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.
Key facts about The Knowles Foundation
- EIN
- 36-6051968
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,452,500
- Grants made (2024)
- 24
- Average grant
- $60,521
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Primary geography
- Illinois (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated June 2026.
Who The Knowles Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for The Knowles Foundation's 24 itemized 2024 grants were Illinois (100%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (16 grants), Lisle, IL (2 grants) and Hoffman Estates, IL (2 grants). 58% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
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
Share of all 24 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
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
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Merit School of Music ($287,500 across 3 grants), Ray Graham Association ($150,000 across 2 grants), Gigi's Playhouse Inc ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC CHICAGO, IL | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | $187,500 |
| RAY GRAHAM ASSOCIATION Lisle, IL | HANSON CENTER | $100,000 |
| GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE INC HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL | GENERAL FUND | $100,000 |
| LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | STUDENT AND FAMILY PERFORMANCES FUND | $100,000 |
| CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $75,000 |
| ELMHURST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ELMHURST, IL | BREAST HEALTH PROGRAM | $75,000 |
| FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $75,000 |
| LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER MAYHOOD, IL | NURSING FUND | $75,000 |
| ADLER PLANETARIUM CHICAGO, IL | SCHOOL EXPERIENCES PROGRAM | $70,000 |
| MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $68,000 |
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 ZooFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Knowles Foundation fund?
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**
How do I apply for a grant from The Knowles Foundation?
The Knowles Foundation distributes grants through several distinct programs: **General Fund** • Average grant: $49,907 • Grant range: $10,000–$100,000 • Focus: General purpose, religious charities, and missions • 24 recipients in 2024 **Music To My Ears Program** • Average grant: $32,222 • Grant range: $20,000–$75,000 • Focus: Arts & culture and music education • 5 recipients in 2024 **Music Therapy Program** • Average grant: $13,125 • Grant range: $7,500–$15,000 • Focus: Mental health and arts…
Where does The Knowles Foundation make 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.
What size grants does The Knowles Foundation award?
In 2024, The Knowles Foundation awarded 24 grants totaling $1.5M — an average of about $61K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Knowles Foundation's EIN?
The Knowles Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-6051968. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Knowles Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.