Sunshine Charitable Foundation
The Sunshine Charitable Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2005 and based in Libertyville, Illinois. Founded by David G. Bunning and Denise A. Bunning, the foundation serves as the philanthropic vehicle for the Bunning family's charitable interests. With assets exceeding $118 million and annual giving of approximately $7.3 million, it operates as a significant philanthropic organization focused on education, medical research, and environmental conservation.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$114.9M
-3.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
-84.9% YoY
Grant Count
63
-4.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$17K
-84.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is shaped by the Bunnings' personal experience raising two sons with multiple life-threatening food allergies. Primary funding priorities include:
- Food Allergy and Eosinophilic Esophagitis Research: Major support for research institutions studying allergic diseases
- Education: Support for educational institutions and programs
- Environmental Conservation: Selective support for wildlife and environmental research projects
Grantmaking
The foundation made 66 grants in 2023, with total giving of $7,272,365. Grant amounts vary by program area, with typical awards ranging from $900 to $2,666,667.
Invitation Only
**: The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. It does not maintain a public website.
Ready to take the next step with Sunshine Charitable Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation has a national focus across the United States, with particular emphasis on Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Grant recipients are located in cities including Chicago, New York, Boston, and across states including Wisconsin, Georgia, and California.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total Assets: $118,841,914
- Total Annual Giving: $7,272,365
- Total Revenues: $45,616,502
- Total Expenses: $8,903,997
- Investment Income and Dividends: $484,789
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $114,898,886 | $118,841,914 | $82,080,626 |
| Revenue | $24,054 | $45,616,502 | $7,956,699 |
| Expenses | $4,010,945 | $8,903,997 | $7,769,619 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,118,476 | $7,286,125 | $6,868,132 |
| Net Investment Income | — | $44,395,159 | $7,004,818 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,410,273 | $4,645,705 | $6,373,066 |
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
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- David G. Bunning: President and Director
- Denise A. Bunning: Trustee
- Michael Hughes: Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Contact Information
Address: 111 Lake Street, Libertyville, IL 60048-1811
Phone: 847-615-9560
EIN: 20-1919538
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Green and Blue Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$51K
Above and Beyond Daycare Center
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Primo Center for Women & Children
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Rose Lafferty Educational Fund Xxxxx9006
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$3.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$228K
The John Crerar Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$991K
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Fostering Success
WAYNE, IL
Assets
$38K
Grants
1
Total Given
$2K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Sunshine Charitable Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities