Ann Kempczinski Foundation

Restricted Access
Private Foundation
Chicago, MassachusettsMicroEIN: 311622117
Literacy ProgramsAfter-School ProgramsEducation NonprofitsMentoring Organizations

This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting educational initiatives, particularly in literacy and after-school programs. Its mission focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for youth, with a strong emphasis on early literacy and mentoring. The foundation primarily serves organizations that provide reading programs, after-school support, and educational resources to underserved communities. Through its grantmaking, it aims to foster learning and development among children and youth, contributing to their overall educational success.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

Small or mid-sized education nonprofits focused on early literacy or after-school programming, especially organizations with an existing relationship or local presence in Massachusetts.

Good Fit

  • Programs focused on early literacy, reading initiatives, or after-school youth services.
  • Organizational presence or strong program delivery in Massachusetts or nearby states.
  • Track record of measurable impact on youth literacy or after-school engagement.
  • Existing personal or organizational connection to the foundation's trustees, staff, or known grantees.
  • Request sizes in the modest grant range observed (roughly $4.5k–$10k in recent years).

Geography

Moderate

Observed giving spans multiple states across the three-year record but is concentrated in Massachusetts; in 2023 about 77% of dollars stayed in MA while a smaller share went to Ohio.

Recipient Variety

Moderate

The foundation has supported multiple independent education nonprofits (seven distinct recipients in 2021 and three in 2023), so the recipient set is not a tiny closed circle, though sample sizes vary year-to-year.

New Applicants

Restrictive

Filings indicate grants are awarded only to preselected applicants, and there is no visible public application route; while new recipients did appear in 2023, the documented policy and absence of a public process make unsolicited applicants unlikely to gain entry without referral.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026