The John D And Minnie R
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, particularly in the fields of education, disability advocacy, and chronic illness support. Its mission includes aiding students with disabilities, funding rehabilitation programs, and supporting research for conditions such as paralysis and inflammatory bowel disease. The foundation also provides assistance to individuals in need through partnerships with organizations like Catholic Charities. Overall, it focuses on enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly children and those living with chronic illnesses.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established charitable organizations with programs in disability support, rehabilitation, student services, or medical research that have a presence or partnerships in Illinois and can absorb grants in the mid-five-figure to low six-figure range.
Good Fit
- • Organization mission aligns with disability, rehabilitation, student support, or chronic illness research.
- • Institutional status (university foundation, established charity) and track record of managing six-figure or mid-five-figure grants.
- • Existing relationships or referrals from prior recipients or local institutions in Illinois.
- • Capacity to report and steward a relatively large single grant (e.g., $50K–$150K).
Geography
Grants touch three states but are heavily concentrated in one state, with roughly 82% of dollars going to Illinois, indicating a state-level (regional) focus rather than a national footprint.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a moderate set of independent recipients each year (7–8 distinct organizations in recent years) with a mix of repeat and new grantees, so the portfolio is not tiny but shows financial concentration among the top recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows new grantees have entered the portfolio (four new recipients in the latest year), but the foundation's filings state grants are to preselected recipients and there is no public application or contact route, so openness to unsolicited applicants is unclear.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
