Scanlan Family Foundation
The Scanlan Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. Its 2024 filing reports 11 grants totaling $16,894,526 to charitable organizations, including colleges and universities, research organizations, and foundations.
Scanlan Family Foundation at a glance
In short: Scanlan Family Foundation gave $16.9M across 11 grants in 2024 (avg $1.5M), top state Iowa. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $16,894,526
- +12.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 11
- +22.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $1,535,866
- -8.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,000,000
- Total assets
- $103,358,555
- -22.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (3 of 11, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Iowa (29% 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 Scanlan Family Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 111 S Wacker Dr 3975, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 262-2074
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Scanlan Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Bennington College ($4.0M). Together the top 10 received $16.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
37 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $1–5M range: 17 grants of 37 (46%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Iowa (29%), Vermont (24%), Connecticut (24%), Maine (11%), and Illinois (9%). Listed recipients were also located in Massachusetts and Colorado.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Scanlan Family Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 11 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $185K; repeat grants $2M. How we count
Medians: $250K first-time, $1.4M repeat.
- 73% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 328% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 259% 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 $3.9M (2021) to $16.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 11 grants totaling $16.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bennington College Bennington, VT | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $4,000,000 |
| Loomis Chaffee School Windsor, CT | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $4,000,000 |
| State University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $3,925,998 |
| Northwestern University Chicago, IL | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $1,500,000 |
| Gulf of Maine Research Institute Portland, ME | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $1,250,000 |
| Desmoines Jewish Foundation Waukee, IA | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $1,000,000 |
| University of Maine Foundation Orono, ME | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $523,528 |
| Foundation of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Boston, MA | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $300,000 |
| Jazz at Aspen - Snowmass Aspen, CO | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $250,000 |
| Quahog Bay Conservatory Harpswell, ME | All contributions made for the intent established by the various charities | $140,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Scanlan Family 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 | $103,358,555 | $6,359,870 | $17,504,486 | $16,894,526 | 11 | $16,894,526 | $3,958,414 | $6,532,363 |
| 2023 | $132,991,717 | $1,853,775 | $15,390,079 | $15,023,308 | 9 | $15,023,308 | $3,118,186 | $6,261,889 |
| 2022 | $132,163,171 | $3,185,114 | $6,065,164 | $5,690,200 | 3 | $5,690,200 | $4,508,670 | $6,756,968 |
| 2021 | $158,770,955 | $1,077,808 | $4,110,243 | $3,947,857 | 5 | $3,947,857 | $2,556,049 | $7,820,504 |
| 2020 | $153,170,342 | $2,808,504 | $5,212,248 | $5,077,500 | 9 | — | $1,694,163 | $7,604,894 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Scanlan Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.5M 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 foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Its 2024 grants went to organizations including Bennington College, Loomis Chaffee School, the State University of Iowa Foundation, Northwestern University, and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
The grantees describe their missions in different terms. Bennington College describes an educational approach emphasizing individual students’ developing interests and learning through activity and living. The University of Iowa Center for Advancement says its mission is to advance the University of Iowa through engagement and philanthropy. Northwestern University describes its commitment to excellent teaching, innovative research, and students’ personal and intellectual growth. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute says it develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 11 grants totaling $16,894,526. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $4,000,000, with a median grant of $1,000,000. The largest listed awards were $4,000,000 each to Bennington College and Loomis Chaffee School, and $3,925,998 to the State University of Iowa Foundation. Other grants included $1,500,000 to Northwestern University and $1,250,000 to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. The filing describes the purpose of each listed grant as “all contributions made for the intent established by the various charities.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan as president and director, Patrick Scanlan as vice president and director, and Catherine O’Brien as treasurer, secretary, and director.
Scanlan Family Foundation is led by Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan, President & Director on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Mary Bucksbaum Scanlan
President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Catherine O'Brien
Treasurer, Secretary & Director
Director → Treasurer, Secretary & Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Scanlan
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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.
Frequently asked questions about Scanlan Family Foundation
How much does Scanlan Family Foundation give each year?
Scanlan Family Foundation gave $16.9M across 11 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $15.0M across 9 grants.
What is Scanlan Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Scanlan Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,000,000, and its average grant was $1,535,866, across 11 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Scanlan Family Foundation that year got $185K on average.
Where does Scanlan Family Foundation give grants?
Scanlan Family Foundation's top state is Iowa, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Vermont (24%) and Connecticut (24%).
Does Scanlan Family Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 11 grants with a stated purpose on Scanlan Family Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Scanlan Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Scanlan Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Bennington College ($4,000,000), Loomis Chaffee School ($4,000,000) and State University of Iowa Foundation ($3,925,998), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 71% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Scanlan Family Foundation?
Scanlan Family Foundation reported $103.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $16.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Scanlan Family Foundation fund?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Its 2024 grants went to organizations including Bennington College, Loomis Chaffee School, the State University of Iowa Foundation, Northwestern University, and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Scanlan Family Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Scanlan Family Foundation's EIN?
Scanlan Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-7240192. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Scanlan Family 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Scanlan Family 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
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
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). Scanlan Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/scanlan-family-foundation-morg_0a000a9a3c6a45acafe8221f521bdd02
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_527240192_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Scanlan Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/scanlan-family-foundation-morg_0a000a9a3c6a45acafe8221f521bdd02},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Scanlan Family 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.
Scanlan Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?