Julius N. Frankel Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,066,054
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Trustees meet 5+ times per year
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $1,366,054
• Geographic Focus: Chicago metropolitan area

Contact Details

• Phone: (312) 461-7271 or (312) 461-5154
• Address: 111 W Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603
• Mailing: PO Box 95672, Chicago, IL 60694-5672
• Administrator: Ted Plis (Principal)
• Bank Trustee: BMO Harris Bank

Overview

The Julius N. Frankel Foundation, established in 1959 in Illinois, is a private foundation with over $62 million in assets that distributes approximately $5 million annually through 48-55 grants. The foundation focuses on supporting Chicago-area nonprofits in three primary areas: arts and cultural appreciation, medical research, and services for underprivileged persons. Operating through a trustee-driven model with BMO Harris Bank as administrative trustee, the foundation has maintained a consistent grant-making approach for over 65 years. Notable recipients include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to major cultural institutions while also supporting smaller organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to over $1.3 million.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $10,000 - $1,366,054 (rolling basis, trustee discretion)
• Project Support: $10,000 - $1,366,054 (rolling basis, trustee discretion)

Priority Areas

• Arts and Cultural Appreciation: Support for museums, theaters, orchestras, and cultural institutions
• Medical Research: Organizations advancing medical research and health improvements
• Support for Underprivileged Persons: Social services and human services for disadvantaged populations

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions published, though funding history indicates focus on Chicago-area organizations within the three priority areas

Governance and Leadership

Principal: Ted Plis serves as the foundation administrator and principal contact for grant inquiries.

Administrative Trustee: BMO Harris Bank, Tax Division, provides administrative and fiduciary oversight.

Decision Structure: Co-trustees review written grant proposals and meet at least five times per year to discuss and approve grant requests.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals but reviews written proposals submitted to the Foundation Administrator. Organizations should submit introductory materials and written proposals to Ted Plis at the foundation's Chicago address. Proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the year for consideration at one of the trustees' regular meetings.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation has supported major Chicago cultural institutions like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where they are recognized as a leading sponsor, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Shakespeare 400 Chicago initiative. Organizations with connections to current grantees or BMO Harris Bank relationships may have better access. The foundation appears receptive to written introductory materials sent to the administrator, even though they don't formally accept unsolicited proposals.

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet at least five times per year to review and discuss grant proposals. No specific timeline from submission to decision is published.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation makes 48-55 grants annually from its approximate $5 million grant budget.

Reapplication Policy

No published information available regarding reapplication policies or waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns and known recipients, successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with one of the three focus areas (arts/culture, medical research, or services for underprivileged)
• Strong Chicago-area presence and community impact
• Established organizational track record, as evidenced by support for major institutions
• Well-articulated project or operational needs within the foundation's grant range
• Professional presentation of written proposals to the administrator

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates on a relationship-based model rather than an open application process, requiring strategic outreach
• With $5 million in annual giving across 48-55 grants, average grant size is approximately $100,000
• Grant range is extremely broad ($10,000 to $1.3M+), accommodating both small and large projects
• Geographic focus on Chicago metropolitan area is strict based on grant history
• Rolling consideration with 5+ trustee meetings annually provides multiple decision points throughout the year
• BMO Harris Bank's role as administrative trustee suggests potential value in banking relationships
• Lack of public website or detailed guidelines indicates preference for privacy and trustee discretion

References

• Grantmakers.io - Frankel Foundation Profile (EIN 366765844), accessed March 2026
• Instrumentl - 990 Report for Frankel Foundation, accessed March 2026
• GrantStation - Julius N. Frankel Foundation profile, accessed March 2026
• Candid Foundation Directory - Frankel Julius N Foundation profile, accessed March 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings, accessed March 2026
• Charity Navigator - Frankel Foundation Profile (EIN: 366765844), accessed March 2026
• Cause IQ - Frankel Julius N Foundation organizational data, accessed March 2026
• Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Foundations and Government Agencies donor recognition page, accessed March 2026
• Shakespeare 400 Chicago - About page listing Julius Frankel Foundation support, accessed March 2026