The Walsh Foundation
The Walsh Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. It supports charitable organizations, with 67 grants totaling $11,723,977 in 2024. Its reported grants include support for schools and universities, social-service organizations, and health-related organizations.
The Walsh Foundation at a glance
In short: The Walsh Foundation gave $11.7M across 67 grants in 2024 (avg $175K), mostly in Illinois. 15% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $11,723,977
- -11.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 67
- -1.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $174,985
- -9.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $186,418,113
- +2.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (10 of 67, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Illinois (84% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Walsh Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 190 S Lasalle St 1700, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 346-4101
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Walsh Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was St Ignatius College Prep ($2.6M). Together the top 10 received $8.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
346 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 194 grants of 346 (56%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 84% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois, 9% to Ohio, and 6% to Indiana. The filing also reports 0% shares for Kentucky and Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 67 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Walsh Foundation open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 67 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $74K; repeat grants $193K. How we count
Medians: $18K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 85% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+9%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 98% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $9.9M (2020) to $13.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 67 grants totaling $11.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Ignatius College Prep Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $2,600,000 |
| Misericordia Foundation Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $1,510,000 |
| Francis Xavier Warde School Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| John Carroll University University Heights, OH | General Charitable Purposes | $1,000,000 |
| Marillac St Vincent Family Services Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $700,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $550,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $500,000 |
| Jesuit International Missions Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $500,000 |
| Nazareth Academy Lagrange Park, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $300,000 |
| Lurie Children's Hospital - Cystic Fibrosis Chicago, IL | General Charitable Purposes | $250,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Walsh Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $186,418,113 | $16,889,528 | $13,281,395 | $11,723,977 | 67 | $11,718,977 | $15,543,160 | $11,922,980 |
| 2023 | $182,817,234 | $15,685,193 | $14,492,939 | $13,198,750 | 68 | $13,198,750 | $14,594,102 | $11,144,146 |
| 2022 | $181,617,508 | $15,509,399 | $13,597,978 | $10,783,771 | 69 | $10,783,771 | $12,874,143 | $11,216,742 |
| 2021 | $179,756,510 | $18,008,076 | $12,283,836 | $10,743,500 | 74 | $10,743,500 | $16,701,071 | $12,080,665 |
| 2020 | $174,022,733 | $13,248,012 | $11,088,811 | $9,913,500 | 68 | — | $12,242,877 | $10,114,704 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Walsh Foundation reported a distributable amount of $11.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The available information does not state the foundation’s mission. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. For example, Misericordia Foundation says its purpose is to raise funds for Misericordia Home, and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services says it provides education and comprehensive programs to build vibrant communities in Chicago. John Carroll University describes itself as a Jesuit Catholic university focused on academic rigor, inclusive excellence, and care for the whole person. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 67 grants totaling $11,723,977. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $2,600,000, with a median grant of $30,000. The largest reported grants included $2,600,000 to St Ignatius College Prep, $1,510,000 to Misericordia Foundation, $1,000,000 to Francis Xavier Warde School, and $1,000,000 to John Carroll University. Each was reported for general charitable purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Matthew M. Walsh as CEO, Joyce S. Walsh as treasurer and director, Daniel J. Walsh as president, Patricia R. Walsh as secretary and director, and E. Bryan Dunigan as director.
The Walsh Foundation is led by Matthew M. Walsh, CEO on every filing since 2020; none of the 5 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Matthew M. Walsh
CEO
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Daniel J. Walsh
President
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
E. Bryan Dunigan
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Joyce S. Walsh
Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Patricia R. Walsh
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2020
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Walsh Foundation
How much does The Walsh Foundation give each year?
The Walsh Foundation gave $11.7M across 67 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $13.2M across 68 grants.
What is The Walsh Foundation's typical grant size?
The Walsh Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,000, and its average grant was $174,985, across 67 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Walsh Foundation that year got $74K on average.
Where does The Walsh Foundation give grants?
The Walsh Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Ohio (9%) and Indiana (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (39 grants), Notre Dame, IN (3 grants), Western Springs, IL (2 grants) and South Bend, IN (2 grants).
Does The Walsh Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Walsh Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (67 of 67) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Walsh Foundation's largest grantees?
The Walsh Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include St Ignatius College Prep ($2,600,000), Misericordia Foundation ($1,510,000) and Francis Xavier Warde School ($1,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 44% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Walsh Foundation?
The Walsh Foundation reported $186.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $11.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $11.9M (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 The Walsh Foundation fund?
The available information does not state the foundation’s mission. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations. For example, Misericordia Foundation says its purpose is to raise funds for Misericordia Home, and Marillac St. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Walsh Foundation?
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 The Walsh Foundation's EIN?
The Walsh Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3994447. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Walsh Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Walsh Foundation'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 eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
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, and charitable projects through Elks Lodges and state associations across the United States. Its 2026 grants had a median size of $10,000, though awards varied widely; the profile describes application routes for specific Lodge and scholarship programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur Foundation
Chicago, IL
The MacArthur Foundation funds work advancing a more just, verdant, and peaceful world, including climate solutions, criminal justice, journalism, technology, and Chicago. In 2024, its grants had a median of $160,000, though awards ranged widely; it generally does not accept unsolicited requests, with possible exceptions for specific open calls or proposals that meet program guidelines.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial
Chicago, IL
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports education, the environment, health and human services, gun violence prevention, homelessness prevention, and Jewish community and Israel initiatives, with a strong focus on Chicago and giving across the U.S. and internationally. In 2024, its grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000. It uses an invitation-only process and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago funds human services, Jewish education and community programs, crisis response, and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, primarily through Chicago-area agencies and initiatives. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $20,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Illinois
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Walsh Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-walsh-foundation-morg_566164f8f13444ceaab73fa7db76d93a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_363994447_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Walsh Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-walsh-foundation-morg_566164f8f13444ceaab73fa7db76d93a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Walsh Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Walsh Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?