Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation
The Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation is a private foundation based in Highland Park, Illinois. In 2024, it reported 50 grants totaling $92,297, supporting charitable organizations that include Jewish community and education organizations, scholarship and college-access programs, and other causes.
Key facts about Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation
In short: Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation gave $90K across 46 grants in 2025 (avg $2K), mostly in Illinois. 70% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 36-3480084
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $89,566
- Grants made (2025)
- 46
- Average grant
- $1,947
- Median grant
- $475
- New grantees (estimate)
- 70% first-time grantees (32 of 46, 2025)
- Total assets
- $279,557
- Primary geography
- Illinois (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$280K
-24.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$90K
-3.0% YoY
Grant Count
46
-8.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2K
+5.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation reported a distributable amount of $56K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation open to new grantees?
70%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 32 of 46 grantees (70%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $2K. How we count
Medians: $500 first-time, $397 repeat.
- 20% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 76% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 214% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants include unrestricted charitable gifts to organizations working in varied areas. For example, College Bound Opportunities says it mentors and empowers low-income, first-generation scholars to graduate college and succeed in life. JET – Jewish Education Team says it provides Jewish college students and young professionals with educational, social, and travel programs. Israel Cancer Research Fund says it supports cancer research in Israel.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 50 grants totaling $92,297. Awards ranged from $26 to $20,700, with a median grant of $482. Its largest listed grants included IsraelNow ($20,700), Central Fund of Israel ($10,000), the National MS Society ($8,186), Briarwood Scholarship Foundation ($6,700), and College Bound Opportunities ($5,550). The listed grants were described as unrestricted charitable gifts.
Ready to take the next step with Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 75% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois, 16% to New York, 3% to Pennsylvania, 2% to California, and 1% to recipients whose state is listed as unknown.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 46 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $42K (2021) to $103K (2020). In 2025 it made 46 grants totaling $90K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago ($27K). Together the top 10 received $73K.
Grant Size Distribution
209 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 209 grants of 209 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago Chicago, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $27,458 |
| Jet - Jewish Education Team Inc Chicago, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $10,500 |
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chicago, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $7,855 |
| Briarwood Scholarship Foundation Deerfield, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $6,650 |
| Central Fund of Israel Cedarhurst, NY | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $5,000 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Washington, DC | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $3,500 |
| JCC of Chicago Northbrook, IL | Women's Board | $3,370 |
| Lake Forest Country Day School Lake Forest, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $3,187 |
| College Bound Opportunities Riverwoods, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $2,900 |
| North Shore Congregation Israel Glencoe, IL | Unrestricted Charitable Gift | $2,165 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $367,971 | $60,465 | $144,534 | $92,297 |
| 2023 | $453,604 | $49,173 | $82,103 | $43,767 |
| 2022 | $493,805 | $26,787 | $79,238 | $51,004 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $279,557 | $367,971 | $453,604 |
| Revenue | $42,859 | $60,465 | $49,173 |
| Expenses | $134,213 | $144,534 | $82,103 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $119,199 | $125,933 | $68,828 |
| Net Investment Income | $28,705 | $43,424 | $36,963 |
| Distributable Amount | $55,587 | $51,807 | $51,648 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 17, 2020)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 31, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Teri Heyden as director/treasurer; Linda Allen as assistant vice president; Todd Heyden as vice president/director; Sharon Kaufman as vice president/director; and Jamie Robin as vice president/director.
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's 2025 filing lists 5 officers; 4 of 5 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jamie Robin
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Teri Heyden
Director & Treasurer
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Todd Heyden
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Sharon Kaufman
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Allen
Assistant Vice President
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $5K (2025)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $5K, to Teri Heyden (Director/Treasurer). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 2056 Windy Hill Lane, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 452-5646
Frequently asked questions about Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation
How much does Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation give each year?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation gave $90K across 46 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $92K across 50 grants.
What is Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's typical grant size?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $475, and its average grant was $1,947, across 46 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation that year got $2K on average.
Where does Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation give grants?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (8 grants), New York, NY (5 grants), Deerfield, IL (4 grants) and Northbrook, IL (4 grants).
Does Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 96% of Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (44 of 46) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's largest grantees?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago ($27,458), Jet - Jewish Education Team Inc ($10,500) and National Multiple Sclerosis Society ($7,855), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 51% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation reported $280K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $119K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $56K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation fund?
The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants include unrestricted charitable gifts to organizations working in varied areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's EIN?
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3480084. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Leon and Sharon Kaufman 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 nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan funds human services, education, community programs, Jewish life, and crisis relief in the Chicago area, as well as support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $27.4 million, with a median of about $20,000. Unsolicited requests are not addressed for the Federation overall; its separate Jewish Women’s Foundation accepts letters of intent, with proposals by invitation only.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
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
—
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, disaster relief, and community projects, primarily through Elks Lodges and state associations in communities across the United States where Elks live and work. Its 2025 grants had a median of $8,500, though amounts varied widely; the listed Beacon and Freedom Grants are limited to Elks Lodges. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur
Chicago, IL
The foundation funds a broad range of work, including journalism, arts, Chicago communities, climate and clean energy, homelessness, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Its 2024 grants had a median of $160,000, with awards ranging from $450 to $21 million; funding is nationwide, with the largest shares going to New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Application rules vary by program: some accept self-nominations or Letters of Inquiry, while others generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial
Chicago, IL
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports a broad range of organizations, including education, Jewish organizations, and community foundations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000; 55% of grant dollars went to Illinois, with additional funding in New York, Washington, DC, California, and Minnesota. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Chicago, IL
The Greater Chicago Food Depository funds hunger-relief work, including food distribution and programs serving children, older adults, and other communities in need across Chicago and Cook County, Illinois. In 2025, its 119 grants ranged from $30 to $175,000, with a median of $3,760; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$216.0M
Grants
677
Total Given
$191.2M
Circle of Service Foundation
Chicago, IL
Circle of Service Foundation funds community services, education, medical research, and Jewish causes, with nearly all grants going to organizations in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. Grants typically range from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and Jewish community needs; education and medical research grants are typically by invitation, and unsolicited capital proposals are not accepted.
Assets
—
Grants
637
Total Given
$37.0M
Ea Mellinger Educational
Monmouth, IL
The foundation primarily funds undergraduate scholarships and makes a small number of educational grants to charitable organizations; in 2025, awards ranged from $183 to $15,000, with a median of $2,100. Scholarships are limited to residents of six Illinois counties, and most grant dollars go to Illinois recipients. It provides an online scholarship application, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests for organizational grants is not stated.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
582
Total Given
$1.2M
More Funders in Illinois
Leon and Sharon Kaufman Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?