The Regenstein Foundation
The Regenstein Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, incorporated in Delaware in 1981 following a merger with the Joseph & Helen Regenstein Foundation (originally incorporated in Illinois in 1950). Founded by the late Joseph Regenstein, an industrialist, the foundation carries forward a legacy of significant philanthropic support to Chicago-area institutions and beyond.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$74.8M
+2.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.5M
-35.6% YoY
Grant Count
34
+6.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$134K
-39.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking focuses on education, philanthropy and voluntarism, human services, and environmental initiatives. The foundation has historically supported cultural, medical, educational, and environmental institutions, with particular emphasis on organizations that benefit the Chicago region.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
s and Activity:**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, Florida, and the District of Columbia, with particular emphasis on Chicago-area institutions.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2023:
- Total assets: $73,262,797
- Total revenues: $2,492,112
- Total expenses: $1,936,296
- Investment income and dividends: $1,402,818
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $1,065,721
As of December 2021:
- Total assets: $74,826,234
- Total giving: $4,545,000
Staffing:
- Number of employees: 0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $74,826,234 | $73,262,797 | $70,313,196 |
| Revenue | $4,987,762 | $2,492,112 | $7,583,819 |
| Expenses | $6,967,626 | $1,936,296 | $4,423,566 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,659,760 | $7,155,688 | $3,380,605 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,576,574 | $2,071,155 | $6,906,424 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,697,138 | $3,496,751 | $3,618,620 |
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
153 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
Trustees:
- Susan Regenstein
- Joseph Regenstein III
- Marshall Field V
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSAN REGENSTEIN | CHAIRMAN & P | 10 | — |
| JOSEPH REGENSTEIN III | SECRETARY/TR | 5 | — |
| MARSHALL FIELD V | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| F OLIVER NICKLIN JR | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has maintained consistent grantmaking activity, with 33 grants distributed in 2023. Recent recipients include major Chicago medical and cultural institutions such as Lurie Children's Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the Shedd Aquarium, reflecting the foundation's ongoing commitment to operational support for established organizations.
The foundation's historical impact includes funding for the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago, the Hall of Music at Northwestern University, the Large Mammal Habitat and Birds of Prey Exhibit at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Sea Otter Habitat at the Shedd Aquarium, and the Vegetable Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Announces $10 Million Gift from the RegensteinRelated 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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