Sacks Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Sacks Family Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of educational and arts institutions. To a lesser extent, it has supported Jewish causes, policy development, health and human services.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

PROFILE:  Founded in 2001 and based in Highland Park, the Sacks Family Foundation was established by Grosvenor Capital Management CEO Michael Sacks and his wife, Cari, an art collector. Sacks serves as vice-chairman of World Business Chicago and the couple's giving prioritizes the Chicago area. While the foundation is not transparent about its grantmaking practices, tax filings suggest that its priorities include education, the arts, Jewish causes, health and human services.

Sacks’s education grantmaking includes a $5 million gift early in the decade to Northwestern University and a $1 million gift to the Art Institute of Chicago for the creation of need-based Sacks Family Scholarships. In K-12 education, the foundation also endowed college scholarships for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) graduates. Additional Chicago area grantees include the Museum of Contemporary Art, Am Shalonm, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Teach for America and the Erikson Institute.

Most Sacks grants range from $500 to $720,000. Review the funder''s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees.

Per a recent IRS Form 990, the foundation accepts letters of inquiry, which should include the name of organization, mission statement, amount requested and contact information. The foundation's phone number is 312-506-6501.

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CONTACT:

Sacks Family Foundation

1850 2nd St., Ste. 201

Highland Park, IL 60035-3176

(312) 506-6501