J.R. Albert Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1.4 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Midwest United States

Contact Details

• Website: www.jralbertfoundation.org
• Phone: 773-707-0299
• Email: Via website contact form
• Address: 800 West Fifth Avenue, Suite 103A, Naperville, IL 60563

Overview

The J.R. Albert Foundation is a private independent foundation established in November 2007 with total assets of approximately $37 million. The foundation distributes $1.4 million annually in charitable grants (based on 2023 990-PF records), focusing on creating and protecting local, healthy food systems throughout the Midwest. As a private grantmaking foundation classified under philanthropy and volunteerism, it operates with a focused mission to promote healthy living and wellness, particularly through improved nutrition access and food security initiatives. The foundation maintains a lean operational structure with 90.6% of its expenses going directly to charitable disbursements.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation does not publicly list specific grant programmes with defined amounts. Grants are awarded to organisations that align with their mission of supporting local food systems.

Priority Areas

• Nutrition and wellness education
• Food banks and food security initiatives
• Local food delivery systems development
• Sustainable agriculture and community gardens
• Programmes serving economically disadvantaged populations
• Health and nutrition programmes promoting healthy living

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified on available sources.

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

• CEO: Melvin Kim
• President: Patricia Belle Robb (Trish Robb)

The foundation operates with a small leadership team focused on strategic grantmaking in the food systems sector.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organisations. Organisations seeking support may contact the foundation directly through their website contact form to enquire about potential funding opportunities, though grants are made at the trustees' discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's focus on Midwest food systems and preference for large regional food banks, organisations can potentially connect with the foundation by:

• Operating established food security programmes in the Midwest region
• Having demonstrated impact in local food systems development
• Partnering with existing grantees in the food security sector

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated mission and funding patterns:

• Strong alignment with creating and protecting local food systems in the Midwest
• Demonstrated focus on nutrition education and food security
• Programmes that serve economically disadvantaged populations
• Established organisations with proven track records, particularly large regional food banks
• Clear connection between proposed work and improving community health through food access

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The J.R. Albert Foundation is a legitimate grantmaker with approximately $1.4 million in annual giving (2023 990-PF data)
• Focus is specifically on Midwest food systems and nutrition programmes
• Does not accept unsolicited applications - operates through preselected organisations
• Preference for established organisations, particularly large regional food banks
• Strong mission alignment with local food systems development is essential
• Direct enquiry through website contact form is the primary way to explore funding opportunities

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - J R Albert Foundation Inc (Form 990 data, 2024) - Accessed December 31, 2024
• GuideStar Profile - Jr Albert Charitable Foundation (EIN: 26-0147405) - Accessed December 31, 2024
• J.R. Albert Foundation Official Website (www.jralbertfoundation.org) - Accessed December 31, 2024