Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation focuses much of its grantmaking in Chicago. The family has interests in health and human services, Jewish causes and other areas.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low-profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. Networking is key for getting this funder's attention.
PROFILE: Established in 1990 and based in Chicago, the Eugene & Janet Lerner Family Foundation is the private family foundation of the late finance veteran Eugene Lerner and his wife, Janet. A graduate of University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago, Eugene Lerner held teaching positions at Northwestern University and NYU, and served as the Director of Weath Management at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney before heading the Lerner Group at HighTower Advisors. Janet Lerner was an educator and pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. Grantmaking areas of interest include health and human services, Jewish causes, education, environment, and animals.
The Lerner Foundation's grantmaking supports health and human services organizations in the Chicago area. Grantees have included Misericordia, home to over 600 children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Another grantee, Blue Cap, also provides services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Lerner’s Jewish funding has supported the Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago and Temple Beth Israel. In terms of education, the foundation has supported Lerner's alma maters, the University of Chicago and Northwestern, among others. Other Chicago grantees have included tv station WTTW, radio station WBEZ and Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. A component of this family's philanthropy also involves supporting sailing organizations, as well as groups that work for animals and the environment.
Grants rarely exceed $100,000 and many are between $1,000 and $10,000. In a recent year, Lerner gave away just under a million in grants. Review the foundation’s recent tax records to learn about past grantees. The foundation's grantmaking heavily features Chicago organizations.
The foundation keeps a low-profile with a minimal web presence, and it does not appear that this funder accepts unsolicited grant applications. The foundation’s phone number is 847-337-6891.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only.)
LINKS:
