Susan and Stephen Baird Family
Susan and Stephen Baird Family is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. It supports charitable organizations through grantmaking; its 2024 filing reports 35 grants totaling $2,248,820.
Key facts about Susan and Stephen Baird Family
In short: Susan and Stephen Baird Family gave $2.2M across 35 grants in 2024 (avg $64K), top state Illinois. 34% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 20-0478557
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,248,820
- Grants made (2024)
- 35
- Average grant
- $64,252
- Median grant
- $25,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 34% first-time grantees (12 of 35, 2024)
- Total assets
- $33,171,660
- Primary geography
- Illinois (47% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$33.2M
-3.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.2M
+9.2% YoY
Grant Count
35
+45.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$64K
-25.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Susan and Stephen Baird Family reported a distributable amount of $2.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Susan and Stephen Baird Family open to new grantees?
34%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 35 grantees (34%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $39K; repeat grants $77K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 63% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 23% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 97% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for organizations working in areas such as conservation, parks and land protection, children and families, climate technology, community business development, media, rivers, and food and agriculture.
The grantees describe their own work in these terms: The Morton Arboretum says it collects, studies, displays, and conserves trees and other plants, while inspiring learning and benefiting communities. The Trust for Public Land says it creates parks and protects land for people. The Carole Robertson Center for Learning says it educates, enriches, and empowers children and families through comprehensive development programs. Evergreen Climate Innovations says it supports climate-tech startups in the Greater Midwest through seed investments and hands-on support. Allies for Community Business says it provides capital, coaching, and connections to entrepreneurs. Proofing Station says it supports organizations in the Midwest food and agricultural ecosystem, including through technical assistance advancing sustainability, equity, and economic resilience.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 35 grants totaling $2,248,820. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $335,000, with a median of $25,000. The largest listed awards were $335,000 to Harvard University, $310,000 to The Morton Arboretum, $247,500 to Chicago Community Foundation, and $200,000 to The Trust for Public Land. Each was designated for general and unrestricted purposes.
Ready to take the next step with Susan and Stephen Baird Family?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 47% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois, 20% to Ohio, 15% to Massachusetts, 12% to California, and 4% to Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2020) to $2.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 35 grants totaling $2.2M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Harvard University ($335K). Together the top 10 received $1.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
209 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 160 grants of 209 (77%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University Cambridge, MA | General and Unrestricted | $335,000 |
| The Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL | General and Unrestricted | $310,000 |
| Chicago Community Foundation Chicago, IL | General and Unrestricted | $247,500 |
| The Trust for Public Land San Francisco, CA | General and Unrestricted | $200,000 |
| Fidelity Charitableshurwood Fund Cincinnati, OH | General and Unrestricted | $170,900 |
| Chicago Public Media Wbez Chicago, IL | General and Unrestricted | $125,000 |
| Fidelity Charitablebaird & Warner Good Will Works Cincinnati, OH | General and Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Fidelity Charitablegastevich Family Giving Fund Cincinnati, OH | General and Unrestricted | $85,210 |
| Fidelity Charitablelucy Baird Gift Fund Cincinnati, OH | General and Unrestricted | $85,210 |
| Carole Robertson Center for Learning Chicago, IL | General and Unrestricted | $65,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grant total | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $33,171,660 | $2,185,427 | $3,089,267 | $2,248,820 | 35 |
| 2023 | $34,423,808 | $1,869,017 | $2,853,720 | $2,059,400 | 24 |
| 2022 | $35,753,391 | $3,342,100 | $2,366,691 | $2,036,955 | 37 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $33,171,660 | $34,423,808 | $35,753,391 |
| Revenue | $2,185,427 | $1,869,017 | $3,342,100 |
| Expenses | $3,089,267 | $2,853,720 | $2,366,691 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,252,702 | $2,059,400 | $2,036,955 |
| Net Investment Income | $994,531 | $156,696 | $1,276,734 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,322,115 | $2,097,200 | $2,004,223 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Stephen W. Baird as director and president and Susan M. Baird as director and secretary.
Susan and Stephen Baird Family is led by Stephen W. Baird, Director & President on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Stephen W. Baird
Director & President
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan M. Baird
Director & Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/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.
Contact
Mailing address: 120 S Lasalle Street Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 368-1855
Frequently asked questions about Susan and Stephen Baird Family
How much does Susan and Stephen Baird Family give each year?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family gave $2.2M across 35 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.1M across 24 grants.
What is Susan and Stephen Baird Family's typical grant size?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $64,252, across 35 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Susan and Stephen Baird Family that year got $39K on average.
Where does Susan and Stephen Baird Family give grants?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family's top state is Illinois, with 47% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Ohio (20%) and Massachusetts (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (16 grants), Cincinnati, OH (4 grants), Washington, DC (3 grants) and San Francisco, CA (2 grants).
Does Susan and Stephen Baird Family give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Susan and Stephen Baird Family's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (35 of 35) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Susan and Stephen Baird Family's largest grantees?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family's largest 2024 grantees include Harvard University ($335,000), The Morton Arboretum ($310,000) and Chicago Community Foundation ($247,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Susan and Stephen Baird Family?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family reported $33.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Susan and Stephen Baird Family fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for organizations working in areas such as conservation, parks and land protection, children and families, climate technology, community business development, media, rivers, and food and agriculture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Susan and Stephen Baird Family?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Susan and Stephen Baird Family's EIN?
Susan and Stephen Baird Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-0478557. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Susan and Stephen Baird Family 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 Susan and Stephen Baird Family by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Susan and Stephen Baird Family'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 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 Foundation
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
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
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, 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
$1.4B
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
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
$592.0M
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
Polk Bros Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.
Assets
$334.3M
Grants
568
Total Given
$19.3M
National Council of YMCAs of the USA
Chicago, IL
Y-USA funds YMCA and affiliated World Alliance of YMCAs members for youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and related program support. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $799,726, with a median of $55,000, and supported organizations across the United States. It states that proposals are evaluated by staff and approved through its International Group process; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$260.5M
Grants
540
Total Given
$44.1M
More Funders in Illinois
Susan and Stephen Baird Family down — hundreds of funders to go?