Kurt B Karmin Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to charitable purposes, with a focus on supporting a variety of causes. Its mission appears to center on enhancing community welfare through grants to organizations involved in Jewish community support, arts and culture, environmental conservation, and food security. The foundation primarily serves nonprofit organizations, with notable contributions to the Jewish United Fund, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and environmental groups like the National Audubon Society. While its activities are concentrated in Illinois, it demonstrates a commitment to diverse charitable initiatives that benefit various sectors and populations.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established Illinois-based nonprofits with ties to Chicago-area civic, Jewish, arts, research, or local service organizations and budgets that match modest one-time grants.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois, preferably Chicago or nearby suburbs.
- • Existing relationships or visible partnerships with Chicago-area institutions (e.g., Jewish community organizations or cultural institutions).
- • Project budgets and needs in the range of small to mid-size grants (hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars).
- • A track record of local impact or endorsement from recognized Chicago nonprofits.
Geography
In the latest year all grants were made to Illinois recipients; prior year included one out-of-state grant but giving is overwhelmingly concentrated in Illinois.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded eight distinct recipients in the latest year across arts, Jewish community, research, and local service groups, though dollars were highly concentrated among the top five grantees.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of recipient turnover exists (four new recipients in 2023), but the foundation explicitly indicates it funds only preselected applicants and there is no public application route or contact information, making access for unfamiliar applicants unlikely.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
