The Helen V. Brach Foundation concentrates its philanthropy in the Chicago area with a strong emphasis on Catholic and Jesuit education, parochial schools, and higher-education programs tied to social justice and teacher preparation. It also supports local human services (food security, special-needs care), Catholic institutional needs (theological education, diocesan support), and cultural/conservation institutions like zoos. Grants often fund scholarship/hardship funds, operating and program support, matching gifts, and capital or facility needs for schools and community organizations.
Helen V Brach Foundation’s recent grantmaking shows a strong pattern of support for Chicago-area Catholic education and institutions, with multiple six-figure grants to the same school and university partners. The largest recent awards include $250,000 to Big Shoulders Fund, $250,000 to Arrupe College of Loyola Univ of Chgo, and $250,000 to Loyola Univ School of Law. Those grants point to a mix of scholarship support, educator development, and named academic honors rather than one-off project funding. The foundation also backs Catholic Theological Union and Catholic Extension, tying its giving to theological education, ministry formation, and mission dioceses. Beyond faith-based education, it funds organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Misericordia, and public-facing cultural and conservation institutions like Lincoln Park Zoo. Recent grants also reach Pine Ridge through Red Cloud Indian School, showing support for Lakota students’ spiritual formation. Across these examples, the foundation’s grantmaking combines operating support, program support, scholarships, hardship funds, and facility-related needs.
Catholic and Jesuit education is a clear through line. In 2024 and 2025, Helen V Brach Foundation gave $100,000 to Loyola University of Chicago for the LU-CHOICE teacher program, Arrupe-to-Loyola scholarships, Nursing student visits to Pine Ridge, and the School of Law; it also gave $75,000 to DePaul University for the Egan Hope Scholars program for low-income, first-generation students committed to social justice. The foundation also supports theological formation. Catholic Theological Union received $100,000 in 2024 in honor of Rev. Donald Senior C.P., and $75,000 in 2023 for the Brach Scholars-Leaders in Ministry program for graduate theology students. In disability services, Misericordia received $100,000 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2025 for programs and services for residents with moderate to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. The foundation also funds Lakota spiritual formation at Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, with grants of $75,000 and $50,000 across recent years.
Grant sizes cluster around modest-to-mid four figures, with a typical grant size of $2,250 at the 25th percentile, $10,000 at the median, and $15,000 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also shows that the foundation makes repeated awards to the same recipients across multiple years, including Big Shoulders Fund, Loyola University of Chicago, Misericordia, Lincoln Park Zoo, Catholic Extension Soc USA, and Red Cloud Indian School. Helen V Brach Foundation is a regular funder rather than a DAF, and it funds individuals as well as organizations. The pattern in the recent grants suggests a mix of recurring institutional support, named honors, and purpose-specific grants rather than one-time-only philanthropy.
$5.9M
$127.9M
$17.2M
$7.7M
Most grants fall between $2K and $15K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$2K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$15K
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Concentrated, locally focused giving with repeat multi-year support to a core set of grantees (many schools and Catholic institutions). Grants skew toward modest-to-medium amounts across many recurring recipients, using matching and discretionary board-directed grants, scholarship/hardship funds, and occasional capital or program-specific awards.
Notable grantees: Big Shoulders Fund, Catholic Theological Union, Loyola University of Chicago (including Arrupe College and School of Law), St. Ignatius College Prep, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Helen V Brach Foundation’s giving is concentrated in Illinois, with 80% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Chicago dominates the recent list, including grants to Big Shoulders Fund, Loyola University of Chicago, Catholic Theological Union, Misericordia, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Catholic Charities Chicago. Outside Illinois, grantmaking also reaches Pine Ridge, South Dakota, through Red Cloud Indian School. By grant count, Ohio is the top state for giving overall, though the recent grant list is heavily Chicago-centered.
The recent grants emphasize Catholic and Jesuit education, theological formation, disability services, and cultural or conservation institutions. Examples include support for Loyola University of Chicago’s LU-CHOICE teacher program, Catholic Theological Union’s ministry training, Misericordia’s services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Lincoln Park Zoo’s admission-free wildlife experience and education work.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Big Shoulders Fund, Loyola University of Chicago, Misericordia, Lincoln Park Zoo, Catholic Extension Soc USA, Red Cloud Indian School, and St Ignatius College Prep. That pattern suggests recurring relationships rather than only one-time awards.
The foundation’s typical grant size is $2,250 at the 25th percentile, $10,000 at the median, and $15,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards also show larger multi-year institutional grants, including several at $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, and $250,000.
Grantmaking is concentrated in Illinois, with 80% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Chicago accounts for many of the named recent grants, while Pine Ridge, South Dakota, appears as a non-Illinois location through support for Red Cloud Indian School.
Yes. The foundation funds individuals as well as organizations. Its recent grant list is organization-focused, but the classification data explicitly notes that it funds individuals.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | For the LU-CHOICE teacher program, the Arrupe Hardship Fund, Nursing student visits to Pine Ridge, and the School of Law |
| Big Shoulders Fund | Chicago, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | To provide scholarships, leadership development for school leaders and educators and academic enrichment programs |
| Misericordia | Chicago, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | To support variety of programs and services for residents with moderate to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | Chicago, IL | $75,000 | 2025 | To provide an admission-free wildlife experience while advancing the highest quality animal care, education, science and conservation |
| Catholic Theological Union | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To support the Brach Scholars-Leaders in Ministry program for exceptional students pursuing graduate degree in theology |
| Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield Zoo | Brookfield, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | For the Dept. of Animal Health, Welfare and Science supporting scientific initiatives in animal welfare and daily care of animals |
| Dominican University | River Forest, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | For the Brach Hardship Fund the St. Catherine of Siena Center and the Caritas Veritas Symposium |
| Red Cloud Indian School | Pine Ridge, SD | $50,000 | 2025 | To support K-12th grade Spiritual Formation Program for Lakota students for 2024-2025 school year |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To support the Food Purchase for Hunger Relief Initiatives so community members have access to healthy food |
| Catholic Charities Chicago | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | For general operating support in Fiscal Year 2025 |
| Catholic Extension Soc USA | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | For the needs of mission dioceses, including support of religious education and faith formation programs, building churches and facilities |
| NIJC- National Immigrant Justice Ctr | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To support the National Immigrant Justice Center to defend justice and human rights in a complex immigration system |
| St Ignatius College Prep | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To support the Saint Ignatius- 1055 Roosevelt Building athletic training space to provide medical examination areas and equipment |
| Access Living of Chicago | Chicago, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To support the Access Living Youth Institute to give youth with disabilities the tools they need to live independent lives |
| Northern IL Food Bank | Geneva, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | To provide nutritious food through new and established programs to meet increased demand across 13 counties |
| Mercy Housing Lakefront | Chicago, IL | $45,000 | 2025 | For Chicagoland Affordable Housing Development Preservation Initiative which will work to increase the number of units available |
| Mary Mother of God Parish | Chicago, IL | $40,000 | 2025 | For Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen operating expense, Canterbury House outreach, aid for asylum seekers, and Eucharistic Revival Program |
| Our Lady of Tepeyac HS | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To support the Advancement Office to meet the schools development, marketing and recruitment goals |
| Maryville Academy | Des Plaines, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | For Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen operating expense, Canterbury House outreach, aid for asylum seekers, and Eucharistic Revival Program |
| Environmental Law & Policy Center | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To support rapid response litigation and advocacy to protect wildlife biodiversity and habitat in the Great Lakes region |
| IL Community for Displaced Immigrants | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | For wrap around care and assistance given to asylum seekers in Chicago including those sent by the State of Texas |
| Harris Theater for Music & Dance | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To support general operations for the Theaters 2024/2025 Season |
| Bread for the World Institute | Washington, DC | $35,000 | 2025 | To support policy work and education to reduce hunger in the United States and to work with churches for those in need |
| DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | For Egan Hope Scholars program for low-income students from a public high school, especially first-generation, and committed to social justice |
| Leo High School | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To provide need-based scholarship assistance to students, which needs are presently greater because of increased enrollment |
| Bethlehem University Fdn | Beltsville, MD | $35,000 | 2025 | To purchase new Samsung tablets for use by the teaching faculty and staff for teaching in a hybrid classroom model |
| Boys Hope Girls Hope of IL | Wilmette, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | For ACT prep, professional tutoring and therapy, and construction renovations for boys and girls homes |
| Chicago Jesuit Academy | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To provide scholarship support for the young men in the class of 2026 at the Academy |
| St Francis de Sales HS | Chicago, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To provide financial support to students who have financial need and have lost their tax credit scholarship |
| Notre Dame Univ ACE | Notre Dame, IN | $35,000 | 2025 | To support ACE graduates as mentor teachers and provide financial aid so no student will be turned away |
| Loyola Academy | Wilmette, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | To modernize two classrooms including soft carpet squares, mobile personalized desks and chairs, and custom whiteboards |
| Catherine's Caring Cause | Evergreen Park, IL | $30,000 | 2025 | Matching Grant |
| Immigration Project | Normal, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To support immigrant survivors of trauma in obtaining stability, safety and advocating for lawful permanent residency |
| Mount Carmel HS | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To help subsidize McDermott/Doyle Program which serves students with learning disabilities but who have potential to succeed at college level |
| International Crane Foundation | Baraboo, WI | $25,000 | 2025 | To support restoration and protection of migrating Whooping Cranes, the worlds rarest crane species |
| IL Community for Displaced Immigrants | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | Matching Grant |
| Holy Trinity HS | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To give Chicagos youth an excellent education regardless of their families ability to afford tuition |
| NIJC- National Immigrant Justice Ctr | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | Matching Grant |
| Cristo Rey St Martin Coll Prep | Waukeegan, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | For operating support to continue to provide high-quality college preparatory education to students of limited means |
| National Anti-Vivisection Soc | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To support the writing, design, printing, mailing and fulfillment of editions of Animal Action news magazine |
| Midwest Prov Soc of Jesus | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | For a kitchen renovation project at the Canisius House Jesuit Residence in Evanston, IL and to support Hekima University in East Africa |
| Hooved Animal Rescue & Protect Soc | Barrington Hills, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | For care and rehabilitation of hooved animals impounded under Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, and shelter and supervision of animals |
| Animal Legal Defense Fund | Cotati, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | To support the Criminal Justice Program for prosecution of animal cruelty cases and improvement of animal protection laws |
| Catherine's Caring Cause | Evergreen Park, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | Matching Grant |
| University of St Mary of The Lake | Mundelein, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To provide practical and mission opportunities for seminarians through the Tolton Teaching Parish Program |
| Housing Forward | Maywood, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To support wraparound programming to enable clients transitions from survival to self-sufficiency, including supportive housing |
| St Xavier University | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | For program expenses of diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders for children and adults at its no-fee Ludden Clinic |
| DePaul College Prep Fdn | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To support the One Dream, All In Campaign for the Future of DePaul College Prep |
| Calumet College of St Joseph | Whiting, IN | $25,000 | 2025 | To support the Brach Internship Program to place student interns where their contributions are enhancing the community |
| Marillac St Vincent Family Svcs | Chicago, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | To support Hope Junior Program which provides academic enrichment, social and recreational support to at-risk youth and teens |
For the LU-CHOICE teacher program, the Arrupe Hardship Fund, Nursing student visits to Pine Ridge, and the School of Law
To provide scholarships, leadership development for school leaders and educators and academic enrichment programs
Misericordia
$75,000To support variety of programs and services for residents with moderate to profound intellectual and developmental disabilities
Lincoln Park Zoo
$75,000To provide an admission-free wildlife experience while advancing the highest quality animal care, education, science and conservation
Catholic Theological Union
$50,000To support the Brach Scholars-Leaders in Ministry program for exceptional students pursuing graduate degree in theology
For the Dept. of Animal Health, Welfare and Science supporting scientific initiatives in animal welfare and daily care of animals
Dominican University
$50,000For the Brach Hardship Fund the St. Catherine of Siena Center and the Caritas Veritas Symposium
Red Cloud Indian School
$50,000To support K-12th grade Spiritual Formation Program for Lakota students for 2024-2025 school year
To support the Food Purchase for Hunger Relief Initiatives so community members have access to healthy food
Catholic Charities Chicago
$50,000For general operating support in Fiscal Year 2025
Catholic Extension Soc USA
$50,000For the needs of mission dioceses, including support of religious education and faith formation programs, building churches and facilities
NIJC- National Immigrant Justice Ctr
$50,000To support the National Immigrant Justice Center to defend justice and human rights in a complex immigration system
St Ignatius College Prep
$50,000To support the Saint Ignatius- 1055 Roosevelt Building athletic training space to provide medical examination areas and equipment
Access Living of Chicago
$50,000To support the Access Living Youth Institute to give youth with disabilities the tools they need to live independent lives
Northern IL Food Bank
$50,000To provide nutritious food through new and established programs to meet increased demand across 13 counties
For Chicagoland Affordable Housing Development Preservation Initiative which will work to increase the number of units available
Mary Mother of God Parish
$40,000For Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen operating expense, Canterbury House outreach, aid for asylum seekers, and Eucharistic Revival Program
Our Lady of Tepeyac HS
$35,000To support the Advancement Office to meet the schools development, marketing and recruitment goals
Maryville Academy
$35,000For Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen operating expense, Canterbury House outreach, aid for asylum seekers, and Eucharistic Revival Program
To support rapid response litigation and advocacy to protect wildlife biodiversity and habitat in the Great Lakes region
IL Community for Displaced Immigrants
$35,000For wrap around care and assistance given to asylum seekers in Chicago including those sent by the State of Texas
Harris Theater for Music & Dance
$35,000To support general operations for the Theaters 2024/2025 Season
To support policy work and education to reduce hunger in the United States and to work with churches for those in need
For Egan Hope Scholars program for low-income students from a public high school, especially first-generation, and committed to social justice
Leo High School
$35,000To provide need-based scholarship assistance to students, which needs are presently greater because of increased enrollment
Bethlehem University Fdn
$35,000To purchase new Samsung tablets for use by the teaching faculty and staff for teaching in a hybrid classroom model
For ACT prep, professional tutoring and therapy, and construction renovations for boys and girls homes
Chicago Jesuit Academy
$35,000To provide scholarship support for the young men in the class of 2026 at the Academy
St Francis de Sales HS
$35,000To provide financial support to students who have financial need and have lost their tax credit scholarship
Notre Dame Univ ACE
$35,000To support ACE graduates as mentor teachers and provide financial aid so no student will be turned away
Loyola Academy
$35,000To modernize two classrooms including soft carpet squares, mobile personalized desks and chairs, and custom whiteboards
Catherine's Caring Cause
$30,000Matching Grant
To support immigrant survivors of trauma in obtaining stability, safety and advocating for lawful permanent residency
Mount Carmel HS
$25,000To help subsidize McDermott/Doyle Program which serves students with learning disabilities but who have potential to succeed at college level
To support restoration and protection of migrating Whooping Cranes, the worlds rarest crane species
IL Community for Displaced Immigrants
$25,000Matching Grant
Holy Trinity HS
$25,000To give Chicagos youth an excellent education regardless of their families ability to afford tuition
NIJC- National Immigrant Justice Ctr
$25,000Matching Grant
Cristo Rey St Martin Coll Prep
$25,000For operating support to continue to provide high-quality college preparatory education to students of limited means
To support the writing, design, printing, mailing and fulfillment of editions of Animal Action news magazine
Midwest Prov Soc of Jesus
$25,000For a kitchen renovation project at the Canisius House Jesuit Residence in Evanston, IL and to support Hekima University in East Africa
Hooved Animal Rescue & Protect Soc
$25,000For care and rehabilitation of hooved animals impounded under Illinois Humane Care for Animals Act, and shelter and supervision of animals
To support the Criminal Justice Program for prosecution of animal cruelty cases and improvement of animal protection laws
Catherine's Caring Cause
$25,000Matching Grant
University of St Mary of The Lake
$25,000To provide practical and mission opportunities for seminarians through the Tolton Teaching Parish Program
To support wraparound programming to enable clients transitions from survival to self-sufficiency, including supportive housing
St Xavier University
$25,000For program expenses of diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders for children and adults at its no-fee Ludden Clinic
To support the One Dream, All In Campaign for the Future of DePaul College Prep
Calumet College of St Joseph
$25,000To support the Brach Internship Program to place student interns where their contributions are enhancing the community
To support Hope Junior Program which provides academic enrichment, social and recreational support to at-risk youth and teens