Tengelsen Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on education, disability support, and mental health. Its mission includes funding educational initiatives such as scholarships and programs for youth, as well as adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities. The foundation also contributes to mental health organizations and community service projects. While it primarily supports initiatives in Illinois, its funding extends to a few other states, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community well-being and accessibility.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Chicago-area nonprofit working in education, youth scholarships, disability/adaptive-sports, or related community services with established local credibility or referral ties to the foundation or its network.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in Illinois, especially Chicago.
- • Programs in education, scholarship delivery, adaptive sports/disability services, or mental-health-related youth work.
- • Established relationship, board/staff introduction, or referral from an existing grantee or local intermediary.
- • Capacity to manage program-specific or event sponsorship grants, including larger multi-year awards.
Geography
Observed giving is strongly Chicago/Illinois–focused; in the latest year all dollars were directed to Illinois grantees and most recipients are Chicago-based.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a moderate number of distinct organizations (11 in the latest year and 23 in an earlier year), indicating a reasonably diverse recipient set even though a few large grants dominate total dollars.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness is limited: the foundation explicitly states it funds only preselected applicants. Although several new grantees appear in the latest year, those additions are consistent with invitation-based selection rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
