Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,890,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (preselected recipients)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Historically focused on Alabama (Samford University) and Illinois

Contact Details

Address: 2340 S River Road, Suite 311, Des Plaines, IL 60019

Phone: 847-635-0793

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Overview

The Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation was established in 2014 and named after Bonnie Bolding Swearingen (1933-2020), a prominent Chicago socialite and philanthropist. The foundation has grown significantly since inception, from approximately $2 million in assets in 2013 to over $37 million in 2024. With annual charitable disbursements of $1.89 million in 2024, the foundation continues the legacy of its namesake, who was deeply committed to education and the arts. Bonnie Swearingen was a 1955 graduate of Samford University (formerly Howard College) and remained a lifelong supporter of the institution, alongside her husband John Swearingen, former CEO of Standard Oil of Indiana. The foundation operates as a private foundation making contributions exclusively to preselected charitable organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion rather than formal grant programs. Based on the founder's philanthropic history, focus areas appear to include:

• Higher Education: Particularly Samford University, where Bonnie Swearingen donated nearly $3.5 million during her lifetime for scholarships, building projects (including Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall, Bolding Studio), and other university programs
• Arts and Culture: Including theatre programs and arts education
• Youth Services: Historic support for organizations like the Boys' Clubs of America

Priority Areas

Based on Bonnie Swearingen's documented philanthropic interests:

• Higher education scholarships and facilities
• Arts education and theatre programs
• Youth development organizations

What They Don't Fund

As the foundation only makes contributions to preselected organizations, it does not consider general applications from organizations seeking funding.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation's governance structure is not publicly detailed in available sources. No compensation is paid to officers or trustees according to tax filings.

The foundation was established to continue the philanthropic legacy of Bonnie Bolding Swearingen, who was known for her connections with "leaders of industry, politics and society—including several U.S. presidents" and her devotion to "significant civic and philanthropic causes."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation makes contributions exclusively to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants appear to be made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees based on pre-existing relationships and the founder's philanthropic interests.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of the foundation.

Success Rates

Not applicable. The foundation does not accept general applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable. Organizations cannot submit applications to this foundation.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's closed application process, the key factors for organizations that receive grants appear to be:

• Pre-existing relationships: The foundation operates through trustee discretion and preselected recipients
• Alignment with founder's interests: Organizations connected to Bonnie Swearingen's documented philanthropic priorities (Samford University, arts education, youth services) are most likely to receive support
• Geographic connections: Historical focus on Alabama (particularly Samford University) and Illinois
• Educational mission: Strong emphasis on higher education scholarships and facilities
• Arts and culture programming: Particularly theatre and performing arts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications—do not submit proposals
• Grants are made exclusively to preselected charitable organizations chosen by trustees
• The foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of Bonnie Bolding Swearingen with focus on education and arts
• Organizations with historical connections to the founder or trustees may receive consideration
• Annual grantmaking capacity is approximately $1.9 million based on recent filings
• The foundation has grown significantly in assets since 2014, suggesting potential for increased grantmaking in the future
• No public information is available about specific grant recipients or amounts

References

• Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed January 16, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/466850466
• Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation, Cause IQ Profile. Accessed January 16, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/bonnie-lee-bolding-charitable-foundation,466850466/
• "Remembering Remarkable Life of Samford's Friend Bonnie Bolding Swearingen," Samford University, August 7, 2020. Accessed January 16, 2026. https://www.samford.edu/arts/news/2020/Bonnie-Bolding-Swearingen-Samford-Legacy
• "Bonnie Swearingen, Chicago socialite, active in charity work, friend to famous and powerful, widow of John Swearingen, dead at 87," Chicago Sun-Times, August 6, 2020. Accessed January 16, 2026.
• Bonnie Lee Bolding Charitable Foundation, Charity Navigator Profile. Accessed January 16, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/466850466