Nesbitt Foundation
The Nesbitt Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1959. It operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and distributes grants to nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.8M
-29.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.2M
+11.2% YoY
Grant Count
15
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$79K
+11.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Nesbitt Foundation reported a distributable amount of $121K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding areas include:
- Social and Human Services (61% of giving)
- Religion (approximately 15% of giving)
- Arts and Culture (approximately 12% of giving)
- Education
- Philanthropy and Voluntarism
The foundation supports causes related to aging and centers/services.
Grantmaking
Applicants must contact the foundation directly for the application process. There are no stated deadlines.
Grant Range
& Frequency:**
Review Cycle
.
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Approximately 89% of grants remain in Illinois. The foundation also funds organizations in California and Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $1,778,524
- Total Giving: $1,190,000
- Total Revenues: $482,501
- Total Expenses: $1,227,286
- Investment Income and Dividends: $93,663
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,778,524 | $2,521,814 | $3,455,950 |
| Revenue | $482,501 | $180,508 | $134,485 |
| Expenses | $1,227,286 | $1,114,164 | $56,300 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,215,021 | $1,096,186 | $36,903 |
| Net Investment Income | $472,236 | $165,716 | $118,642 |
| Distributable Amount | $121,195 | $152,787 | $191,121 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
45 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Los Angeles Regional ($190,000), Pacific Clinics ($150,000), United Friends of the ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WOODCRAFT RANGERS INC LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| ALL PEOPLES CHRISTIAN LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| FULFILLMENT FUND LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $60,000 |
| LOS ANGELES REGIONAL LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $190,000 |
| JEWISH BIG BROTHERS LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| UNITED FRIENDS OF THE LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT WHITEWATER, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $100,000 |
| UNITED STATES VETERANS LOS ANGELES, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $60,000 |
| PASADENA SENIOR CENTER PASADENA, CA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| JOURNEY HOUSE MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Northern Trust Company serves as Senior Vice President with compensation of $32,352 (as of May 2025).
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY | TRUSTEE | 40 | $32,352 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nesbitt Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary funding areas include: • Social and Human Services (61% of giving) • Religion (approximately 15% of giving) • Arts and Culture (approximately 12% of giving) • Education • Philanthropy and Voluntarism The foundation supports causes related to aging and centers/services.
How do I apply for a grant from Nesbitt Foundation?
**Grant Size & Frequency:** • Typical grant awards range from $20,000 to $190,000 • The foundation made 15 grants in 2024 • Recent grants include: • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: $190,000 (General Support) • Pacific Clinics: $150,000 (General Support) • United Friends of the Children: $100,000 (General Support) • United States Veterans: $60,000 • Jewish Big Brothers: $50,000 • Sisters of Nazareth: $100,000 • Fulfillment Fund: $60,000 **Application Process:** Applicants must contact the founda…
Where does Nesbitt Foundation make grants?
Approximately 89% of grants remain in Illinois. The foundation also funds organizations in California and Wisconsin.
What size grants does Nesbitt Foundation award?
In 2024, Nesbitt Foundation awarded 15 grants totaling $1.2M — an average of about $79K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Nesbitt Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Nesbitt Foundation reported a distributable amount of $121K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Nesbitt Foundation's EIN?
Nesbitt Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-6092682. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Nesbitt Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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