The Polsky Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on community development, health initiatives, and educational programs. It funds organizations that focus on Jewish culture and community, health charities, and cultural heritage, reflecting its commitment to social welfare and community support. The foundation primarily serves recipients in the Chicago area, although its funding extends to various national and international causes, including humanitarian efforts. Its mission is evident in its diverse grantmaking, which includes support for educational institutions, cultural organizations, and health-related charities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established Illinois-based nonprofits (especially Chicago-area universities, hospitals, cultural institutions, Jewish and community organizations) that fit the foundation’s history of large general-fund and institutional grants.
Good Fit
- • Organization is headquartered or operates primarily in Illinois (Chicago area).
- • Alignment with prior recipient types: universities, medical centers, cultural institutions, Jewish community groups, or established human-service nonprofits.
- • Capacity to absorb larger, general operating or endowment-style grants.
- • Existing relationship or introduction from a current grantee, trustee, or local partner.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in one state; in the latest year roughly 96% of grant dollars went to Illinois despite grants touching multiple states.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent organizations each year — 35–44 recipients historically and 38 distinct recipients in the latest year — with a substantial number of new grantees observed.
New Applicants
Behavioral evidence shows many new grantees each year (about 22 new recipients in the latest year), suggesting outsiders can enter the portfolio, but the foundation states it only supports preselected applicants and has no public website or clear submission route, so public access appears limited.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
