The Jessica Fund
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on arts and culture, health, and community development. Its mission reflects a commitment to providing general operating support to a diverse range of organizations, including theaters, museums, educational institutions, and health-related charities. The foundation notably supports Jewish organizations and Alzheimer's-related causes, indicating a focus on both cultural and health initiatives. It primarily serves organizations located in Illinois, with additional support extending to institutions in other states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized arts, culture, education, community health, or local Jewish organizations seeking general operating support — especially Chicago/Illinois nonprofits but also out-of-state groups with clear fit.
Good Fit
- • Located in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, or has a clear connection to the Chicago region
- • Seeks general operating support rather than project-only funding
- • Asks fall in typical observed range (roughly $5,000–$25,000; occasional larger awards are possible)
- • Organizational mission in arts, culture, education, community services, or health
- • Able to submit a concise two-page, typewritten request by mail
Geography
Most dollars are concentrated in Illinois (about 64% in the latest year) but recipients in seven states were funded in 2024, indicating a state/regional footprint rather than purely local or fully national.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 23–30 distinct recipients per year across three years and added many new grantees (17 new in 2024), showing a broad and diverse recipient set for its size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant turnover (high new-recipient rates in 2023 and 2024), combined with published submission instructions and a mailed contact route, indicates that unfamiliar applicants have a realistic path into the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
