Childrens Care Foundation

Children's Care Foundation is a private non-operating foundation rooted in a 130-year history of serving Chicago's most vulnerable children. Originally established in 1892 as the Home for Destitute Crippled Children, the organization transitioned from direct health provision to a grantmaking foundation in 1989. Today it manages $68 million in assets and distributes approximately $2.7-3.0 million annually through a small number of concentrated grants (typically 7-10 per year). The foundation's strategy centers on funding community-based health care and social services for medically underserved children in metropolitan Chicago. Unlike many peer foundations, Children's Care Foundation does not operate a public RFP process — grant relationships are cultivated through direct outreach to the foundation. This invitation-oriented model results in larger average grants ($328,600) and deeper partnerships with a select group of grantees. The foundation has historically supported the Norwegian American Hospital Pediatric Care-A-Van, reflecting its commitment to mobile and accessible healthcare for children who face geographic and economic barriers to care.

From IRS 990 filings, Children's Care Foundation holds $68.0 million in total assets with 2024 revenue of $3.2 million (54.9% from dividends, 25.6% from contributions, 19.5% from asset sales). In 2024, the foundation distributed $2,743,271 across 8 grants, with individual awards ranging from $25,000 to $1,157,393. Grant volume has declined significantly from earlier years: 43 awards in 2016 and 38 in 2017, compared to single digits since 2021. This consolidation suggests a strategic shift toward fewer, larger investments in proven partners rather than broad portfolio diversification. The average grant of $328,600 is notably high for a foundation of this size. Key personnel include President Michael Reed (who took over from Bruce E. Huey in December 2023), Executive Director Robert L. Campbell ($218,432 compensation), and CFO Roxanne M. Warble ($187,382 compensation). The foundation's payout rate relative to assets (~4%) is consistent with private foundation requirements. Focus areas span pediatric healthcare, education (including K-12 and charter schools), youth development, child abuse prevention, and delinquency prevention.

Children's Care Foundation occupies a distinctive niche: its $68M asset base is the second-largest among Chicago children's foundations after ILCHF, but its highly concentrated grantmaking (averaging just 8-10 grants per year) produces the highest per-grant investment in this peer group. By comparison, Bright Promises Foundation makes over 30 grants annually at much smaller amounts. This concentration strategy carries both benefits (deep impact with select partners) and risks (portfolio concentration, limited diversity of grantees).

In fiscal year 2024 (ending June 2024), Children's Care Foundation distributed $2,743,271 across 8 awards, a slight decrease from the 9 awards totaling $2,957,393 in 2023 and 10 awards in 2022. The foundation recorded total revenue of $3.18 million against expenses of $3.49 million, resulting in a small net loss of $309,651. Michael Reed assumed the presidency in December 2023, replacing Bruce E. Huey — this leadership transition may influence strategic priorities going forward. The foundation's investment portfolio continues to generate substantial dividend income ($1.75M in 2024), providing a stable funding base. Notably, the foundation's website (childrenscarefoundation.com) appears to be non-functional, redirecting to advertising content rather than displaying organizational information — this lack of public web presence is unusual for a foundation of this size and may reflect its invitation-only approach to grantmaking. The foundation has not claimed its Charity Navigator profile and lacks e-filed 990s from certain years (2018-2020), suggesting minimal public engagement beyond required IRS filings.

Children's Care Foundation is a private, invitation-oriented funder — there is no public RFP or online application portal. To pursue funding: (1) Send a letter of inquiry directly to the foundation at 307 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1005, Chicago, IL 60601, addressed to Executive Director Robert L. Campbell or President Michael Reed. Clearly state your organization's mission, the specific children's health or welfare need you address, and your track record of serving medically underserved children in metropolitan Chicago. (2) Emphasize community-based, direct-service programs — the foundation historically prioritizes organizations providing frontline pediatric healthcare, abuse prevention services, and youth development programs rather than research or advocacy. (3) Demonstrate measurable outcomes: with only 7-10 grants per year averaging $328,600, the foundation invests deeply in proven organizations. Include data on children served, health outcomes improved, and cost-effectiveness. (4) Geographic alignment is critical: the foundation strongly prioritizes metropolitan Chicago and Illinois-based organizations. National organizations should demonstrate significant local Chicago impact. (5) If your organization provides mobile health services, school-based health programs, or health access for immigrant/low-income children, highlight this alignment with the foundation's historical support for programs like the Norwegian American Hospital Pediatric Care-A-Van.