Rice Foundation
Rice Foundation is a private foundation based in Skokie, Illinois, that makes grants to charitable organizations. Its 2024 filing states that its activities were limited to making grants and that it conducted no direct charitable activity.
Rice Foundation at a glance
In short: Rice Foundation gave $4.0M across 59 grants in 2024 (avg $67K), mostly in Illinois. 15% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,980,600
- +8.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 59
- -10.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $67,468
- +21.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $67,349,517
- +0.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (9 of 59, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Illinois (86% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Rice Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it contributes only to preselected charitable organizations. Its filing says applications submitted should include a statement describing the applicant and its activities, the purpose and requested amount of the grant, and a copy of the IRS determination letter establishing the applicant’s exemption under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation does not award grants to individuals; it limits grants to organizations described in Section 501(c)(3), generally those classified as non-private foundations.
- Contact
Application contact: Rice Foundation
Mailing address: 8600 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: (847) 581-9999
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Rice Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Field Musuem ($600K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
307 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 222 grants of 307 (72%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 86% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois, 9% to recipients in Texas, and 5% to recipients in Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 59 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Rice Foundation open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 59 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $38K; repeat grants $73K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−4%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 108% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.6M (2020) to $5.8M (2022). In 2024 it made 59 grants totaling $4.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Field Musuem Chicago, IL | Charitable | $600,000 |
| Gigi's Playhouse Hoffman Estates, IL | Charitable | $500,000 |
| Marine Military Academy Harlingen, TX | Charitable | $350,000 |
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation Dundee, IL | Charitable | $250,000 |
| Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, IL | Charitable | $177,500 |
| Operation North Pole Des Plaines, IL | Charitable | $150,000 |
| Illinois Conservation Foundation Springfield, IL | Charitable | $130,000 |
| North Shore Center the Performing A Skokie, IL | Charitable | $130,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited Inc Naperville, IL | Charitable | $125,000 |
| By the Hand Club for KidsFormerly K Chicago, IL | Charitable | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Rice 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 | $67,349,517 | $5,823,601 | $5,221,552 | $3,980,600 | 59 | $4,451,112 | $5,063,884 | $4,119,204 |
| 2023 | $66,938,151 | $4,740,622 | $4,851,757 | $3,678,000 | 66 | $4,118,182 | $4,050,596 | $3,787,277 |
| 2022 | $67,274,147 | $3,723,811 | $6,997,918 | $5,766,900 | 54 | $6,188,403 | $2,959,144 | $3,940,773 |
| 2021 | $70,296,665 | $6,874,210 | $5,570,923 | $4,159,300 | 67 | $4,658,231 | $5,002,242 | $4,145,397 |
| 2020 | $69,296,504 | $4,899,179 | $4,961,477 | $3,634,000 | 61 | — | $3,874,488 | $3,694,018 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Rice Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants included organizations whose work, as described by those organizations, spans education, conservation, human services, youth development, and support for people with disabilities.
For example, GiGi’s Playhouse describes its work as providing free educational, therapeutic, and career-development programs for people with Down syndrome and their families. Illinois Conservation Foundation says it supports ecological, educational, and recreational programs to preserve and enhance natural resources. Operation North Pole says it provides holiday gifts and parties for sick children and their families, as well as winter coats for children in need.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 59 grants totaling $3,980,600. Grants ranged from $200 to $600,000, with a median grant of $25,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $600,000 to Field Musuem, $500,000 to GiGi’s Playhouse, $350,000 to Marine Military Academy, $250,000 to Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, and $177,500 to Chicago Botanic Garden. Other grants included $150,000 to Operation North Pole and $130,000 each to Illinois Conservation Foundation and North Shore Center the Performing A.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Peter Nolan as President, Christine Nolan as Vice President, and Richard T Schroeder as Treasurer. Directors listed are Barbara Whitney Carr, Marshall Field V, Robin Nolan, and David J Winchester MD.
Rice Foundation is led by Peter Nolan, President on every filing since 2020; 2 of 7 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Peter Nolan
President
On filings since 2020
60 hrs/week
$259K (2020) → $290K (2024)
Barbara Whitney Carr
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
David J Winchester MD
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Marshall Field V
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Robin Nolan
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Christine Nolan
Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$82K (2020) → $111K (2024)
Richard T Schroeder
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Cori Nolan (2020–2021) — Vice President
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $290K, to Peter Nolan (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Rice Foundation
How much does Rice Foundation give each year?
Rice Foundation gave $4.0M across 59 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.7M across 66 grants.
What is Rice Foundation's typical grant size?
Rice Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $67,468, across 59 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Rice Foundation that year got $38K on average.
Where does Rice Foundation give grants?
Rice Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 86% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Texas (9%) and Wisconsin (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (22 grants), Glenview, IL (4 grants), Des Plaines, IL (2 grants) and Skokie, IL (2 grants).
Does Rice Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 59 grants with a stated purpose on Rice Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (59 grants).
Who are Rice Foundation's largest grantees?
Rice Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Field Musuem ($600,000), Gigi's Playhouse ($500,000) and Marine Military Academy ($350,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Rice Foundation?
Rice Foundation reported $67.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Rice Foundation fund?
The filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants included organizations whose work, as described by those organizations, spans education, conservation, human services, youth development, and support for people with disabilities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Rice Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it contributes only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Rice Foundation's EIN?
Rice Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-6043160. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Rice Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
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 August 25, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 29, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 29, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Rice Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Illinois
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
George M Eisenberg Foundation
Arlington Heights, IL
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas including health care, disability services, youth services, and hunger relief, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Illinois and the rest to Minnesota. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $1,000 to $1,275,000. It accepts requests by letter rather than a formal application; requests are due by April 30 for consideration the following calendar year.
Assets
$39.8M
Grants
150
Total Given
$4.0M
Dr Scholl Foundation
Northbrook, IL
The Dr. Scholl Foundation funds nonprofit work in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural activities, and the environment, with consideration for other worthwhile projects. Grants average $5,000–$25,000, mostly in the United States; it also considers international requests when a board member has direct knowledge of the applicant.
Assets
$211.9M
Grants
410
Total Given
$8.9M
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
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 similar funders
More Funders in Illinois
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Rice Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/rice-foundation-morg_7d9ce4c01fd4488e837ad0406940b549
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_366043160_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Rice Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/rice-foundation-morg_7d9ce4c01fd4488e837ad0406940b549},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Rice 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.
Rice Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?