League of Chicago Theatres Foundation
The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is a public charity based in Chicago, Illinois.
Key facts about League of Chicago Theatres Foundation
In short: League of Chicago Theatres Foundation gave $4.1M across 18 grants in 2025 (avg $226K), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 36-3031980
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,060,871
- Grants made (2025)
- 18
- Average grant
- $225,604
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $1,337,878
- Primary geography
- Illinois (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$1.3M
-70.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.1M
+1920.3% YoY
Grant Count
18
+12.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$226K
+1695.9% YoY
How League of Chicago Theatres Foundation gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to support the work of the League of Chicago Theatres through grantmaking and fundraising. Its 2023 filing describes its program purpose as increasing public awareness of, interest in, and appreciation for theatre arts in Chicago.
In 2025, the listed grants were for the Powering the Arts Program. Grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the range of organizations supported: Chicago Sinfonietta describes itself as a professional orchestra promoting diversity, inclusion, and racial and cultural equity in the arts; Free Street Theater says it creates inclusive theatre in Chicago communities and uses the arts to challenge racial and economic segregation; and Elastic Arts Foundation says it presents creative and independent music, art, and performance events in its Chicago neighborhood. Theatre Y describes its work as creating connections among diverse artists through collaboration, while The Firehouse Dream says it provides a safe space for BIPOC youth.
Grantmaking
The listed awards included $25,000 each to Chicago Sinfonietta, Goodman Theatre, and Steppenwolf Theatre Co.; $10,000 each to Chicago Dance Crash, Crossing Borders Music, Elastic Arts Foundation, Free Street Theater, Full Spectrum Features, Oil Lamp Theater, The Firehouse Dream Inc, and Theatre Y; and $9,000 to Batavia Foundation Education. The stated purpose for these awards was the Powering the Arts Program.
Ready to take the next step with League of Chicago Theatres Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All reported 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $8K (2023) to $4.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 18 grants totaling $4.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was League Chicago Foundation ($3.9M). Together the top 10 received $4.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
73 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 72 grants of 73 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| League Chicago Foundation Chicago, IL | Grant Support | $3,861,511 |
| Chicago Sinfonietta Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $25,000 |
| Goodman Theatre Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $25,000 |
| Steppenwolf Theatre Co Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $25,000 |
| Chicago Dance Crash Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
| Crossing Borders Music Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
| Elastic Arts Foundation Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
| Free Street Theater Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
| Full Spectrum Features Chicago, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
| Oil Lamp Theater Glenview, IL | Powering the Arts Program | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,337,878 | $1,009,955 | $4,147,632 | $199,360 (17) |
| 2024 | $4,469,554 | $803,569 | $344,536 | $201,000 (16) |
| 2023 | $4,010,521 | $441,334 | $155,098 | $7,500 (1) |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,337,878 | $4,469,554 | $4,010,521 |
| Revenue | $1,009,955 | $803,569 | $441,334 |
| Expenses | $4,147,632 | $344,536 | $155,098 |
| Net Investment Income | $629 | $2,999 | $2,116 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 27, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 23, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 6, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 5, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Heidi Thompson Saunders as chair; Doreen Sayegh as vice chair; Ivan Vega as secretary; Paige Farestveit as treasurer; and John Collins, Eileen LaCario, Kate Lipuma, and Roche Schulfer as directors.
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is led by Heidi Thompson Saunders, Chair since 2022 (on filings since 2021); none of the 8 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Heidi Thompson Saunders
Chair
Treasurer → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eileen LaCario
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Collins
Director
President → Director, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kate Lipuma
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roche Schulfer
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doreen Sayegh
Vice Chair
Vice President → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ivan Vega
Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paige Farestveit
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (29)
- Former: Rachel Kraft (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Alice de Cunha (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Ashlee Harris (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Elaine Cohen Rubin (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Emily Jelsomeno (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Jen Hoyt (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Kamille Dawkins (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Kirsten Fitzgerald (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Marcela Muoz (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Mica Cole (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Paige Whitson-Martini (2023–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Susan Padveen (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Tina El Gamal (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Tyrone Phillips (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Brooke Flanagan (2024) — Director
- Former: Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel (2024) — Director
- Former: Ilesa Duncan (2024) — Director
- Former: Mara Mihlfried (2024) — Director
- Former: Marissa Lynn Jones (2024) — Executive Director
- Former: Parisa Jalili (2024) — Director
- Former: Charlique C Rolle (2022–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Christina Casano (2023) — Director
- Former: Jorge Valdivia (2023) — Director
- Former: Karen Cardarelli (2023) — Director
- Former: Marcus Robinson (2023) — Director
- Former: Michael Patrick Thornton (2023) — Director
- Former: Rachel Fink (2023) — Director
- Former: Stan Brown (2023) — Director
- Former: Kate Piatt-Eckert (2021–2022) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 17 N Wabash 520, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 554-9800
Frequently asked questions about League of Chicago Theatres Foundation
How much does League of Chicago Theatres Foundation give each year?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation gave $4.1M across 18 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $201K across 16 grants.
What is League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's typical grant size?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $225,604, across 18 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does League of Chicago Theatres Foundation give grants?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (13 grants).
Does League of Chicago Theatres Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 18 grants with a stated purpose on League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Powering the Arts Program" (16 grants).
Who are League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's largest grantees?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include League Chicago Foundation ($3,861,511), Chicago Sinfonietta ($25,000) and Goodman Theatre ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 96% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is League of Chicago Theatres Foundation?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation reported $1.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.0M.
What does League of Chicago Theatres Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to support the work of the League of Chicago Theatres through grantmaking and fundraising. Its 2023 filing describes its program purpose as increasing public awareness of, interest in, and appreciation for theatre arts in Chicago. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from League of Chicago Theatres Foundation?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's EIN?
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3031980. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching League of Chicago Theatres Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in League of Chicago Theatres Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc
Washington, DC
NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
2,666
Total Given
$149.3M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Chicago, IL
The MacArthur Foundation funds work advancing a more just, verdant, and peaceful world, including climate solutions, criminal justice, journalism, technology, and Chicago. In 2024, its grants had a median of $160,000, though awards ranged widely; it generally does not accept unsolicited requests, with possible exceptions for specific open calls or proposals that meet program guidelines.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Field Foundation of Illinois
Chicago, IL
The Field Foundation of Illinois funds arts and culture, resident-led community work, journalism and storytelling, and local leaders, primarily on Chicago’s South and West Sides. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though awards ranged from $300 to over $1.1 million; it accepts unsolicited applications for A Road Together during an annual window, while Community Investments is invitation-based and Leaders for a New Chicago works by nomination.
Assets
$49.0M
Grants
299
Total Given
$10.8M
Polk Bros Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.
Assets
$334.3M
Grants
568
Total Given
$19.3M
Circle of Service Foundation
Chicago, IL
The foundation funds community services, education, Jewish community, and medical research, with grantmaking concentrated in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois, though it also funds organizations elsewhere. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $50 to about $1.74 million; it accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and for Jewish community requests in Cook or Lake County, but not for the other stated categories or out-of-area Jewish community requests.
Assets
$592.0M
Grants
637
Total Given
$37.0M
Lloyd a Fry Foundation
Chicago, IL
The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation funds arts learning, education, and employment programs serving low-income and underserved communities in Chicago, prioritizing specific projects with clear outcomes. In 2025, grants ranged from $125 to $250,000, with a median grant of $5,000. An LOI is recommended but not required before submitting a proposal.
Assets
$208.2M
Grants
394
Total Given
$9.3M
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
The Joyce Foundation
Chicago, IL
The Joyce Foundation funds policy research, development, and advocacy advancing racial equity and economic mobility, across areas including education, the environment, democracy, culture, gun violence prevention and justice reform, and journalism. Its grants primarily support work in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin; the 2024 median grant was $80,000, with awards ranging from $685 to $1 million. It accepts online letters of inquiry year-round, but formal proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
470
Total Given
$52.2M
The Allstate Foundation
Northbrook, IL
The Allstate Foundation funds youth empowerment, efforts to prevent and address relationship abuse, nonprofit leadership, and related economic opportunity and equity work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $2 million, with a median of $1,000, and awards must support work in the United States. It accepts proposals from organizations beyond a preselected list; proposals are reviewed as received.
Assets
$89.3M
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans’ services, and charitable projects through Elks Lodges and state associations across the United States. Its 2026 grants had a median size of $10,000, though awards varied widely; the profile describes application routes for specific Lodge and scholarship programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
More Funders in Illinois
League of Chicago Theatres Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?