown, MD | Operational support | $1,000 |
| See Turtles | Portland, OR | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Bananas Foster | Savannah, GA | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Milwaukee Pbs | Milwaukee, WI | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Northern Il Fhnb | Antioch, IL | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Tails Humane Society | Dekalb, IL | Operational support | $1,000 |
| Mote Marine Laboratory | Sarasota, FL | Operational support | $1,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $425,000 | 23 |
| 2024 | $406,000 | 15 |
| 2023 | $379,400 | 17 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Apr 28, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202621189349100012
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 36-3779796
- 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.