GFF Foundation
GFF Foundation is a private foundation, based in Chicago, IL. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. In 2024, it awarded 6 grants totaling $22K. Net investment income was $223K.
GFF Foundation at a glance
In short: GFF Foundation gave $22K across 6 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $21,696
- -41.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 6
- -73.9% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $3,616
- +123.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,938
- Primary geography
- Illinois (50% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who GFF Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was American Friends of Hebrew Universi ($10K). Together the top 6 received $22K.
Grant Size Distribution
92 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 92 grants of 92 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 6 itemized grants.
Cities
How GFF Foundation gives
- Giving fell 46% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 189% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $22K (2024) to $40K (2022). In 2024 it made 6 grants totaling $22K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Friends of Hebrew Universi New York, NY | General Assistance | $10,071 |
| Am Israel Synogogue Northfield, IL | General Assistance | $4,000 |
| Lake Shore Drive Synogogue Chicago, IL | General Assistance | $3,475 |
| Loop Synogogue Chicago, IL | General Assistance | $2,400 |
| Salem Baptist Church of Chicago Chicago, IL | General Assistance | $1,000 |
| Volunteers for Israel New York, NY | General Assistance | $750 |
Ready to take the next step with GFF Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | — | $232,124 | $30,796 | $21,696 | 6 | $21,696 | $223,488 | $11,472 |
| 2023 | $475,848 | $9,559 | $38,520 | $37,245 | 23 | $37,245 | $8,335 | $28,515 |
| 2022 | $504,809 | $25,802 | $44,639 | $40,200 | 21 | $40,200 | $19,264 | $28,774 |
| 2021 | $523,646 | $53,245 | $53,066 | $40,200 | 21 | $40,341 | $40,520 | $27,627 |
| 2020 | $523,467 | $18,400 | $44,297 | $40,200 | 21 | — | $14,510 | $26,737 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, GFF Foundation reported a distributable amount of $11K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
GFF Foundation is led by Margaret R. Goldberg, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Margaret R. Goldberg
President
Secretary → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Debra S. Goldberg
Secretary
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Jack M. Katz
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Perry Goldberg (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Theodore A. Donner (2020–2022) — Assistant Sec'y
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about GFF Foundation
How much does GFF Foundation give each year?
GFF Foundation gave $22K across 6 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $37K across 23 grants.
What is GFF Foundation's typical grant size?
GFF Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,938, and its average grant was $3,616, across 6 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does GFF Foundation give grants?
GFF Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 50% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (50%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (3 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does GFF Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of GFF Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 6) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are GFF Foundation's largest grantees?
GFF Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include American Friends of Hebrew Universi ($10,071), Am Israel Synogogue ($4,000) and Lake Shore Drive Synogogue ($3,475), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 81% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How much is GFF Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, GFF Foundation reported a distributable amount of $11K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is GFF Foundation's EIN?
GFF Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4390083. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS June 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 27, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 9, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work GFF Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in GFF Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago funds human services, Jewish education and community programs, crisis response, and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, primarily through Chicago-area agencies and initiatives. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $20,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
Carylon Julius and Marcie Hemmelstein Foundation
Chicago, IL
Carylon Julius and Marcie funds health and reproductive health, education, Jewish and religious community life, and charitable services, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Illinois and additional support in New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $105,000, with a median of $10,000. The 2024 filing says applicants should contact Rebecca Mervis in writing and state the purpose of the request; it does not list deadlines or award restrictions.
Assets
$25.5M
Grants
69
Total Given
$1.3M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Howard and Sheila Pizer Charitable Found
Winnetka, IL
Assets
$165K
Grants
26
Total Given
$11K
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc
Chicago, IL
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago funds nonprofits addressing basic needs and community priorities such as health care, housing, food assistance, early learning, workforce development, and legal services across greater Chicago, including targeted support for Chicago’s South and West Sides and south suburbs. In 2025, grants ranged from about $5,000 to $2 million, with a median of $25,000. The stated 2026 Impact Grants process was limited to current partners, and the BridgeBuilders application was closed; no open unsolicited application process is stated.
Assets
$48.8M
Grants
331
Total Given
$22.8M
Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco the Peninsula Marin & Sonoma
San Francisco, CA
The Federation funds Jewish life and identity, antisemitism response, crisis relief, human services, and justice and inclusion, with work in the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,050 to $2,405,915, with a median of $22,750. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about new Bay Area programs; no current organization grant opportunities were listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Illinois
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from GFF Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
GFF Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?