Walter Lee Barker and Betty Ruth Barker Foundation
Invitation OnlyChicago, Illinois · EIN 87-2435825 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$1.3M
Organizations funded14
Typical grant$100,000
Total assets$28.5M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $75,000 and $100,000.
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
35% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Chicago Food Bank | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $200,000 |
| Chicago Symphony | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Cures Within Reach | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Hagerstown, MD | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Harvard College | Boston, MA | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Harvard Medical School | Boston, MA | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| One Day to Remember | Pittsburgh, PA | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Wounded Warriors | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $100,000 |
| Guest House Chicago | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $75,000 |
| Field Museum | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago, IL | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Live Different USA | Bradenton, FL | General charitable purposes | $25,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,300,000 | 14 |
| 2024 | $1,100,000 | 13 |
| 2023 | $80,000 | 8 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Sep 12, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202612549349101331
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 87-2435825
- 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.