Edlis-Nesson Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Edlis Nesson Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of arts and cultural organizations in Chicago.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. It does not appear to accept unsolicited applications.

PROFILE: Founded in 2007, the Edlis-Nesson Foundation was established by Apollo Plastics Corporation Founder Stefan Edlis and his wife Gael Neeson. The Edlis Nesson Foundation’s grantmaking includes arts and cultural organizations. Chicago is one of the foundation’s geographic priorities.

Stefan and Gael are avid art collectors, particularly of Postwar and contemporary art, and have appeared on ArtNews’ Top 200 art collectors list many times. In 2015, the couple donated 42 works of Pop and contemporary art, together worth $500 million, to the Art Institute of Chicago. Their collection includes pieces by Jasper Johns and Ugo Rondinone. The couple split time between Aspen and Chicago, which reflects in their giving.

In a recent fiscal year, grants ranged from $1,000 to $2,635,000, which went to the New Museum in New York City. Chicago area grantees have included Chicago Opera Theater, Lyric Opera, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Smart Museum, Renaissance Society and Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Review the funder''s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees.

The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited grant applications. The funder's phone number is 312-787-6798.

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CONTACT:

Edlis-Neeson Foundation

175 E Delaware No 5116

Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 787-6798