Perkins Harnett Foundation
Perkins Harnett Foundation is a private foundation based in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, that made grants to charitable organizations. Its 2023 filing is marked as the organization’s final return, so it appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking.
Key facts about Perkins Harnett Foundation
In short: Perkins Harnett Foundation gave $137K across 40 grants in 2023 (avg $3K), mostly in Illinois. 63% of 2023 grantees were new. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 36-4157412
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $137,460
- Grants made (2023)
- 40
- Average grant
- $3,437
- Median grant
- $2,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 63% first-time grantees (25 of 40, 2023)
- Primary geography
- Illinois (93% of itemized 2023 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. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; 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 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$137K
+488.6% YoY
Grant Count
40
+60.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$3K
+267.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Perkins Harnett Foundation reported a distributable amount of $7K for 2023 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Perkins Harnett Foundation open to new grantees?
63%
first-time grantees, 2023
In 2023, 25 of 40 grantees (63%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $5K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 30% of 2023 grantees were also funded in 2022. Method
- In 2023 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2023). 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
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2023 grants went to organizations working in areas including education, family and community services, health, and support for people with disabilities. For example, Big Shoulders Fund says it supports underserved schools providing quality, values-based education for Chicago children. Erie Neighborhood House describes its work as supporting immigrant and low-income families through education, services, and advocacy. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work, not a stated mission of the foundation.
Grantmaking
In 2023, the foundation made 40 grants totaling $137,460. Grants ranged from $60 to $16,000, with a median of $2,250. Among the largest grants were $16,000 to Big Shoulders Fund, $15,000 to Benet Academy, $11,150 to Erie Neighborhood House, and $10,000 each to Erie Elementary Charter School and Pillars Community Health. Other recipients included Metropolitan Family Services ($7,000), Link Unlimited Scholars ($5,000), Misericordia Home ($2,500), and Aid for Women ($2,500).
Ready to take the next step with Perkins Harnett Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2023, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois. The remaining reported shares were Florida (3%), Ohio (2%), California (1%), and Missouri (0%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $23K (2022) to $137K (2023). In 2023 it made 40 grants totaling $137K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Big Shoulders Fund ($16K). Together the top 10 received $90K.
Grant Size Distribution
87 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 87 grants of 87 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Big Shoulders Fund Chicago, IL | General Use | $16,000 |
| Benet Academy Lisle, IL | General Use | $15,000 |
| Erie Neighborhood House Chicago, IL | General Use | $11,150 |
| Erie Elementary Charter School Chicago, IL | General Use | $10,000 |
| Pillars Community Health LaGRANGE, IL | General Use | $10,000 |
| Metropolitan Family Services Chicago, IL | General Use | $7,000 |
| Pilsen Pantry Chicago, IL | General Use | $6,000 |
| Link Unlimited Scholars Chicago, IL | General Use | $5,000 |
| Refugee One Chicago, IL | General Use | $5,000 |
| Youth for Christ Barrington, IL | General Use | $5,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grant total | Grant count |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $137,460 | 40 |
| 2022 | $23,353 | 25 |
| 2021 | $26,073 | 22 |
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $152,370 | $166,400 |
| Revenue | $-13,753 | $10,409 | $19,497 |
| Expenses | $138,617 | $24,179 | $26,849 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $137,460 | $23,353 | $26,073 |
| Net Investment Income | — | $3,996 | $18,721 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,806 | $7,659 | $8,129 |
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 July 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2023
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2023 filing lists Kenneth V Perkins, Leola H Perkins, Kenneth L Perkins, Jeanne E Perkins, and Patrick Perkins as directors.
Perkins Harnett Foundation's 2023 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2023 report compensation.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Jeanne E. Perkins
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Kenneth L. Perkins
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Leola H. Perkins
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Patrick Perkins
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2023. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 18 North Prospect, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514
Phone: (630) 901-0379
Frequently asked questions about Perkins Harnett Foundation
How much does Perkins Harnett Foundation give each year?
Perkins Harnett Foundation gave $137K across 40 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $23K across 25 grants.
What is Perkins Harnett Foundation's typical grant size?
Perkins Harnett Foundation's median grant in 2023 was $2,250, and its average grant was $3,437, across 40 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Perkins Harnett Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does Perkins Harnett Foundation give grants?
Perkins Harnett Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (21 grants) and Barrington, IL (2 grants).
Does Perkins Harnett Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Perkins Harnett Foundation's 2023 grants with a stated purpose (40 of 40) were for general or operating support, per its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Perkins Harnett Foundation's largest grantees?
Perkins Harnett Foundation's largest 2023 grantees include Big Shoulders Fund ($16,000), Benet Academy ($15,000) and Erie Neighborhood House ($11,150), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 31% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
What does Perkins Harnett Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2023 grants went to organizations working in areas including education, family and community services, health, and support for people with disabilities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Perkins Harnett Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is Perkins Harnett Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2023, Perkins Harnett Foundation reported a distributable amount of $7K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Perkins Harnett Foundation's EIN?
Perkins Harnett Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4157412. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2023.
Does Perkins Harnett 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 Perkins Harnett Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Perkins Harnett 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
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
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
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Inc
Chicago, IL
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago funds nonprofit work on basic needs and community-led efforts, including healthcare, housing, food assistance, early learning, safety, legal services, and workforce development across greater Chicago and the surrounding region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,002 to $2,038,325, with a median of $25,000; the current Impact Grants cycle is closed to new applicants and limited to current partners, and the BridgeBuilders application is also closed.
Assets
$48.8M
Grants
331
Total Given
$22.8M
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
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
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
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
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
Perkins Harnett Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?