Susan & Jerome Ettelson Fund
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, with a significant emphasis on animal welfare and education. It funds organizations such as animal shelters, humane societies, and educational programs related to social services and wildlife protection. The foundation aims to further program services that benefit both animals and communities, reflecting its commitment to humane treatment and social support. Its grantmaking primarily focuses on initiatives within the animal welfare sector, as well as social services that address homelessness and educational needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized charitable nonprofits, especially Illinois-based organizations working in animal welfare, related education programs, or local social services that match the foundation's recent grantees.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois or serving Illinois communities.
- • Mission aligned with animal welfare, humane societies, or related educational/social-service activities.
- • An established nonprofit with local credibility and a history that matches organizations the foundation has funded.
- • Opportunities to be nominated or introduced by existing grantees or local connectors.
Geography
Grants are distributed across roughly 20 states, indicating a multi-state footprint, but giving is strongly concentrated in Illinois, which received about 63% of dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows dozens of distinct independent recipients (65 grantees in 2024) across several mission areas, with many small-to-midsize awards rather than support to a single beneficiary.
New Applicants
The foundation states it funds only preselected applicants and there is no public application route; while a small number of new grantees appear each year (eight in 2024), the observed pattern and stated policy make unsolicited entry unlikely.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
