The Sammann Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, with a particular emphasis on religious and faith-based initiatives. Its mission reflects a commitment to alleviating hunger and homelessness, as evidenced by its funding of food banks and shelters, as well as disaster relief efforts through organizations like Samaritan's Purse and the American National Red Cross. The foundation serves diverse populations by providing grants to support social services, international disaster relief, and community-based programs. While it operates primarily in the United States, its funding extends to various charitable organizations across multiple states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid-to-small faith-based or direct-service organizations (food banks, disaster relief, local social services) particularly with programs or presence in Illinois or known ties to the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Programs that address hunger, homelessness, or disaster relief and can show local impact in Illinois (Chicago/Lake County).
- • Faith-based mission or partnerships with churches and religious networks.
- • Established relationships or referrals from existing grantees or local intermediaries.
- • Capacity to effectively absorb mid-range grants (roughly $2.5k to $72k in observed awards).
Geography
In the latest year grants reached recipients in six states but were strongly concentrated in Illinois, which received about 62% of dollars and roughly 63% of grant count; the footprint is regional with some out-of-state giving.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 15 distinct recipients spanning local Illinois charities and national relief organizations, with 14 first-time grantees that year and only one repeat across three years, indicating a broad and varied recipient set for this foundation's size.
New Applicants
Behaviorally the foundation funded many first-time recipients in the latest year, which suggests new entrants can be added, but the foundation explicitly states grants are to preselected recipients and there is no public application process, so unsolicited applicants are unlikely to have a clear path.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
