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Square One Foundation is a private corporation based in CHICAGO, IL. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1961. The principal officer is Priscilla Kersten. It holds total assets of $76.5M. Annual income is reported at $20.7M. Total assets have grown from $31M in 2011 to $76.5M in 2024. The foundation is governed by 3 officers and trustees. Square One Foundation's mission is to realize equitable access to educational opportunity, democratic processes, and economic justice for all Chicagoans. According to its most recent filing, the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Tax records are available from 2015 to 2024. The foundation primarily funds organizations in Chicago and Illinois. According to available records, Square One Foundation has made 204 grants totaling $13.8M, with a median grant of $50K. Annual giving has grown from $3.8M in 2020 to $5.2M in 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $1M, with an average award of $68K. The foundation has supported 111 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Illinois, New York, District of Columbia, which account for 91% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 10 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Not appicable
Students achieve proficiency in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking
People participate actively in accountable, inclusive democratic systems
People benefit from equitable economic structures enabling full participation
Square One Foundation's mission is to realize equitable access to educational opportunity, democratic processes, and economic justice for all Chicagoans. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 204 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in IL, NY, DC.
Square One Foundation has distributed a total of $13.8M across 204 grants. The median grant size is $50K, with an average of $68K. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $1M.
Square One Foundation typically selects its grantees rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. Must be 501(c)(3) with at least 3 years operating history. Budget under $5 million. Must operate in and primarily benefit the Chicago region. Does not fund individuals, fundraising events, capital campaigns, equipment purchases, religious activities, political organizations, lobbying, or debt reduction. An application form is available on the foundation's website.
Square One Foundation is headquartered in CHICAGO, IL. While based in IL, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 10 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priscilla Kersten | PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Steven A Kersten | SECRETARY TREASURY | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Benjamin Kersten | VICE PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$76.5M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$75M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
204
Total Giving
$13.8M
Average Grant
$68K
Median Grant
$50K
Unique Recipients
111
Most Common Grant
$25K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Of Chicago Odyssey ChallengeGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $500K | 2023 |
| Frameworks InstituteGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $200K | 2023 |
| William J Brennan Jr Center For Justice IncGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $200K | 2023 |
| National Louis UniversityGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $137K | 2023 |
| Shriver Center On Urban PovertyGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $110K | 2023 |
| Wisconsin Conservation VotersGENERAL PURPOSE | Madison, WI | $110K | 2023 |
| Chicago United For EquityGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $109K | 2023 |
| Civic News Company (Chalkbeat)GENERAL PURPOSE | New York, IL | $103K | 2023 |
| Mikva Challenge Grant Foundation IncGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $95K | 2023 |
| Latino Policy ForumGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $93K | 2023 |
| Chicago Community Trust ElevatedGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $93K | 2023 |
| Northern Illinois University FoundationGENERAL PURPOSE | Dekalb, IL | $90K | 2023 |
| Kidsfirst ChicagoGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $85K | 2023 |
| Chicago Lawyers Committee For Civil RightsGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $85K | 2023 |
| City BureauGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $85K | 2023 |
| Block Club ChicagoGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $85K | 2023 |
| Community Organizing And Family Issues CofiGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $85K | 2023 |
| Ausl-Liberated WayGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $83K | 2023 |
| Equity And TransformationGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $83K | 2023 |
| Blackroots AllianceGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $80K | 2023 |
| Reform For IllinoisGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $78K | 2023 |
| Illinois Institute Of TechnologyGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $78K | 2023 |
| Common Cause Education FundGENERAL PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $78K | 2023 |
| Economic Security Project IncGENERAL PURPOSE | New York, NY | $77K | 2023 |
| Palenque LsnaGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $75K | 2023 |
| South Side WeeklyGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $75K | 2023 |
| Illinois Coalition For Immigrant And Refugee RightGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $75K | 2023 |
| Advance IllinoisGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $70K | 2023 |
| Citizen Advocacy CenterGENERAL PURPOSE | Elmhurst, IL | $68K | 2023 |
| Election CenterGENERAL PURPOSE | Katy, TX | $68K | 2023 |
| Saapri (Apna Ghar Fiscal Sponsor)GENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $68K | 2023 |
| Southwest Organizing Project (Swop)GENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $65K | 2023 |
| Coalition For A Better Chinese CommunityGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $65K | 2023 |
| Center For Budget And Tax AccounntabilityGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $63K | 2023 |
| The Gray Matter ExperienceGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $61K | 2023 |
| Modern Classrooms ProjectGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $60K | 2023 |
| Invisible InstituteGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $60K | 2023 |
| Injustice WatchGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $60K | 2023 |
| Chicago Foundation For WomenGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $58K | 2023 |
| Chicago Votes Education FundGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Reader Institute For Community JournalismGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Accelerate InstituteGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Crossroads FundGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Enlace ChicagoGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Lugenia Burns Hope CenterGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $55K | 2023 |
| Teachers Supporrting TeachersGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $53K | 2023 |
| Southsiders Organized For Unity And Liberation (SoGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $53K | 2023 |
| Raise Your Hand For Illinois EducationGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $53K | 2023 |
| Communities Foundation Of Texas YblocGENERAL PURPOSE | Dallas, TX | $52K | 2023 |
| Northwest Housing CenterGENERAL PURPOSE | Chicago, IL | $50K | 2023 |