The Knowles Foundation
The Knowles Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1956. The organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operates as a grantmaking foundation focused on supporting nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$1.5M
+28.3% YoY
Grant Count
24
+9.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$61K
+17.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding areas include:
- Arts & Culture — particularly music education and music therapy
- Education — including student and family performances and school experiences
- Health Care — with specific focus on nursing and healthcare initiatives
- Community Services — including food security, environmental conservation, and animal welfare
- Religious Charities & Missions
Grantmaking
The Knowles Foundation distributes grants through several distinct programs:
Grant Range
$10,000–$100,000
Average Grant
$49,907
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Knowles Foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, with a concentration in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Evanston and Hoffman Estates.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending September 2024:
- Total Assets: $23,352,657
- Total Revenues: $780,062
- Total Expenses: $1,707,924
- Total Giving: $1,518,069
- Giving Rate: 6.4%
Previous Year (FYE September 2023):
- Total Assets: $24.3 million
- Total Revenues: $2,351,709
- Total Expenses: $1.38 million
The foundation is supported by the Nancy W. Knowles Trust.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
121 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 J. Hill — Director/President
- Michael J. Powers — Director/Treasurer/Secretary
- Ronald Lawler — Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Recent grant recipients include Merit School of Music ($187,500 for capital campaign), GiGi's Playhouse ($100,000), Ray Graham Association ($100,000), Lincoln Park Zoo ($30,000), Chicago Architecture Center ($75,000), Shirley Ryan Ability Lab ($50,000), Greater Chicago Food Depository ($50,000), Museum of Science and Industry ($50,000), and Shedd Aquarium Society ($50,000).
[PDF] ANNUAL REPORT - Chicago - Lincoln Park ZooRelated Funders
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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