The Susan Nicholas Fasciano Family Foundation concentrates its giving on supporting collegiate athletics at the University of Wisconsin—primarily athlete scholarships and NIL-related initiatives—while also using donor-advised/philanthropic vehicles to make larger gifts. Grants are few but large and focused, indicating a targeted philanthropic interest in student-athlete support and efficient philanthropic infrastructure rather than broad community funding.
Susan Nicholas Fasciano Family Foundation Inc gave $1,000,000 in 2024 to the University of Wisconsin Foundation for scholarships for student-athletes on the University of Wisconsin women’s basketball team, making student-athlete support the clearest feature of its recent grantmaking. The foundation’s giving also includes a $250,000 award to The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund for the UW WI NIL fund for men’s basketball, showing attention to both scholarship support and athlete advancement. Beyond athletics, it backed the University of Wisconsin–Madison through several project-specific gifts, including support for the Barbara A. Suran Comparative Oncology Research Excellence Fund, the UW Carbone Cancer Center Innovation Fund, and the UW–Madison CDIS building project. The pattern is concentrated and relationship-driven: a few large grants account for most of the year’s activity, with the University of Wisconsin system appearing repeatedly as the main beneficiary. Smaller grants to Christ Church in Winnetka and the National Philanthropic Trust show that the foundation also uses philanthropic intermediaries and local institutions alongside its university-focused priorities.
Student-athlete support is the foundation’s strongest theme. In 2024 it gave $1,000,000 to the University of Wisconsin Foundation for scholarships for student-athletes on the women’s basketball team, and another $5,000 went to the Chancellor Rebecca Blank Great People Scholarship Fund. It also supported men’s basketball through a $250,000 gift to The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund for the UW WI NIL fund. Its non-athletics grants still stay close to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The foundation provided $250,000 for the Barbara A. Suran Comparative Oncology Research Excellence Fund, $100,000 for the UW Carbone Cancer Center Innovation Fund, and $100,000 for the UW–Madison CDIS building project. Outside the university, it made a $210,000 annual-campaign gift for the American Family Children’s Hospital Therapy Dog and a $25,000 general-operating grant to Christ Church in Winnetka.
The typical grant size is large: the 25th percentile is $15,000, the median is $100,000, and the 75th percentile is $250,000. That distribution fits a foundation that makes a small number of substantial, purpose-specific awards rather than many small checks. The 2024 list shows repeated support for the University of Wisconsin Foundation and The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, pointing to recurring relationships rather than isolated gifts. The foundation also uses philanthropic intermediaries, including National Philanthropic Trust, alongside direct grants. It funds individuals, and the available record shows grantmaking in the latest 990 year on file, 2024.
$2.8M
$52.9M
$4.6M
$3M
Most grants fall between $15K and $250K, with a median of $100K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$100K
75th Percentile
$250K
About 9% of grants go to recipients in WI.
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Highly concentrated: very few, large grants with repeat funding to a single university beneficiary (multi-year or multiple grants to University of Wisconsin). Also uses intermediary DAF/trust channels for sizable gifts rather than many small community grants.
Notable grantees: University of Wisconsin Foundation, The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund, National Philanthropic Trust
Grantmaking is regional and overwhelmingly U.S.-based, with all 11 recent grants going to recipients in the United States. Wisconsin is the top state by grant count, which aligns with repeated gifts to Madison-based recipients such as the University of Wisconsin Foundation and The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund. Illinois also appears in the record through Christ Church in Winnetka, while Pennsylvania appears through National Philanthropic Trust in Jenkintown. The foundation’s HQ is in Glenview, Illinois, but its giving is more concentrated in Wisconsin than in its home state.
Its clearest pattern is support for University of Wisconsin student-athletes, especially women’s basketball scholarships and men’s basketball NIL funding. The foundation also backs Wisconsin-based university research, campus projects, a pediatric therapy dog program, and one local church grant.
The grant-size profile is relatively large. The 25th percentile is $15,000, the median grant is $100,000, and the 75th percentile is $250,000. That pattern suggests a focus on fewer, larger awards.
No. Most recent grants go to University of Wisconsin–related recipients, but the record also includes a $25,000 grant to Christ Church in Winnetka, Illinois, and a $260,000 grant to National Philanthropic Trust in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
Wisconsin is the top state by grant count. Recent Wisconsin recipients are centered in Madison, including the University of Wisconsin Foundation and The Varsity Collective Charitable Fund.
Yes. The foundation’s profile indicates that it funds individuals, in addition to institutions and philanthropic intermediaries.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL PHILANTROPIC TRUST | JENKINTOWN, PA | $1,091,456 | 2026 | DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $350,000 | 2026 | UW CARBONE CANCER CENTER INNOVATION FUND RESTRICTED TO EQUIPMENT COSTS |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $350,000 | 2026 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2026 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR WOMEN'S BASKETBALL. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ONCOLOGY PROGRAM |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $107,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE MENS ROWING LEGACY ENDOWMENT |
| YOUTH SERVICES OF GLENVIEWNORTHBROOK | GLENVIEW, IL | $100,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM |
| RAVINA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $35,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE JOSSELYN CENTER NFP | NORTHBROOK, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| YOUTH SERVICES OF GLENVIEWNORTHBROOK | GLENVIEW, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MISERICORDIA HOME | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICE | MADISON, WI | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GET UPSTAND UP TO CURE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION | MINNETONKA, MN | $25,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER |
| CHRIST CHURCH | WINNETKA, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING. |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCOE, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UNITE 2 FIGHT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $25,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER |
| THE RIDGES SANCTUARY INC | BAILEYS HARBOR, WI | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $750,000 | 2025 | ALLOCATED PER GRANT AGREEMENT |
| YOUTH SERVICES OF GLENVIEWNORTHBROOK | GLENVIEW, IL | $500,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE ACT NOW PROGRAM |
| NATIONAL PHILANTROPIC TRUST | JENKINTOWN, PA | $435,000 | 2025 | DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS. |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2025 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2025 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR WOMEN'S BASKETBALL. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI NIL FUND | MADISON, WI | $100,000 | 2025 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL |
| TEAM RUBICON | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICE | MADISON, WI | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHRIST CHURCH | WINNETKA, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING. |
| MISERICORDIA HOME | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE JOSSELYN CENTER NFP | NORTHBROOK, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCOE, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GET UPSTAND UP TO CURE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION | MINNETONKA, MN | $15,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER |
| UNITE 2 FIGHT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $15,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $1,000,000 | 2024 | TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENT ATHLETES ON THE UNIVERSITYS WOMENS BASKETBALL TEAM. |
| NATIONAL PHILANTROPIC TRUST | JENKINTOWN, PA | $260,000 | 2024 | DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS. |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2024 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $250,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. BARBARA A SURAN COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FUND. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $210,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. AMERICAN FAMILY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL THERAPY DOG. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $100,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. UW CARBONE CANCER CENTER INNOVATION FUND. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $100,000 | 2024 | UW MADISON CDIS BUILDING PROJECT |
| CHRIST CHURCH | WINNETKA, IL | $25,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING. |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $5,000 | 2024 | CHANCELLOR REBECCA BLANK GREAT PEOPLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. |
| THE VARSITY COLLECTIVE CHARITABLE FUND | MADISON, WI | $1,000 | 2024 | UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL |
| UNIVERSITY OF WI FOUNDATION | MADISON, WI | $1,000 | 2024 | ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GOLF FUND |
DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS.
UW CARBONE CANCER CENTER INNOVATION FUND RESTRICTED TO EQUIPMENT COSTS
TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ONCOLOGY PROGRAM
TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
RAVINA FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION
$35,000GENERAL SUPPORT
DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICE
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
GET UPSTAND UP TO CURE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
$25,000SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER
CHRIST CHURCH
$25,000ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING.
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
UNITE 2 FIGHT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
$25,000SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER
THE RIDGES SANCTUARY INC
$5,000GENERAL SUPPORT
DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS.
UNIVERSITY OF WI NIL FUND
$100,000UW WI NIL FUND FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL
TEAM RUBICON
$100,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CHRIST CHURCH
$25,000ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING.
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
GET UPSTAND UP TO CURE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
$15,000SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER
UNITE 2 FIGHT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
$15,000SUPPORT OF JAKE ANDERSON'S JANDYSTRONG 30-FOR-30 FUNDRAISER
TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENT ATHLETES ON THE UNIVERSITYS WOMENS BASKETBALL TEAM.
DEDICATED TO INCREASING PHILANTHROPY IN SOCIETY BY REMOVING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDENS AND INCREASING OVERALL AWARENESS OF CHARITABLE GIVING NEEDS.
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. BARBARA A SURAN COMPARATIVE ONCOLOGY RESEARCH EXCELLENCE FUND.
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. AMERICAN FAMILY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL THERAPY DOG.
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. UW CARBONE CANCER CENTER INNOVATION FUND.
CHRIST CHURCH
$25,000ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. GENERAL OPERATING.
CHANCELLOR REBECCA BLANK GREAT PEOPLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND.