Loraine Kaufman Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission centers on providing financial assistance to health-related organizations, educational institutions, arts and culture nonprofits, and community service initiatives. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to improving health outcomes, fostering educational opportunities, and promoting cultural enrichment, particularly in the Chicago area. It also supports animal welfare and women's empowerment organizations, reflecting a diverse philanthropic focus aimed at enhancing community well-being.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Chicago- or Illinois-based nonprofit with an established local reputation working in health, arts, education, animal welfare, or community services that seeks modest operating or program support and is known to local networks or intermediaries.
Good Fit
- • Based in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois.
- • Works in health, arts, education, animal welfare, or related community services.
- • Has local visibility or introductions from existing grantees or community leaders.
- • Seeks small-to-midsize grants (typical awards range from a few hundred to $20,000).
Geography
Although grants touched a small number of other states, roughly 96% of dollars went to Illinois and many recipients are Chicago-based, so the observed footprint is strongly local to one state and metro.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 28 distinct recipients (32 in the prior year) across health, arts, education and other sectors, indicating a broad set of independent beneficiaries despite financial concentration in the top recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of recipient turnover exists (13 new recipients in the latest year), but the foundation explicitly indicates grants are by pre-selection only and no public application or contact route is provided, so access for unfamiliar applicants appears invitation- or relationship-based rather than open.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
