Oberweis Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $150,000 - $200,000
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $99,999
• Geographic Focus: Northern Illinois and Southwest Florida

Contact Details

• Website: None (private foundation)
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Mailing Address: Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Overview

The Oberweis Foundation is a private family foundation established in the early 2000s by Jim Oberweis, with current net assets of approximately $1.8 million. Operating without a public application process, the foundation distributes $150,000-$200,000 annually through trustee-discretionary grants. The foundation has dual focuses: supporting social services for economically disadvantaged individuals through food banks and homeless shelters, and funding conservative political and advocacy organizations. Since 2007, the foundation has distributed more than $365,000 in grants, operating primarily in Northern Illinois where the Oberweis family business is based, and Southwest Florida where the family maintains a residence.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion with no formal grant programs. Typical grants include:

• Social Services Grants: $1,000 - $25,000 (supporting food banks, homeless shelters)
• Conservative Advocacy Grants: $10,000 - $25,000 (supporting political organizations)
• Environmental Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 (Florida-based conservation)

Priority Areas

• Hunger relief and food security
• Homeless shelters and housing assistance
• Organizations serving economically disadvantaged populations
• Conservative political and advocacy organizations
• Environmental conservation (Florida focus)
• Government accountability and transparency initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on giving patterns, the foundation does not fund:

• Organizations outside Illinois and Florida
• Liberal or progressive political organizations
• International programs
• Individual assistance
• Academic institutions (no observed giving pattern)

Governance and Leadership

President: Jim Oberweis - Founder and President of the Oberweis Foundation. Former Illinois State Senator and owner of Oberweis Dairy.

Board Structure: The foundation operates as a private family foundation with board membership not publicly disclosed. Julie Oberweis (spouse) is involved in foundation activities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their personal interests and relationships with organizations. The foundation proactively identifies and funds organizations aligned with its mission without accepting unsolicited applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, organizations might gain consideration through:

• Existing relationships with Jim Oberweis through his business (Oberweis Dairy) or political connections
• Participation in Northern Illinois Food Bank network, where Jim Oberweis has been actively involved
• Operating in Bonita Springs/Naples area where the Oberweis family maintains a residence in Bonita Bay
• Alignment with conservative political causes through organizations like Americans for Prosperity or Club for Growth where the foundation has existing relationships
• Introduction through board members of recipient organizations like Hesed House or Harry Chapin Food Bank

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants made at trustee discretion throughout the year

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on a relationship-basis without public applications, organizations that have received funding share these characteristics:

• Strong presence in either Northern Illinois (particularly Aurora/Sugar Grove area) or Southwest Florida (Naples/Bonita Springs)
• Demonstrated impact in addressing hunger and homelessness with measurable outcomes
• For political organizations: alignment with conservative principles of limited government and free markets
• Leadership connections to the Oberweis family's business or political networks
• Track record of fiscal responsibility and transparency (foundation supports Naples Foundation for Government Accountability)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Oberweis Foundation is a grant maker but operates as a private foundation without accepting unsolicited applications
• Dual geographic focus on Northern Illinois and Southwest Florida creates clear boundaries for potential recipients
• Mixed portfolio of charitable giving (food banks, shelters) and ideological support (conservative organizations) reflects founder's personal values
• Relationship-building through existing recipient organizations or business connections is the only pathway to consideration
• Grant sizes typically range from four to five figures, making this a modest but consistent funder
• Organizations in the food security and homeless services sectors in target geographies should focus on building visibility rather than direct solicitation

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Oberweis Foundation Form 990 filings 2021-2023. Accessed March 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/363521911
• Charity Navigator - Oberweis Foundation Profile. Accessed March 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/363521911
• GuideStar - Oberweis Foundation Summary. Accessed March 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/36-3521911
• Cause IQ - Oberweis Foundation Analysis. Accessed March 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/oberweis-foundation,363521911/
• Jim Oberweis Campaign Website - About Jim. Accessed March 2026. https://votejimo.com/about-jim/
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for EIN 36-3521911, Tax Years 2021-2023