Polen Family Foundation | Foundation Profile

GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like Polen Family Foundation. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.

EIN: 20-3970463

Foundation Overview

Based in Highland Park, IL, Polen Family Foundation has awarded 205 grants totaling $572,500 to organizations in Illinois, New York and 8 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $500 to $25,000, with a median award of $2,000.

Latest Tax Year
2023
Total Giving (all years)
$572,500
Total Assets
$1,186,904
Median Grant (all grants)
$2,000

Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot

Total Grants
35
Median Grant
$2,000
% No Significant Change
0% (vs previous year)
Data extracted from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Last filing year: February 2026

Foundation Intelligence

Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies

New Applicant Friendliness
Relationship-Focused: 23%

8 of 35 recipients (23%) were new grantees. Foundation strongly favors organizations with proven track records. New partnerships develop slowly over time.

Geographic Focus
Illinois

69% of grants are awarded in Illinois, with additional funding distributed across 9 other locations. The foundation balances regional focus with broader geographic diversity. Within Illinois, funding concentrates in Chicago (46%), Highland Park (12%), Northbrook (5%).

Funding Trajectory
+46%

Moderate 46% growth trend over 3 years suggests stable and gradually increasing funding capacity. This positive trajectory indicates reliable grant-making resources and sustainable philanthropic commitment.

Program Areas
General Purposes

Highly focused on general purposes with 100% of funding dedicated to this sector. This specialization indicates deep expertise and committed investment in the field.

Where is The Money Going?

Loading geographic data...
Loading chart...
Loading chart...
Loading chart...

Grants & Funding

Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into Polen Family Foundation's funding preferences, organizational priorities, and grant making patterns. This historical data helps potential applicants understand the foundation's strategic focus and identify successful funding approaches.

Name Amount Location Purpose Year
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
American Friends Of The Israel Sport Center For The Disabled $2,500 Northfield, IL, US Charitable 2023
America's Vetdogs $2,000 Smithtown, NY, US Charitable 2023
Anti-defamation League $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation $6,500 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2023
Cancer Wellness Center $2,500 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2023
Catholic Charities $5,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2023
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2023
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2023
College Board Opportunities $1,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2023
Disabled American Veterans $6,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2023
For Autistic Kids $5,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2023
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $10,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Heifer International $5,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2023
Hp Community Foundation $5,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2023
Icfs $2,000 National City, CA, US Charitable 2023
Jewish War Veterans Of The Usa $2,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2023
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2023
Josselyn Center $1,500 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2023
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2023
Lake Forest Open Lands $1,000 Lake Forest, IL, US Charitable 2023
Multiple Sclerosis Of America $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
National Park Foundation $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2023
Northern Illinois Food Bank $3,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2023
Pads Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2023
Paws Chicago $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Shirly Ryan Abilitylab $25,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
The Ark $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Tunnel To Towers Foundation $1,000 Staten Island, NY, US Charitable 2023
United Way $7,500 Alexandria, VA, US Charitable 2023
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2023
Vail Health Foundation $500 Edwards, CO, US Charitable 2023
Wild Aid $2,000 San Francisco, CA, US Charitable 2023
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Friends Of The Israel Sport Center For The Disabled $1,000 Northfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Red Cross $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Aspen Glen Education Foundation $1,000 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2022
Avenue Animal Hospital $1,000 Tinley Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Cancer Wellness Center $2,500 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2022
Catholic Charities $2,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
College Board Opportunities $2,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Disabled American Veterans $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2022
For Autistic Kids $3,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2022
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Heifer International $5,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2022
Hp Community Foundation $5,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Icfs $3,000 National City, CA, US Charitable 2022
Jewish War Veterans Of The Usa $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Family Services $1,500 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lurie Children's Foundation $10,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy $10,000 Boston, MA, US Charitable 2022
Multiple Sclerosis Of America $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
National Park Foundation $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Northern Illinois Food Bank $2,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2022
Pads Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2022
Paws Chicago $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Scholarship America $1,000 Suite, MN, US Charitable 2022
The Ark $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
United Way $5,000 Alexandria, VA, US Charitable 2022
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Wild Aid $2,000 San Francisco, CA, US Charitable 2022
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Friends Of The Israel Sport Center For The Disabled $1,000 Northfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Red Cross $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Aspen Glen Education Foundation $1,000 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2022
Avenue Animal Hospital $1,000 Tinley Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Cancer Wellness Center $2,500 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2022
Catholic Charities $2,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
College Board Opportunities $2,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Disabled American Veterans $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2022
For Autistic Kids $3,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2022
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Heifer International $5,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2022
Hp Community Foundation $5,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Icfs $3,000 National City, CA, US Charitable 2022
Jewish War Veterans Of The Usa $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Family Services $1,500 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lurie Children's Foundation $10,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy $10,000 Boston, MA, US Charitable 2022
Multiple Sclerosis Of America $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
National Park Foundation $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Northern Illinois Food Bank $2,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2022
Pads Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2022
Paws Chicago $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Scholarship America $1,000 Suite, MN, US Charitable 2022
The Ark $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
United Way $5,000 Alexandria, VA, US Charitable 2022
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Wild Aid $2,000 San Francisco, CA, US Charitable 2022
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Friends Of The Israel Sport Center For The Disabled $1,000 Northfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
American Red Cross $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Aspen Glen Education Foundation $1,000 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2022
Avenue Animal Hospital $1,000 Tinley Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Cancer Wellness Center $2,500 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2022
Catholic Charities $2,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2022
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2022
College Board Opportunities $2,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Disabled American Veterans $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2022
For Autistic Kids $3,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2022
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Heifer International $5,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2022
Hp Community Foundation $5,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Icfs $3,000 National City, CA, US Charitable 2022
Jewish War Veterans Of The Usa $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lake County Family Services $1,500 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2022
Lurie Children's Foundation $10,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy $10,000 Boston, MA, US Charitable 2022
Multiple Sclerosis Of America $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
National Park Foundation $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2022
Northern Illinois Food Bank $2,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2022
Pads Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2022
Paws Chicago $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Scholarship America $1,000 Suite, MN, US Charitable 2022
The Ark $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
United Way $5,000 Alexandria, VA, US Charitable 2022
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2022
Wild Aid $2,000 San Francisco, CA, US Charitable 2022
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
American Red Cross $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
American Vet Dogs $1,000 Smithtown, NY, US Charitable 2021
Aspen Valley Hospital $10,000 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2021
Cancer Wellness Center $1,000 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2021
Catholic Charities $2,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2021
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2021
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2021
Childrens Hospital $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
College Board Opportunities $1,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2021
Disabled American Veterans $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2021
For Autistic Kids $3,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2021
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $3,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
Heifer International $5,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2021
Hp Community Foundation $2,500 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2021
Icfs $1,500 National City, CA, US Charitable 2021
Jewish War Veterans Of The Usa $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2021
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2021
Lake County Family Services $1,500 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2021
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy $10,000 Boston, MA, US Charitable 2021
Multiple Sclerosis Of America $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
National Parks Conservation Association $1,000 Washington, DC, US Charitable 2021
Northern Illinois Food Bank $2,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2021
Pads Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2021
Paws Chicago $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
The Ark $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
Wfmt $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2021
Wild Aid $2,000 San Francisco, CA, US Charitable 2021
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitab;e 2021
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2021
American Cancer Society $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
American Red Cross $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
American Vets $1,000 Springfield, IL, US Charitable 2020
Aspen Valley Hospital $5,000 Aspen, CO, US Charitable 2020
Austrialian Bushfire Crisis $5,000 Reno, NV, US Charitable 2020
Cancer Wellness Center $1,000 Northbrook, IL, US Charitable 2020
Catholic Charities $2,500 Carol Stream, IL, US Charitable 2020
Chicago Botanical Garden $1,500 Glencoe, IL, US Charitable 2020
Chicago Zoological Society $2,500 Brookfield, IL, US Charitable 2020
Childrens Hospital Chicago $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
College Band Opportunities $1,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2020
Disabled American Veterans $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Doctors Without Borders $2,500 New York, NY, US Charitable 2020
For Autistic Kids $3,000 Glenview, IL, US Charitable 2020
Friends Of The Israel Defense Forces $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Heifer International $4,000 Little Rock, AR, US Charitable 2020
Hp Community Foundation $1,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2020
Jcfs Chicago $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Jewish War Vets Usa $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2020
Jimmy Fund $5,000 Brookline, MA, US Charitable 2020
Lake County Children's Advocacy $1,000 Gurnee, IL, US Charitable 2020
Lake County Family Services $1,000 Highland Park, IL, US Charitable 2020
Massachusetts College Of Pharmacy $10,000 Boston, MA, US Charitable 2020
Michael Reese Health Trust $5,000 Elgin, IL, US Charitable 2020
Multiple Sclerosis $2,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
National Parks Foundation $1,000 Washington Dc, DC, US Charitable 2020
Northern Illinois Food Bank $1,000 Geneva, IL, US Charitable 2020
Pads Of Lake County $1,000 Waukegan, IL, US Charitable 2020
Paws $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Saint Jude's Children's Hospital $1,000 Peoria, IL, US Charitable 2020
Salvation Army $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
The Ark $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
United Way $5,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Uso $1,500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Wounded Warrior Foundation $1,000 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020
Wttw Chicago Pbs $500 Chicago, IL, US Charitable 2020

Foundations Similar to Polen Family Foundation

Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($1,176,532-$1,189,252), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in IL that may also align with your organization's funding needs and grant seeking strategy.

Foundation Name Total Assets Typical Grant Size Service Area Similarity Match

EIN: 20-3071946 | 64 grants awarded
$1,185,668
(≈ Similar)
$1,000
median grant
Chicago, IL
Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 84-4902723 | 125 grants awarded
$1,188,958
(≈ Similar)
$2,000
median grant
Streamwood, IL
Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 36-7541288 | 206 grants awarded
$1,189,252
(≈ Similar)
$1,000
median grant
Clarendon Hills, IL
Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 25-0965217 | 144 grants awarded
$1,180,413
(≈ Similar)
$2,000
median grant
Chicago, IL
Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 36-6062019 | 379 grants awarded
$1,176,532
(≈ Similar)
$2,000
median grant
Oak Park, IL
Same state
100%
Excellent match

Contact Information

Official contact details for Polen Family Foundation as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.

EIN 20-3970463
Website N/A
Address 2780 RIDGE ROAD Highland Park, IL 60035-0000

Key People (3)

Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee Polen Family Foundation's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.

Pres/sec/director Edward Polen
Treasurer/director Tamra Polen
Asst Secy/director Bernard A Schlifke

Forms 990-PF

IRS Form 990-PF filings provide comprehensive financial information, grant details, and operational data. These documents are essential resources for understanding foundation capacity, giving patterns, and strategic priorities.

Form 990-PF Research Tips
  • Review Part XV for detailed grant recipient information and funding purposes
  • Check Part I for total assets, annual giving amounts, and payout requirements
  • Examine Part VIII for key personnel compensation and board structure
  • Look for trends across multiple years to understand giving patterns

About This Foundation Profile

This comprehensive foundation profile for Polen Family Foundation is powered by Grant Bay's advanced foundation research platform. Our system analyzes IRS Form 990-PF filings, grant histories, and philanthropic patterns to provide nonprofit organizations with actionable intelligence for grant seeking success.

Data Sources & Accuracy

All information is derived from official IRS filings and public records. Grant Bay processes thousands of Form 990-PF documents to extract grant details, financial data, and organizational information. Data accuracy depends on foundation reporting quality and IRS filing completeness.

Research Applications

Use this profile for prospect research, grant strategy development, application preparation, and relationship building. Combine this data with additional research on foundation priorities, application processes, and board member backgrounds for comprehensive grant seeking strategies.

Data Currency: Last updated February 2026 based on IRS Form 990-PF filings. Foundation information reflects most recent available tax year data.