Kohn & Mitchell Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, particularly in health, education, and Jewish community initiatives. Its mission reflects a commitment to funding health-related programs, evidenced by significant grants to medical institutions such as the University of Chicago Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Foundation. Additionally, the foundation supports educational institutions like Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, as well as arts and cultural organizations, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The foundation's funding also extends to unrestricted grants, indicating a flexible approach to supporting diverse community needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established Illinois-based nonprofits with existing ties to the local philanthropic network—particularly hospitals, universities, Jewish community organizations, and arts institutions—seeking multi-year or large one-time support.
Good Fit
- • Has an established presence in Chicago/Illinois or a known relationship to the trustees or prior grantees
- • Institutional capacity to receive and steward sizable unrestricted or endowed-style gifts
- • Work in health, higher education, Jewish community services, or major cultural institutions
- • Existing referral or introduction from a current grantee or shared local intermediary
Geography
Granting is highly concentrated in one state: about 99% of giving in the latest year went to Illinois, with only a token share outside the state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 11 distinct recipients with 7 repeat grantees from the prior year and 4 new recipients, indicating a moderate breadth of independent organizations despite heavy dollar concentration among the top five.
New Applicants
The foundation's filings and profile indicate an invitation-only / preselected model and there is no public application route; while some new grantees appeared in the latest year, the visible process suggests unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to gain access without introductions.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
