The Karla Scherer Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 38-2877392 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$318K
Organizations funded18
Typical grant$5,000
Total assets$9.7M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $20,000.
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
27% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Network Foundation | Cleveland, OH | General fund | $78,797 |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | General fund | $75,000 |
| Project Freedive | Chicago, IL | General fund | $51,110 |
| Planned Parenthood | Chicago, IL | General fund | $28,890 |
| Newberry Library | Chicago, IL | General fund | $20,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra | Chicago, IL | General fund | $10,000 |
| Field Museum | Chicago, IL | General fund | $10,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Chicago, IL | General fund | $10,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson Foundation | Charlottesville, VA | General fund | $10,000 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago, IL | General fund | $5,000 |
| Committee of Arts of the Americas | Chicago, IL | General fund | $5,000 |
| Leader Dogs for the Blind | Rochester Hills, MI | General fund | $5,000 |
| Providence St Mel School | Chicago, IL | General fund | $5,000 |
| Aclu | Chicago, IL | General fund | $1,000 |
| Kbach Friends of Public Radio Arizona | Tempe, AZ | General fund | $1,000 |
| Salvation Army | Alexandria, VA | General fund | $1,000 |
| Wfmt | Chicago, IL | General fund | $1,000 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | Chicago, IL | General fund | $500 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $318,297 | 18 |
| 2024 | $281,553 | 19 |
| 2023 | $249,650 | 23 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 11, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202621319349103942
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 38-2877392
- 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.