The Karla Scherer Foundation | Foundation Profile
GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like The Karla Scherer Foundation. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.
EIN: 38-2877392
Foundation Overview
Based in Chicago, IL, The Karla Scherer Foundation has awarded 186 grants totaling $2,156,673 to organizations in Illinois, Ohio and 10 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $1 to $110,000, with a median award of $5,000.
Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot
Foundation Intelligence
Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies
New Applicant Friendliness
6 of 46 recipients (13%) were new grantees. Foundation maintains tight relationships with established partners. New applicants rarely succeed without insider connections.
Geographic Focus
63% of grants are awarded in Illinois, with additional funding distributed across 11 other locations. The foundation balances regional focus with broader geographic diversity. Within Illinois, funding concentrates in Chicago (100%).
Funding Trajectory
Moderate 35% growth trend over 7 years suggests stable and gradually increasing funding capacity. This positive trajectory indicates reliable grant-making resources and sustainable philanthropic commitment.
Program Areas
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?
Grants & Funding
Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into The Karla Scherer 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leader Dogs For The Blind | $5,000 | Rochester Hills, MI, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Providence St Mel School | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $20,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Third Coast Percussion Nfp | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Wfmt | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| University Of Chicago | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $110,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Newberry Library | $36,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Salvation Army | $1,000 | Alexandria, VA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $150 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Museum Of Chincoteague | $1,000 | Chincoteague Island, VA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | $2,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $1,000 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Representus Education Fund | $1,000 | Florence, MA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation | $1,000 | Saratoga Springs, NY, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Leader Dogs For The Blind | $5,000 | Rochester Hills, MI, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Providence St Mel School | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $20,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Third Coast Percussion Nfp | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Wfmt | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| University Of Chicago | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $110,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Newberry Library | $36,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Salvation Army | $1,000 | Alexandria, VA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $150 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Museum Of Chincoteague | $1,000 | Chincoteague Island, VA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theatre | $2,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $1,000 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Representus Education Fund | $1,000 | Florence, MA, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation | $1,000 | Saratoga Springs, NY, US | General Fund | 2023 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $40,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $1,120 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Providence St Mel School | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Court Theatre | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $200 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Newberry Library | $25,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Third Coast Percussion Nfp | $4,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation | $1,000 | Saratoga Springs, NY, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Leader Dogs For The Blind | $1,000 | Rochester Hills, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Friends Of Notre Dame De Paris | $5,000 | Etna, NH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Salvation Army | $500 | Alexandria, VA, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Ocean Connect Inc | $75,000 | Wilton, CT, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $40,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $1,120 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Providence St Mel School | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Court Theatre | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $200 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Newberry Library | $25,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Third Coast Percussion Nfp | $4,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation | $1,000 | Saratoga Springs, NY, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Leader Dogs For The Blind | $1,000 | Rochester Hills, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Friends Of Notre Dame De Paris | $5,000 | Etna, NH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Salvation Army | $500 | Alexandria, VA, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Ocean Connect Inc | $75,000 | Wilton, CT, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $40,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $1,120 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Providence St Mel School | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Court Theatre | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $200 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Newberry Library | $25,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Third Coast Percussion Nfp | $4,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation | $1,000 | Saratoga Springs, NY, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Leader Dogs For The Blind | $1,000 | Rochester Hills, MI, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Friends Of Notre Dame De Paris | $5,000 | Etna, NH, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Salvation Army | $500 | Alexandria, VA, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Ocean Connect Inc | $75,000 | Wilton, CT, US | General Fund | 2022 |
| Rush University Medical Center | $500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago Dept Of American Art | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Field Museum | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Lyric Opera Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $15,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Wfmt | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $20,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Providence St Mel School | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| University Of Chicago Scherer Center | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| National Portrait Gallery | $25,000 | Greenwich, CT, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Court Theatre | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Society | $200 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2021 |
| Aclu | $3,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago Dept Of American Art | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Field Museum | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| From K-1 Calumet Specialty Products Partners Lp | $1 | Indianapolis, IN, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $5,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Newberry Library | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Providence St Mel School | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| University Of Chicago Humanities Council | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| National Portrait Gallery | $25,000 | Greenwich, CT, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Court Theatre | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2020 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Chicago Humanities Festival | $25,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Field Museum | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $5,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Iamat | $100 | Niagara Falls, NY, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| International Hearing Dog | $1,000 | Henderson, CO, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $500 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| National Portrait Gallery | $25,000 | Greenwich, CT, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Newberry Library | $99,231 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| University Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | The Karla Scherer Center | 2018 |
| Leukemia Lymphona Society | $1,000 | Rye Brook, NY, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Lifeline Theatre | $500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Aclu | $1,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America | $2,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2018 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $10,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Chicago Humanities Festival | $48,500 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Chicago Shakespeare Theater | $15,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Court Theatre | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Field Museum | $4,713 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | $5,000 | Chagrin Falls, OH, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Iamat | $100 | Niagara Falls, NY, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| International Hearing Dog | $500 | Henderson, CO, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $500 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| National Portrait Gallery | $22,300 | Greenwich, CT, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Newberry Library | $27,375 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| University Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | The Karla Scherer Center | 2017 |
| Wellesley College Blc | $80 | Wellesley, MA, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Represent Us Education Fund | $1,000 | Florence, MA, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Illinois Policy Institute | $1,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2017 |
| Art Institute Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Cato Institute | $1,000 | Washington, DC, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Chicago Humanities Festival | $36,750 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Field Museum | $4,713 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Iamat | $100 | Niagara Falls, NY, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| International Hearing Dog | $500 | Henderson, CO, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Kbach Friends Of Public Radio Arizona | $1,000 | Tempe, AZ, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society | $500 | Lansing, MI, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| National Portrait Gallery | $70,500 | Greenwich, CT, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Newberry Library | $50,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Planned Parenthood Of Illinois | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| The Chicago Symphony Orchestra | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| Timeline Theater | $250 | Chicago, IL, US | General Fund | 2016 |
| University Of Chicago | $5,000 | Chicago, IL, US | The Karla Scherer Center | 2016 |
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Contact Information
Official contact details for The Karla Scherer Foundation as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.
| EIN | 38-2877392 |
| Website | N/A |
| Address | 737 N MICHIGAN AVE STE 2330 Chicago, IL 60611-2680 |
Key People (3)
Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee The Karla Scherer Foundation's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.
| Chrm-bd, Ceo & Trustee | Karla Scherer |
|---|---|
| Treasurer | Hadley Kimberlin |
| Secretary | Amanda Mckenzie |
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 The Karla Scherer 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
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