The Bergstrom Foundation concentrates almost all of its giving on higher education, primarily providing general operating support to public universities. Grants are heavily concentrated at the University of Florida (multiple large gifts) with a smaller award to Iowa State University, indicating a preference for established, research-focused public institutions. The foundation appears to favor unrestricted funding that university leadership can deploy across priorities rather than tightly restricted program grants.
Bergstrom Foundation’s giving is anchored by large, repeated general operating and exempt-purpose grants to public universities, especially the University of Florida Foundation in Gainesville. Across recent years, those awards include a $462,610 grant in 2025, a $358,532 grant in 2023, and a $142,104 grant in 2024, showing a multi-year pattern rather than a one-off gift. Iowa State University Foundation is the other major higher-education recipient, with awards of $71,392 in 2024, $54,097 in 2025, and $43,550 in 2023. That combination points to a funder that supports established research universities with flexible dollars that can be used for institutional priorities. The portfolio is not limited to higher education, but the university gifts dominate the scale of giving. Smaller awards extend to health, disability services, child welfare, veterans, religion, and wildlife organizations, usually at much lower dollar amounts than the university grants. The foundation’s recent pattern suggests a preference for core support to organizations it already knows, with recurring grants appearing across multiple years to the same institutions and a narrower set of issue areas outside education.
In higher education, Bergstrom Foundation gives flexible support to public institutions. The University of Florida Foundation received $462,610 in 2025 for general operating support, while Iowa State University Foundation received $71,392 in 2024 for exempt-purpose education work. Health and disability organizations appear in smaller awards. NorthShore Hospitals Foundation received $20,871 in 2025 for general operating support in medical services, and The Ability Experience received $11,000 in 2025 for general operating support in disability work. The foundation also supports family and youth-related services. DC Kincare Alliance received $10,000 in 2025 for general operating support in child welfare, and Monroe County Education Foundation received $2,000 in 2025 for general operating support in education. Veterans and community organizations are present as well, with American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler receiving $4,000 in 2025 for general operating support and Art of Giving receiving $1,250 in 2025 for arts support.
Typical awards are small relative to the foundation’s largest university gifts: the 25th percentile is $1,000, the median is $1,000, and the 75th percentile is $5,000. The recent record shows a narrow set of recurring recipients rather than many one-time relationships. University of Florida Foundation and Iowa State University Foundation each appear in multiple years, as do DC Kincare Alliance, The Ability Experience, Kirk of the Keys, and American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler. The foundation is a private foundation and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. The grant records also show a mix of general operating support and exempt-purpose grants, with operating support especially visible among larger awards.
$2.2M
$1.9M
$314K
$2.2M
Most grants fall between $1K and $5K, with a median of $1K.
25th Percentile
$1K
Median
$1K
75th Percentile
$5K
About 28% of grants go to recipients in IL.
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Concentrated, large-dollar giving to a very small number of recipients with repeat, multi-grant support for a primary beneficiary (University of Florida) and occasional one-off gifts to other public universities.
Notable grantees: University of Florida Foundation, Iowa State University Foundation, Public land‑grant/state universities (as a funding pattern)
Grant recipients are entirely U.S.-based in the recent sample, with Florida as the top giving state by count. Gainesville appears repeatedly through the University of Florida Foundation, while Ames, Evanston, Charlotte, Denver, Washington, and Chicago also show up among recipients. Within Florida, awards also land in Key West, Marathon, Marathon Shores, and Grassy Key, showing a concentration beyond the foundation’s headquarters in Key Colony Beach. The recipient-country distribution is 100% U.S.
Its largest and most repeated awards go to public higher-education institutions, especially the University of Florida Foundation and Iowa State University Foundation. The recent grants also include smaller support for medical, disability, child welfare, veterans, religious, arts, and wildlife organizations.
Yes. The University of Florida Foundation appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Iowa State University Foundation also appears across those years. Several smaller recipients recur as well, including DC Kincare Alliance, The Ability Experience, Kirk of the Keys, and American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler.
The grant-size distribution is compact: p25 is $1,000, the median is $1,000, and p75 is $5,000. That pattern sits alongside a few much larger university grants that drive the overall scale of giving.
Recent grants are all to U.S. recipients. Florida has the most grants by count, and recipient cities include Gainesville, Ames, Evanston, Charlotte, Denver, Washington, Chicago, Key West, Marathon, Marathon Shores, and Grassy Key.
No. The foundation does not fund individuals, and it does not make program-related investments. Its recent activity is centered on grants to organizations, especially public universities and selected community nonprofits.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHSHORE HOSPITALS FOUNDATION | EVANSTON, IL | $2,000,557 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - MEDICAL |
| IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION | AMES, IA | $136,665 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION |
| CENTENNIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | ALTOONA, IA | $27,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS |
| BAPTIST HEALTH SOUTH FLORIDA FOUNDATION INC | CORAL GABLES, FL | $11,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - ARTS |
| WOMEN'S DEBATE INSTITUTE | DENVER, CO | $10,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION |
| DC KINCARE ALLIANCE | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,363 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CHILD WELFARE |
| NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT | CHICAGO, IL | $5,182 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC |
| NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE |
| JOHN G SHEDD AQUARIUM | CHICAGO, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE |
| KIRK OF THE KEYS | MARATHON, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS |
| DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER | GRASSY KEY, FL | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE |
| CYSTINOSIS RESEARCH FOUNDATION | IRVINE, CA | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - MEDICAL |
| MARATHON BAPTIST CHURCH | MARATHON, FL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS |
| CAMP BLUE SKIES | CHARLOTTE, NC | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - DISABILITY |
| ERIE CHARTER SCHOOL | CHICAGO, IL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION |
| MONROE COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION | KEY WEST, FL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION |
| TRUTH IN ACCOUNTING | GLENCOE, IL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC |
| KENILWORTH UNION CHURCH | KENILWORTH, IL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS |
| KENILWORTH COMMUNITY FUND | KENILWORTH, IL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC |
| GRACE NETWORK | GLENVIEW, IL | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CHILD WELFARE |
| LINCOLN PARK ZOO | CHICAGO, IL | $500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE |
| GIFT OF ADOPTION FUND | NORTHBROOK, IL | $500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CHILD WELFARE |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCOE, IL | $500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - ENVIRONMENT |
| HIDDEN HARBOR MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT INC | MARATHON, FL | $300 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE |
| University of Florida Foundation | Gainesville, FL | $462,610 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Education |
| Iowa State University Fountation | Ames, IA | $54,097 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Education |
| NorthShore Hospitals Foundation | Evanston, IL | $20,871 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Medical |
| The Ability Experience | Charlotte, NC | $11,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Disability |
| Women's Debate Institute | Denver, CO | $10,590 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Education |
| DC Kincare Alliance | Washington, DC | $10,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Child Welfare |
| Kirk of the Keys | Marathon, FL | $5,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Religious |
| American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler | Chicago, IL | $4,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Veterans |
| Monroe County Education Foundation | Key West, FL | $2,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Education |
| USO | Washington DC, DC | $2,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Veterans |
| Art of Giving | Chicago, IL | $1,250 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Arts |
| Kenilworth Community Fund | Kenilworth, IL | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Civic |
| Dolphin Research Center | Grassy Key, FL | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Wildlife |
| Camp Blue Skies | Charlotte, NC | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Disability |
| Marathon Baptist Church | Marathon, FL | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Religious |
| Cystinosis Research Foundation | Irvine, CA | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Medical |
| Kenilworth Union Church | Kenilworth, IL | $1,000 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Religious |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL | $500 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Wildlife |
| Pi Kappa Phi Foundation | Charlotte, NC | $500 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Education |
| Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe, IL | $500 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Environment |
| Swedish American Museum | Chicago, IL | $250 | 2025 | General Operating Support - Arts |
| University of Florida Foundation | Gainesville, FL | $142,104 | 2024 | Exempt purpose of organization - Education |
| Iowa State University Foundation | Ames, IA | $71,392 | 2024 | Exempt purpose of organization - Education |
| DC Kincare Alliance | Washington, DC | $10,000 | 2024 | Exempt purpose of organization - Child Welfare |
| The Domestic Abuse Shelter | Marathon Shores, FL | $5,000 | 2024 | Exempt purpose of organization - Welfare |
| American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler | Chicago, IL | $3,700 | 2024 | Exempt purpose of organization - Veterans |
NORTHSHORE HOSPITALS FOUNDATION
$2,000,557GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - MEDICAL
CENTENNIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$27,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - ARTS
WOMEN'S DEBATE INSTITUTE
$10,500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CHILD WELFARE
NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT
$5,182GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC
KIRK OF THE KEYS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS
MARATHON BAPTIST CHURCH
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS
ERIE CHARTER SCHOOL
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATION
TRUTH IN ACCOUNTING
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC
KENILWORTH UNION CHURCH
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - RELIGIOUS
KENILWORTH COMMUNITY FUND
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CIVIC
GRACE NETWORK
$1,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - CHILD WELFARE
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
$500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - ENVIRONMENT
HIDDEN HARBOR MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT INC
$300GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - WILDLIFE
Iowa State University Fountation
$54,097General Operating Support - Education
NorthShore Hospitals Foundation
$20,871General Operating Support - Medical
The Ability Experience
$11,000General Operating Support - Disability
Women's Debate Institute
$10,590General Operating Support - Education
Kirk of the Keys
$5,000General Operating Support - Religious
American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler
$4,000General Operating Support - Veterans
USO
$2,000General Operating Support - Veterans
Art of Giving
$1,250General Operating Support - Arts
Kenilworth Community Fund
$1,000General Operating Support - Civic
Marathon Baptist Church
$1,000General Operating Support - Religious
Cystinosis Research Foundation
$1,000General Operating Support - Medical
Kenilworth Union Church
$1,000General Operating Support - Religious
Lincoln Park Zoo
$500General Operating Support - Wildlife
Pi Kappa Phi Foundation
$500General Operating Support - Education
Chicago Botanic Garden
$500General Operating Support - Environment
Swedish American Museum
$250General Operating Support - Arts
University of Florida Foundation
$142,104Exempt purpose of organization - Education
The Domestic Abuse Shelter
$5,000Exempt purpose of organization - Welfare
American Legion Auxiliary 973 Tattler
$3,700Exempt purpose of organization - Veterans