John A Cable Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable and educational purposes. Its mission reflects a strong commitment to the arts, education, and cultural institutions, as evidenced by its funding of theaters, symphonies, and universities. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture, education, and animal welfare. While it primarily operates in Illinois, it also supports organizations across several other states, indicating a broader geographic outreach.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized arts, cultural, or education nonprofits seeking general operating support, especially organizations based in or connected to Illinois, Virginia, Ohio, New York, or Maryland, and those with an existing relationship or clear alignment to the foundation's past grantees.
Good Fit
- • Arts, culture, or education mission similar to past grantees
- • Request is for general operating or unrestricted support
- • Organization is small-to-mid sized (fits micro-foundation award sizes)
- • Located in or connected to the foundation’s observed states (IL, VA, OH, NY, MD)
- • Can demonstrate an existing relationship or alignment with prior grantees
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year span five states but are regionally concentrated: Illinois received the largest share (41%), while the remainder of giving is spread across VA, OH, NY, and MD, indicating a multi-state but regionally focused footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 25 distinct independent recipients across arts, education, and other charities; that number of separate grantees indicates a broad recipient set for a micro private foundation.
New Applicants
With two years of data showing 24 of 25 recipients repeated, the portfolio appears relationship-driven; although a mailed submission route and application instructions exist and one new grantee appeared, observed behavior suggests it is difficult for unfamiliar applicants to break into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
