The Abra Prentice Foundation makes a small number of relatively large, project-focused grants that emphasize cultural/heritage conservation and public-interest media tied to health. Their giving includes repeat, earmarked support for a specific historic/conservation site and a major single grant to underwrite a documentary about postpartum depression, and they also use donor-advised channels for part of their philanthropy. Grants are targeted and programmatic rather than broad-based operating support.
Abra Prentice Foundation Inc. gives a small number of relatively large, earmarked grants that cluster around conservation, Chicago-based community support, education, and public-interest media. One of the clearest examples is its repeated support for Shelburne Farms, including a $500,000 grant in 2023 for restoration of the breeding barn and a $250,000 grant in 2025 for the annual fund for sustainable and educational farm programs. The foundation also backed a major documentary project with a $250,000 grant to Massachusetts General Hospital for production of More Than Blue, a film documentary on postpartum depression. Those grants show a funder that pairs place-based preservation with issue-focused storytelling and program support. Recent awards also include support for environmental protection through the Environmental Law & Policy Center, scholarships and summer bridge programming for Chicago students, and services for people experiencing homelessness. The pattern is project-specific and targeted rather than broad operating support, with several recipient relationships returning across multiple years.
In conservation and land stewardship, the foundation supported the Environmental Law & Policy Center with $200,000 in 2024 and $100,000 in 2023 for the Great Lakes and Midwest Wild and Natural Places Protection Project. It also gave $125,000 in 2025 to The Wetlands Initiative for phase II of restoring Indian Ridge Marsh on Chicago’s southwest side. On urban agriculture, Chicago Botanic Garden received $100,000 in 2025 for the Windy City Harvest program for urban gardens. The foundation has also funded public media and arts programming, including $175,000 in 2025 to Public Broadcasting Systems Foundation for PBS Great Performances programs and $100,000 in 2025 to WTTW for the 2025 season of Chicago Stories. Education appears as scholarship and bridge-program support, such as $166,750 to Chicago Jesuit Academy for full scholarships and $150,000 to Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund for summer bridge programming.
Typical grants cluster in the $25,000 to $61,250 range, with a p25 of $25,000, a median of $50,000, and a p75 of $61,250. The recent record also shows several larger project grants, including six-figure awards and multi-year support for the same recipients. Public Broadcasting Systems Foundation appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Compass to Care appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Abra Prentice Foundation Inc. is classified as a regular funder and is not a DAF-only vehicle, though one recent grant flowed through Fidelity Charitable as general distributions. The grants are mostly earmarked for specific programs or projects.
$3.1M
$54.5M
$11.7M
$3.7M
Most grants fall between $25K and $61K, with a median of $50K.
25th Percentile
$25K
Median
$50K
75th Percentile
$61K
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Concentrated: few but large, earmarked grants; repeat funding to select organizations; program-specific/project funding rather than many small or unrestricted awards.
Notable grantees: Shelburne Farms, Massachusetts General Hospital, Fidelity Charitable (Donor Advised Fund)
Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Illinois, which accounts for 71% of grants. Chicago is the most frequent recipient city in the recent grants list, with awards to groups such as the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Franciscan Outreach, and WTTW. Outside Illinois, the foundation has made repeated grants to Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, and to organizations in Boston, Arlington, San Francisco, and Cincinnati. All of the listed grants go to U.S. recipients.
The recent record shows project-specific support for conservation and historic preservation, public-interest media, Chicago education programs, homelessness services, and food access. Examples include restoration work at Shelburne Farms, PBS Great Performances support, summer bridge programming, and prepared meals for people in need.
Yes. Several grantees appear across multiple years, including Public Broadcasting Systems Foundation in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and Compass to Care in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Typical grants fall between $25,000 and $61,250, based on a p25 of $25,000, a median of $50,000, and a p75 of $61,250. The recent list also includes larger awards above $100,000 for selected projects and programs.
Illinois is the top state by grant count, and 71% of grants go to recipients in Illinois. Chicago appears frequently among recipient locations, reflecting a strong in-state pattern of giving.
Recent grants support Great Lakes and marsh restoration, scholarships and summer bridge programming for Chicago students, homelessness services on the West and South Sides of Chicago, and public broadcasting programs such as PBS Great Performances and Chicago Stories.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHELBURNE FARMS | SHELBURNE, VT | $250,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR THE ANNUAL FUND FOR THEIR SUSTAINABLE AND EDUCATIONAL FARM PROGRAMS |
| ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $200,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND MIDWEST WILD AND NATURAL PLACES PROTECTION PROJECT |
| PUBLIC BROADCASTING SYSTEMS FOUNDATION | ARLINGTON, VA | $175,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES PROGRAMS |
| CHICAGO JESUIT ACADEMY | CHICAGO, IL | $166,750 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR 2 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO INCOMING 5TH GRADERS (CLASS OF 2026).EARMARKED FOR 4 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO INCOMING 5TH GRADERS (CLASS OF 2030) |
| DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND | CHICAGO, IL | $150,000 | 2025 | CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM |
| FRANCISCAN OUTREACH | CHICAGO, IL | $150,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SERVICES NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS ON WEST AND SOUTH SIDES OF CHICAGO |
| THE WETLANDS INITIATIVE | CHICAGO, IL | $125,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR PHASE II OF RESTORING INDIAN RIDGE MARSH ON CHICAGOS SOUTHWEST SIDE |
| FOOD RUNNERS | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TO FEED THE HUNGRY IN SAN FRANCISCO |
| GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR THE PREPARED MEALS PROGRAM |
| NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PULLMAN PARKS DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISH TRAILS |
| WTTW | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR THE 2025 SEASON OF CHICAGO STORIES |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCOE, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR WINDY CITY HARVEST PROGRAM FOR URBAN GARDENS |
| COMPASS TO CARE | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR ACCESS LIFE PROGRAM, TRAVEL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN TO ACCESS CANCER TREATMENT. |
| NEW MOMS | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR YOUNG, HOMELESS, AND HIGH-RISK MOTHERS |
| RECIPE FOR CHANGE | WINNETKA, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR OPERATING SUPPORT FOR THE CULINARY PROGRAMING FOR THE INCARCERATED |
| SARAH'S CIRCLE | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR FOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO HOMELESS WOMEN |
| GLENWOOD ACADEMY | GLENWOOD, IL | $62,500 | 2025 | EARMARKED TO SERVE, NURTURE, AND EDUCATE AT-RISK CHILDREN |
| FRIENDS OF THE IL NATURE PRESERVE | CRYSTAL LAKE, IL | $60,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE |
| THE CENTER OF CONCERN | DES PLAINES, IL | $55,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE HOUSING, COUNSELING, AND SUPPORT FOR SENIORS |
| MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC | CHICAGO, IL | $55,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR RENEWED SUPPORT OF ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND VOCAL PROGRAM |
| BANDWITH | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | ARTS ENSEMBLE PROGRAMMING FOR UNDERSERVED KIDS |
| JOSSELYN CENTER | NORTHFIELD, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR CAMP NEEKA, AND TEEN INTENSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM |
| TEAM RUBICON | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR VETERAN LED CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM |
| FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION | IRVINE, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR FREE WHEELCHAIRS TO PEOPLE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES |
| FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR THE CHICAGO RIVER ECO-WARRIORS (CREW) VOLUNTEER PROGRAM |
| WORLD WILDLIFE FUND | WASHINGTON DC, DC | $50,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR MONARCH POLLINATOR GARDENS |
| AMERICAN WRITERS MUSEUM | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR LEAD SPONSORSHIP FOR ITS WRITE IN PROGRAM |
| COVENANT HOUSE | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS TEENS INCLUDING HOUSING, WELLNESS AND CAREER SERVICES PROGRAMS. |
| TUTORING CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR FREE TUTORING PROGRAM |
| SAFE FAMILIES (LYDIA) ASSOCIATION | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | IN SUPPORT CHILD ABUSE PROGRAM AND TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN CHICAGO |
| JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT | CHICAGO, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED TO SPONSOR ONE OF CPS K-8 WHOLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOCUSING ON FINANCIAL LITERACY & WORK READINESS AND ADDITIONAL PARK DISTRICTS |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS ILLINOIS | NORMAL, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR OPERATING SUPPORT TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED |
| CONNECTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS | EVANSTON, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS INCLUDING HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES PROGRAMS |
| KIDS EQUIPMENT NETWORK | ITASCA, IL | $30,166 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE SALARY |
| CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING | RIVERWOODS, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR CAREER ACADEMY FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED |
| ZACHARIAS SEXUAL ABUSE CENTER | GURNEE, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT OF THE CHILDRENS PROGRAM |
| HOPE FOR THE DAY | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION |
| LUSTER LEARNING INSTITUTE | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR MINDFULNESS-BASED SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. |
| OLD IRVING PARK COMMUNITY CLINIC | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE FOR UNINSURED ADULTS ON CHICAGOS NORTHWEST SIDE. |
| DREAMS ARE POSSIBLE | BLOOMINGTON, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR TRAINING PROGRAM FOR DISENFRANCHISED WOMEN |
| FIDELITY CHARITABLE (DONOR ADVISED FUND) | CINCINNATI, OH | $474,716 | 2024 | GENERAL DISTRIBUTIONS |
| ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $200,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND MIDWEST WILD AND NATURAL PLACES PROTECTION PROJECT |
| PUBLIC BROADCASTING SYSTEMS FOUNDATION | ARLINGTON, VA | $175,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES PROGRAMS |
| DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND | CHICAGO, IL | $150,000 | 2024 | CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM |
| COMPASS TO CARE | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR ACCESS LIFE PROGRAM, TRAVEL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN TO ACCESS CANCER TREATMENT. |
| NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PULLMAN PARKS DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISH TRAILS |
| SHELBURNE FARMS | SHELBURNE, VT | $100,000 | 2024 | SPECIAL GIFT EARMARKED FOR THE MARSHALL C. WEBB CLIMATE ACTION FUND, IN HONOR OF MARSHALL WEBB WHO DIED IN 2022 |
| FRANCISCAN OUTREACH | CHICAGO, IL | $80,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR SERVICES NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS ON WEST AND SOUTH SIDES OF CHICAGO |
| SARAH'S CIRCLE | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR FOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO HOMELESS WOMEN |
| NEW MOMS | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2024 | EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR YOUNG, HOMELESS, AND HIGH-RISK MOTHERS |
SHELBURNE FARMS
$250,000EARMARKED FOR THE ANNUAL FUND FOR THEIR SUSTAINABLE AND EDUCATIONAL FARM PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER
$200,000EARMARKED FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND MIDWEST WILD AND NATURAL PLACES PROTECTION PROJECT
PUBLIC BROADCASTING SYSTEMS FOUNDATION
$175,000EARMARKED FOR PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES PROGRAMS
CHICAGO JESUIT ACADEMY
$166,750EARMARKED FOR 2 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO INCOMING 5TH GRADERS (CLASS OF 2026).EARMARKED FOR 4 FULL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TWO INCOMING 5TH GRADERS (CLASS OF 2030)
DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$150,000CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
FRANCISCAN OUTREACH
$150,000EARMARKED FOR SERVICES NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS ON WEST AND SOUTH SIDES OF CHICAGO
THE WETLANDS INITIATIVE
$125,000EARMARKED FOR PHASE II OF RESTORING INDIAN RIDGE MARSH ON CHICAGOS SOUTHWEST SIDE
FOOD RUNNERS
$100,000EARMARKED FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TO FEED THE HUNGRY IN SAN FRANCISCO
GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY
$100,000SUPPORT FOR THE PREPARED MEALS PROGRAM
NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
$100,000EARMARKED FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PULLMAN PARKS DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISH TRAILS
WTTW
$100,000EARMARKED FOR THE 2025 SEASON OF CHICAGO STORIES
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$100,000EARMARKED FOR WINDY CITY HARVEST PROGRAM FOR URBAN GARDENS
COMPASS TO CARE
$100,000EARMARKED FOR ACCESS LIFE PROGRAM, TRAVEL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN TO ACCESS CANCER TREATMENT.
NEW MOMS
$75,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR YOUNG, HOMELESS, AND HIGH-RISK MOTHERS
RECIPE FOR CHANGE
$75,000EARMARKED FOR OPERATING SUPPORT FOR THE CULINARY PROGRAMING FOR THE INCARCERATED
SARAH'S CIRCLE
$75,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR FOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO HOMELESS WOMEN
GLENWOOD ACADEMY
$62,500EARMARKED TO SERVE, NURTURE, AND EDUCATE AT-RISK CHILDREN
FRIENDS OF THE IL NATURE PRESERVE
$60,000EARMARKED FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE ILLINOIS NATURE PRESERVE
THE CENTER OF CONCERN
$55,000EARMARKED FOR SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE HOUSING, COUNSELING, AND SUPPORT FOR SENIORS
MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC
$55,000EARMARKED FOR RENEWED SUPPORT OF ITS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND VOCAL PROGRAM
BANDWITH
$50,000ARTS ENSEMBLE PROGRAMMING FOR UNDERSERVED KIDS
JOSSELYN CENTER
$50,000EARMARKED FOR CAMP NEEKA, AND TEEN INTENSIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM
TEAM RUBICON
$50,000SUPPORT FOR VETERAN LED CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM
FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION
$50,000EARMARKED FOR FREE WHEELCHAIRS TO PEOPLE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
FRIENDS OF THE CHICAGO RIVER
$50,000EARMARKED FOR THE CHICAGO RIVER ECO-WARRIORS (CREW) VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
$50,000EARMARKED FOR MONARCH POLLINATOR GARDENS
AMERICAN WRITERS MUSEUM
$50,000EARMARKED FOR LEAD SPONSORSHIP FOR ITS WRITE IN PROGRAM
COVENANT HOUSE
$50,000SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS TEENS INCLUDING HOUSING, WELLNESS AND CAREER SERVICES PROGRAMS.
TUTORING CHICAGO
$50,000SUPPORT FOR FREE TUTORING PROGRAM
SAFE FAMILIES (LYDIA) ASSOCIATION
$50,000IN SUPPORT CHILD ABUSE PROGRAM AND TO ASSIST FAMILIES IN CHICAGO
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
$35,000EARMARKED TO SPONSOR ONE OF CPS K-8 WHOLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOCUSING ON FINANCIAL LITERACY & WORK READINESS AND ADDITIONAL PARK DISTRICTS
SPECIAL OLYMPICS ILLINOIS
$35,000EARMARKED FOR OPERATING SUPPORT TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED
CONNECTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS
$35,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS INCLUDING HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES PROGRAMS
KIDS EQUIPMENT NETWORK
$30,166EARMARKED FOR EQUIPMENT PROGRAMS AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE SALARY
CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING
$25,000EARMARKED FOR CAREER ACADEMY FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
ZACHARIAS SEXUAL ABUSE CENTER
$25,000EARMARKED FOR GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT OF THE CHILDRENS PROGRAM
HOPE FOR THE DAY
$25,000EARMARKED FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
LUSTER LEARNING INSTITUTE
$25,000EARMARKED FOR MINDFULNESS-BASED SOCIAL PROGRAMS IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
OLD IRVING PARK COMMUNITY CLINIC
$25,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT TO PROVIDE HEALTHCARE FOR UNINSURED ADULTS ON CHICAGOS NORTHWEST SIDE.
DREAMS ARE POSSIBLE
$25,000SUPPORT FOR TRAINING PROGRAM FOR DISENFRANCHISED WOMEN
FIDELITY CHARITABLE (DONOR ADVISED FUND)
$474,716GENERAL DISTRIBUTIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER
$200,000EARMARKED FOR THE GREAT LAKES AND MIDWEST WILD AND NATURAL PLACES PROTECTION PROJECT
PUBLIC BROADCASTING SYSTEMS FOUNDATION
$175,000EARMARKED FOR PBS GREAT PERFORMANCES PROGRAMS
DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$150,000CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
COMPASS TO CARE
$100,000EARMARKED FOR ACCESS LIFE PROGRAM, TRAVEL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN TO ACCESS CANCER TREATMENT.
NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
$100,000EARMARKED FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF PULLMAN PARKS DEVELOPMENT AND ESTABLISH TRAILS
SHELBURNE FARMS
$100,000SPECIAL GIFT EARMARKED FOR THE MARSHALL C. WEBB CLIMATE ACTION FUND, IN HONOR OF MARSHALL WEBB WHO DIED IN 2022
FRANCISCAN OUTREACH
$80,000EARMARKED FOR SERVICES NEEDED FOR THE HOMELESS ON WEST AND SOUTH SIDES OF CHICAGO
SARAH'S CIRCLE
$75,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR FOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES TO HOMELESS WOMEN
NEW MOMS
$75,000EARMARKED FOR SUPPORT FOR YOUNG, HOMELESS, AND HIGH-RISK MOTHERS