Pepper Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,243,186 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (preselection only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,010,000
• Geographic Focus: Illinois (95%), primarily Chicago area

Contact Details

• Address: 643 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Website: No public website
• Application Portal: None - does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Pepper Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1987 by Richard S. Pepper, who passed away in 2021. With assets of approximately $37 million, the foundation distributes over $3.2 million annually to charitable organizations, primarily in Illinois. The foundation operates on a preselection basis, meaning it does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Instead, grants are awarded at the discretion of trustees to organizations that align with the Pepper family's philanthropic interests. The foundation has shown remarkable growth, with annual giving increasing 294% over seven years. The foundation's legacy is particularly visible through major gifts to Northwestern University, Harper College, and Lincoln Park Zoo, where facilities bear the Pepper family name.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants rather than formal programs:

• General Grants: $1,000 - $1,010,000 (median $25,000)
• Education Support: Major gifts to universities and colleges
• Community Organizations: Support for human services and cultural institutions

Priority Areas

• Education (particularly higher education institutions)
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
• Human Services
• Cultural institutions (museums, zoos)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's pattern suggests they do not fund:

• Individual requests
• Organizations outside their established network
• International projects
• Political or advocacy organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates as a private family foundation with trustees from the Pepper family. The late Richard S. Pepper founded the foundation in 1987 and remained a key figure until his death in 2021. His widow, Roxelyn Pepper, who passed away in 2025, was also deeply involved in the foundation's philanthropic activities. The foundation continues to be managed by family trustees who maintain the founders' philanthropic vision.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. According to their official policy: "The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded based on trustee discretion to organizations that have been preselected by the foundation's board.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns:

• The foundation shows strong loyalty to institutions with Pepper family connections, particularly Northwestern University where Richard Pepper was an alumnus and major benefactor
• In 2024, 43% of recipients were new grantees, suggesting the foundation does occasionally identify new organizations through trustee networks
• Organizations with connections to Chicago-area education, particularly those serving similar missions to current grantees, may be noticed through board member networks
• The foundation appears to identify new beneficiaries through existing relationships with Chicago philanthropic and educational communities

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made at trustee meetings based on preselection

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply directly

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on a preselection basis, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, analysis of their giving patterns reveals:

• Northwestern University connection: The foundation has deep ties to Northwestern, establishing multiple endowed chairs and making substantial gifts
• Chicago-area focus: 56% of Illinois grants go to Chicago-based organizations, with additional support to nearby Evanston and Barrington
• Established institutions preferred: Major recipients include well-known institutions like Lincoln Park Zoo and Harper College
• Education emphasis: Educational institutions receive significant support, from universities to community colleges
• Named recognition opportunities: The foundation has established named facilities at Harper College (Academic Support Center) and Lincoln Park Zoo (Wildlife Center)
• Consistent support: Once selected, organizations often receive multi-year support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Pepper Family Foundation does not accept grant applications - all grants are awarded through preselection
• With $3.2 million in annual giving and a median grant of $25,000, the foundation is a significant but inaccessible funder
• The foundation maintains strong loyalty to Chicago-area institutions, particularly those in education
• New grantees do emerge (43% in 2024), suggesting the foundation identifies organizations through trustee networks
• Building relationships with Chicago philanthropic circles and educational institutions may increase visibility
• The foundation values long-term partnerships and often provides sustained support to selected organizations
• Major gifts often result in naming opportunities, suggesting the foundation appreciates public recognition

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/pepper-family-foundation,363540747/ (Accessed February 2025)
• Instrumentl 990 Report on Pepper Family Foundation - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/pepper-family-foundation (Grant trends and activity data, accessed February 2025)
• Grant Bay Form 990 Database - https://grantbay.org/form-990/363540747 (155 grants analysis, accessed February 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/363540747 (Form 990-PF filings, accessed February 2025)
• Grantmakers.io Foundation Profile - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/363540747-pepper-family-foundation/ (Application policy statement, accessed February 2025)
• Harper College News - "Harper College Dedicates the Pepper Family Foundation Academic Support Center" - https://www.harpercollege.edu/about/news/archives/2021/posts/113021.php (November 30, 2021)
• Northwestern School of Communication - "Remembering Northwestern benefactor, volunteer and Alumni Medalist Roxelyn Pepper" - https://communication.northwestern.edu/news-events/news/2025/remembering-northwestern-benefactor-volunteer-and-alumni-medalist-roxelyn-pepper.html (2025)