OVERVIEW: The Kavanaugh Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education and youth. It also earmarks funds for other causes like healthcare.
IP TAKE: The Kavanaugh Family Foundation keeps a very low profile and lacks transparency and accessibility. It does not accept unsolicited applications, but it does provide a way of contacting it. That said, this is a great ally to know in the Chicagoland area, as well as across Illinois. The foundation has increased funding in recent years. While it is unclear if this trend will continue, it is important to note. This is a funder that makes multi-year grants, so once you get on its radar, the foundation likes to develop a relationship over time with a handful of grantees, though it leaves plenty of room for new grantees.
PROFILE: The Kavanaugh Family Foundation was established in 2009 and is based in Downer’s Grove, Illinois. It is steered by Dave J. Kavanaugh and his family. Dave is the owner of United States Brass and Copper, one of the largest independent direct source suppliers of copper and brass mill products. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information on its grantmaking interests. Tax filings suggest that the Kavanaugh Family Foundation primarily funds education and youth programs. It also earmarks funds for other causes like healthcare.
Grants for K-12 Education
The foundation is a big supporter of Chicago area catholic high schools. It steadily supports Kavanaugh’s former high school St. Ignatius College Prep. Other grantees have included De La Salle Institute, Marian Catholic High School, Marist High School, and St. Catherine School.
Grants for Health
Dave serves on the board of Howard Young Foundation, which invests in the Howard Young Medical Center and Ascension Eagle River Hospital, collectively referred to as Ascension Howard Young Health Care (AHYHC). Other grantees have included Sacred Heart Church; and Cara, whose mission is to “unlock the power and purpose within our communities and ourselves to create real and lasting success.”
Important Grant Details:
Grants typically range from $1,000 to $60,000. In a recent tax year, the foundation gave away around $619,000 and held $16 million in assets. Most grants remain in the Chicago area, but organizations in Wisconsin and Ohio have also received funding.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
The foundation can be reached at (630) 629-9340.
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CONTACT:
Kavanaugh Family Foundation
1401 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, Il 60515
(630) 629-9340
