Crain-Maling Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.4 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Likely Illinois-focused (based in Lake Forest, IL)

Contact Details

• Location: Lake Forest, IL
• EIN: 20-4310219
• Website: No public website identified
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Crain-Maling Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, with approximately $32.7 million in assets as of 2024. The foundation distributed $2.4 million in charitable disbursements in 2024, representing 84.6% of their total expenses. As a private family foundation, they operate under the leadership of Michael S. Maling (Chairperson and CEO) and co-presidents Elise Williams and Marissa Iancu. The foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on philanthropy and grantmaking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Specific grant programs and amounts are not publicly disclosed. The foundation distributed $2.4 million in charitable disbursements in 2024.

Priority Areas

Not publicly disclosed

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed

Governance and Leadership

• Michael S. Maling: Chairperson, CEO & Director
• Elise Williams: Co-President, Treasurer & Director
• Marissa Iancu: Co-President, Secretary & Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. As a private family foundation, grants are typically awarded at the discretion of the board of directors based on pre-existing relationships and trustee-identified opportunities.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not available - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

As a private foundation without a public application process, traditional application strategies do not apply. Organizations typically receive support through:

• Existing relationships with board members
• Referrals from trusted advisors or partner organizations
• Alignment with the foundation's unpublished priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Crain-Maling Foundation is a substantial funder with $2.4 million in annual giving
• No public application process exists - grants are awarded through trustee discretion
• Based in Lake Forest, Illinois, suggesting potential geographic preference for local organizations
• Private family foundation structure indicates personalized giving approach
• Organizations cannot apply directly for funding

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Crain Maling Foundation (accessed December 31, 2025)
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile - Crain-Maling Foundation (accessed December 31, 2025)