Joseph And Helen Komarek Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, particularly those that benefit the Jewish community, education, health, and human services. Its mission reflects a commitment to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged individuals, particularly youth and families in crisis, through educational support, healthcare services, and social welfare initiatives. The foundation funds organizations that address issues such as Holocaust remembrance, assistance for individuals with disabilities, and support for medical and educational needs. Its funding priorities indicate a strong focus on community service and cultural heritage preservation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit, typically in Illinois (Chicago-area), working in youth services, children's health/hospitals, Jewish community causes or Holocaust remembrance, public broadcasting, or related human services, with local credibility or an introduction to the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois or the Chicago metro with a clear local presence.
- • Programs for disadvantaged youth, children's education, hospitals, or Jewish/cultural-heritage work.
- • Modest funding need in the typical $500–$6,000 range.
- • Existing relationship or warm introduction to a current or past grantee or a board member.
- • Track record of annual appeals or community-facing programs that match past purposes.
Geography
Grantmaking is concentrated in the foundation's home state (roughly 75% of dollars) but spans five states in the latest year, indicating primarily state-level focus with some out-of-state giving.
Recipient Variety
Each year the foundation funds about 30–35 distinct, independent recipients across multiple sectors, showing a broad and recurring recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
The foundation's filings and application notes indicate it funds only preselected organizations; behavioral data show a small number of new grantees each year but the process appears invitation-driven rather than open to unsolicited applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
