The Saltzman Family Foundation

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.

Carylon Julius and Marcie Hemmelstein Foundation

Chicago, IL

Carylon Julius and Marcie funds health and reproductive health, education, Jewish and religious community life, and charitable services, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Illinois and additional support in New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $105,000, with a median of $10,000. The 2024 filing says applicants should contact Rebecca Mervis in writing and state the purpose of the request; it does not list deadlines or award restrictions.

Maury and Nancy Fertig Family Foundation

Deerfield, IL

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.

Melvoin Foundation

Cambridge, MA

The Melvoin Foundation funds educational, religious, and charitable organizations, with recent grants spanning a range of causes. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $20,000, with a median of $2,500; funding was concentrated in Massachusetts and California. It accepts unsolicited requests by letter, with no standard application form or submission deadline.

Todd a and Raphaela Stern

Lincolnwood, IL

The foundation’s stated focus is general operating support for preselected charitable organizations, with its 2024 grant going to a recipient in Illinois. Its 2024 giving was one grant of $1,627,220; it does not accept unsolicited requests.

Jarvis Foundation

Northbrook, IL

The foundation supports a varied mix of universities, health and research, Jewish community and Israel-related organizations, museums, education, and volunteer-focused groups. In 2025, it made 144 grants totaling $4.7 million, ranging from $100 to $1 million, with a median of $3,600; the largest shares went to organizations in Illinois, Louisiana, New York, and California. It gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.

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.

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.

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.