The Regenstein Foundation concentrates on sustaining major Chicago-area institutions, providing large operating support to leading hospitals, medical research/rehabilitation centers, and cultural assets. Its grants prioritize core institutional stability for health care providers (children's and major medical centers) and prominent civic amenities (aquarium, botanic garden, zoo), often funding the same flagship organizations multiple times. Giving is strongly local and institution-focused rather than project-based or small community groups.
Concentrated, high-dollar operating grants to a small set of flagship grantees with multiple repeat gifts; primarily local (Chicago) beneficiaries and emphasis on institutional/core support rather than many small, one-off grants.
The Regenstein Foundation is based in Chicago, IL. It gave $14,853,750 in annual grants and held $74,826,234 in total assets in the latest 990 year on file, 2025. Its giving is regional and concentrated in Chicago-area institutions, with a pattern of operational support rather than project grants. The foundation’s recent grants show repeated support for hospitals, medical research and rehabilitation organizations, and cultural institutions. Named recipients include SHEDD AQUARIUM, which received $1,510,000 in 2023 and $1,010,000 in 2024; LINCOLN PARK ZOO, which received $1,112,000 in 2024 and $112,000 in 2025; and ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, which received $1,070,000 in 2024 and $1,000,000 in 2025. Other large grants in the recent record include RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER at $1,035,000 in 2024 and $1,000,000 in 2025, and CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN at $860,000 in 2024 and $800,000 in 2025. The foundation funds individuals: False and makes program-related investments: False. Its recent record is weighted toward general operating support for established organizations in Illinois, especially Chicago.
Recent grantmaking spans organizational capacity, program operations support, and indirect or overhead costs. Notable grants include $1,510,000 to SHEDD AQUARIUM for operational support, $1,070,000 to ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL for operational support, and $1,035,000 to RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER for operational support. Other grants show the same pattern, including $860,000 to CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, $555,000 to SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB, and $550,000 to NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION. The recent grant list also includes cultural and civic institutions such as LINCOLN PARK ZOO and FIELD MUSEUM, alongside health-focused recipients.
The Regenstein Foundation’s typical grant size is $15,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $53,750 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants file also shows multiple six- and seven-figure awards, reflecting a mix of smaller operating gifts and larger institutional support. Its giving is concentrated in established organizations rather than individuals, and the grant descriptions are consistently operational support. The foundation’s geography is regional, and 60% of grants go to recipients in Illinois. The latest 990 year on file is 2025.
$11.6M
$77.5M
$5.6M
$12.2M
Most grants fall between $15K and $54K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$15K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$54K
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Notable grantees: Rush University Medical Center, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Botanic Garden, Lincoln Park Zoo, Northwestern Memorial Foundation
The Regenstein Foundation gives most often in Illinois, which accounts for the largest share of grant count and 60% of grants to recipients in the HQ state. Its headquarters is in Chicago, IL, and the recent grant record is heavily centered there. Outside Illinois, recent recipients are in Florida, including Naples, Palmetto Bay, and Palmetto Bay-based THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 94 grants, or 100.0%, in the United States.
The provided data does not state whether The Regenstein Foundation accepts unsolicited applications. The available record only shows recent grants and does not include an application process or submission method.
The Regenstein Foundation typically funds operational support for Chicago-area hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation organizations, and cultural institutions. Recent grants include SHEDD AQUARIUM, ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, LINCOLN PARK ZOO, and CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN.
Its typical grant size is $15,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $53,750 at the 75th percentile. Recent grants also include larger awards, such as $1,510,000 to SHEDD AQUARIUM and $1,112,000 to LINCOLN PARK ZOO.
The Regenstein Foundation is based in Chicago, IL, and its giving is regional. Illinois is the state where it gives most often, and 60% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Recent non-Illinois grants went to recipients in Florida.
Recent grantees include SHEDD AQUARIUM, LINCOLN PARK ZOO, ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN, SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB, NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, FIELD MUSEUM, GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE, NCH HEALTHCARE, THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION, NAPLES ZOO, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, and JEWISH UNITED FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHEDD AQUARIUM | CHICAGO, IL | $1,750,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | CHICAGO, IL | $1,060,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB | CHICAGO, IL | $1,055,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $1,020,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCOE, IL | $550,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| LINCOLN PARK ZOO | CHICAGO, IL | $240,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE | NAPLES, FL | $225,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $150,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NAPLES COMMUNITY HOSPITAL | NAPLES, FL | $100,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| FIELD MUSEUM | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | BROOKFIELD, IL | $90,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NAPLES ZOO | NAPLES, FL | $90,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| LUMEN CHRISTI INSTITUTE | CHICAGO, IL | $55,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ARTIS - NAPLES | NAPLES, FL | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ART INSTITUE OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| PARLIAMENT OF WORLD'S RELIGIONS | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA | NAPLES, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| THE SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| THE WASTESHED | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| KATZ RHEUMATOLOGY RESEARCH EDUCAION FUND | ATLANTA, GA | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| MILLENNIUM PARK FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| SERBS FOR SERBS | CHICAGO, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN | NAPLES, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM COALITION | NORTHBROOK, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OF SOUTHWEST | NAPLES, FL | $5,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $1,000,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $1,000,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCO, IL | $800,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $500,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE | NAPLES, FL | $150,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $150,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| LINCOLN PARK ZOO | CHICAGO, IL | $112,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| FIELD MUSEUM | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $70,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | GLENCO, IL | $60,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS | CHICAGO, IL | $55,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NAPLES ZOO | NAPLES, FL | $50,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| JEWISH UNITED FEDERATION OF METROPOLITAN CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| NCH HEALTHCARE | NAPLES, FL | $50,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY | BROOKFIELD, IL | $48,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB | CHICAGO, IL | $45,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $35,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK | WASHINGTON, DC | $30,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
| PHILHARMONIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS | NAPLES, FL | $25,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL SUPPORT |
ANN & ROBERT H LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$1,060,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$150,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
ARTIS - NAPLES
$25,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
PARLIAMENT OF WORLD'S RELIGIONS
$15,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
$15,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
THE WASTESHED
$10,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
KATZ RHEUMATOLOGY RESEARCH EDUCAION FUND
$5,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
MILLENNIUM PARK FOUNDATION
$5,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
SERBS FOR SERBS
$5,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM COALITION
$5,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OF SOUTHWEST
$5,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$800,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$500,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$150,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
LINCOLN PARK ZOO
$112,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
$60,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
$55,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
NCH HEALTHCARE
$50,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK
$30,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
PHILHARMONIC CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$25,000OPERATIONAL SUPPORT