The Sacks Family Foundation concentrates large, strategic gifts to major universities and civic institutions, with a strong Chicago-area orientation. Its giving emphasizes institutional strengthening — endowed faculty positions, research/urban labs, and capital/construction projects — alongside support for the Barack Obama presidential library and Jewish communal organizations. The foundation typically funds a small set of repeat grantees with multi-grant relationships rather than making many small awards.
A defining pattern of Sacks Family Foundation C/o Michael Sacks is its concentration of large gifts to a small set of repeat institutions, especially in Chicago and Evanston. The largest recent awards include seven-figure support for Jewish United Fund, Northwestern University, and The Barack Obama Foundation, signaling a portfolio built around universities, civic institutions, and Jewish communal philanthropy. The foundation also backs major cultural and educational anchors such as The Art Institute of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre Co, Hyde Park Art Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its recent grants show a strong preference for institutional strengthening over scattered one-off awards. Northwestern received support for the Osborn Endowed Professorship Fund, while The Barack Obama Foundation was funded for presidential library work and general operations. University of Chicago received support for Urban Labs, and Tulane University was funded for construction costs and operating support. The foundation’s giving also reaches health-related and public-safety work through Northwestern Memorial Foundation and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. Overall, the grant pattern points to long-horizon support for higher education, civic leadership, arts institutions, and community organizations with established roles in the Chicago area.
In higher education, the foundation backs endowed talent and university capacity. It gave $1,050,000 to Northwestern University to support the Osborn Endowed Professorship Fund, and later gave Northwestern another $1,000,000 for general operating support. It also supported University of Chicago with $500,000 for Urban Labs, showing an interest in research tied to public policy and urban issues. Arts and culture are another clear lane. The foundation gave $262,500 to The Art Institute of Chicago to support the exhibitions trust, $230,000 to Steppenwolf Theatre Co for Steppenwolf Education, and $200,000 to Hyde Park Art Center for general operating support. Museum work appears as well: Museum of Contemporary Art received funding tied to exhibitions, education programs, and performances for its 50th anniversary. Community and civic work also appear in the portfolio. Hope Chicago Inc received repeated support across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Jewish United Fund received major program support in both 2023 and 2024.
$7M
$3.1M
$17.8M
$7M
Most grants fall between $10K and $75K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$75K
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Concentrated, high-value grants to a handful of recurring institutional partners; mix of programmatic/endowment and capital funding; multi-grant relationships indicate multi-year commitments and preference for established nonprofit/institutional recipients.
Notable grantees: Northwestern University, The Barack Obama Foundation, University of Chicago, Tulane University, Jewish United Fund
Typical awards cluster at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $75,000 at the 75th percentile, even though the top of the range includes much larger institutional grants. The foundation shows a clear repeat-grantee pattern: Northwestern University, The Barack Obama Foundation, Tulane University, University of Chicago, Hope Chicago Inc, Steppenwolf Theatre Co, Hyde Park Art Center, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and Museum of Contemporary Art each appear more than once in the recent grants list. The structure is consistent with a family foundation making program support, general operating support, and capital or endowed-position gifts. All grants in the provided distribution went to U.S. recipients.
The grant map is heavily centered in Illinois, which accounts for 73% of grants and is the top state by count. Chicago is the most frequent city in the recent grants list, with recipients including Jewish United Fund, The Barack Obama Foundation, University of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre Co, Hyde Park Art Center, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and The Art Institute of Chicago. Evanston also appears through Northwestern University, and Skokie appears through Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Ctr. Outside Illinois, notable recipients include Tulane University in New Orleans and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund in New York.
The recent grants point to universities, civic institutions, arts organizations, and Jewish communal groups. Examples include Northwestern University, The Barack Obama Foundation, University of Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre Co, Hyde Park Art Center, and Jewish United Fund.
Yes. Multiple recipients appear across more than one year, including Northwestern University, The Barack Obama Foundation, Tulane University, University of Chicago, Hope Chicago Inc, Steppenwolf Theatre Co, Hyde Park Art Center, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
The grant-size distribution shows a 25th percentile of $10,000, a median of $25,000, and a 75th percentile of $75,000. The recent list also includes several much larger institutional gifts, including multiple seven-figure awards.
Illinois is the top state by grant count, with 73% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Chicago is the most common city in the recent grants list, with additional Illinois recipients in Evanston and Skokie.
Higher education, arts and culture, civic leadership, Jewish communal services, health, and public-safety work all appear. Named examples include Northwestern University, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Barack Obama Foundation, Jewish United Fund, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, and Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | EVANSTON, IL | $1,077,500 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE BARACK OBAMA FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $1,000,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| JEWISH UNITED FUND | CHICAGO, IL | $600,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TULANE UNIVERSITY | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $500,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $500,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NAVY SEAL FOUNDATION | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $375,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ANTI DEFAMATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $250,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HOPE CHICAGO INC | CHICAGO, IL | $250,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| EB RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP | NEW YORK, NY | $250,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| STEPPENWOLF THEATRE CO | CHICAGO, IL | $215,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BREAKING THROUGH INC | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $200,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HYDE PARK ART CENTER | CHICAGO, IL | $200,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART | CHICAGO, IL | $170,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $125,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| EISENHOWER MEDICAL CENTER | RANCHO MIRAGE, CA | $100,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| AM SHALOM | GLENCOE, IL | $93,100 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TEACH FOR AMERICA | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ERIKSON INSTITUTE | CHICAGO, IL | $75,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MUSICAL ARTS INSTITUTE | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ELLINGTON FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL | CHICAGO, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION | MCLEAN, VA | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY - HILLEL | EVANSTON, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM | WASHINGTON, DC | $50,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS OF CHICAGO | NORTHBROOK, IL | $30,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BRIGHT STAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NFP | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WHITE STORK - UNITED STATES LTD | WINNETKA, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| YOUTH GUIDANCE | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HILLEL THE FOUNDATION FOR JEWISH CAMPUS LIFE | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| REBECCA COPELAND FUND FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ELNET - FRIENDS OF ELNET | SKOKIE, IL | $25,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LURIE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $20,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| RANCHO MIRAGE WRITERS FESTIVAL | RANCHO MIRAGE, CA | $20,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| DREAMS FOR KIDS | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BROTHERS FOR LIFE | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | CHICAGO, IL | $15,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE RICHARD H DRIEHAUS MUSEUM | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 113 | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HIGHLAND PARK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| READING POWER INC | LAKE FOREST, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY ALLIANCE | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| DESIGN MUSEUM OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LYNN SAGE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE ART CENTER | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ALLIANCE FOR EXCELLENCE | LAKE BLUFF, IL | $5,000 | 2026 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
THE BARACK OBAMA FOUNDATION
$1,000,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TULANE UNIVERSITY
$500,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BREAKING THROUGH INC
$200,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
$170,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
AM SHALOM
$93,100TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ELLINGTON FUND
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY - HILLEL
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BRIGHT STAR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NFP
$25,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ELNET - FRIENDS OF ELNET
$25,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
LURIE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
$20,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
DREAMS FOR KIDS
$15,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BROTHERS FOR LIFE
$15,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 113
$10,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CHICAGO POLICE MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
$10,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
THE ART CENTER
$5,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ALLIANCE FOR EXCELLENCE
$5,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION