David A And Edith F Demar Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, primarily focusing on social services, the arts, education, and health-related initiatives. Its mission includes assisting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, homeless, and LGBTQ communities, as well as funding Jewish educational programs and medical research, including Alzheimer's research. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing community welfare through grants to various nonprofit organizations, particularly in the realm of social services and cultural enrichment.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small to mid-sized Illinois nonprofit with an established local presence in social services, arts, Jewish communal life, education, or health research and an existing relationship or visibility in the local philanthropic ecosystem.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois and serving local communities.
- • Mission in social services, arts/culture, Jewish community programs, elder care, or health research.
- • Track record of past local grants or partnerships with recognized Chicago-area institutions.
- • Requests for modest programmatic or general operating support rather than large multi-year gifts.
- • Introductions or endorsements from current grantees or local intermediaries.
Geography
Grants observed in the latest year were exclusively to Illinois organizations, and the foundation's giving is concentrated in that state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent recipients (23 in 2022 and 17 in 2023) across arts, social services, Jewish organizations, education, and health, although a minority of dollars flow to the top recipients.
New Applicants
Behavioral evidence shows a high repeat rate (15 of 17 grantees returned in 2023) and the profile explicitly states grants are to preselected organizations, so unsolicited new applicants are unlikely to be accepted.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
