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 Eugene and Janet Lerner Foundation was established by “local funders who often put the needs of Chicago-based organizations first in their giving.” It lacks transparency and is not very accessible; it keeps a low-profile and does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. Networking is key for getting this funder’s attention. Eugene Lerner served as the foundation’s president until his death in February 2020. Janet Lerner passed away in 2015. Since its founders’ passing, the foundation has undergone a shift in leadership and now relies upon other family members in key roles.
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 and Janet Lerner. 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. Eugene Lerner received his B.A. and M.A. in economics from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. He was a professor at Kellogg School of Management and founded Disciplined Investment Advisors in the early 1970s. Janet Lerner was an educator and pioneer in the field of learning disabilities. The foundation continues after its founders’ deaths under the leadership of the Lerners’ children, Laura, Susan, and Dean. Grantmaking areas of interest include health and human services, Jewish causes, education, environment, and animals.
Grants for Jewish Causes
Funding for Jewish causes and Israel is the Lerner Family Foundation’s largest area of support in recent years.
- Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago has received consistent support over the years, as has New Israel Fund and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.
- Other Jewish funding has gone to the Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago, Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and Temple Beth Israel.
Grants for Public Health and Access
The Lerner Foundation’s grantmaking supports health and human services organizations in the Chicago area and around the country.
- 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.
- Other health grantees include Isreal Cancer Fund, UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, and New Horizon Center for Developmentally Disabled.
Grants for Higher Education
In terms of education, the Lerner Family Foundation gives priority to higher education institutions, particularly those with a family connection or ties to Israel.
- It has supported Lerner’s alma maters, the University of Chicago and Northwestern, among others.
- Other grantees include California Polytechnic State University, American Israel Education Foundation, Board of Jewish Education, and Spertus College of Judaica.
Grants for Journalism and Media, Arts and Culture
The foundation has demonstrated a significant interest in supporting local Chicago media outlets, including television and radio.
- Grants have gone to tv station WTTW, radio station WBEZ, and Chicago Public Media Inc.
- Lerner has also supported the Israel advocacy organization Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America.
- Arts and culture grants have gone to Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, The Newberry Library, and Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra.
Important Grant Details
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.
- 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 grantmaking heavily features Chicago organizations.
- The foundation’s phone number is 847-337-6891.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
