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Foundation Lookup

Form 990-PFTax year 2025EIN 36-6125570

Esper A Petersen Foundation

A private foundation in Grayslake, IL. Its return for tax year 2025 lists 41 grants and $760,426 paid in grants.

See which foundations fund work like yours Matching by cause, place and grant size

Tax year 2025 (period ending Dec 31, 2025), read from the IRS e-file on Nov 11, 2026. Returns reach the IRS 5 to 18 months after the year they describe.

How to apply

Accepts applications

The return gives an application contact and rules, as below.

Contact
Esper A Petersen Foundation
1 E Belvidere Road
Grayslake, IL 60030
(847) 336-0900
Form and materials
No required form - Solicitations should include specific plans for the use of grants received, proof of 501(c)(3) status, and financial information regarding the organization.
Deadlines
No specific deadlines
Restrictions
Any restrictions are determined during the evaluation process.

Assets and giving by year

8 returns on file
Grants paid by tax year. The latest year is in blue.

  • Tax year 2025

    $760,426

    Grants listed
    41
    Assets, end of year
    $6,971,299

  • Tax year 2024

    $741,050

    Grants listed
    42
    Assets, end of year
    $6,839,449

  • Tax year 2023

    $689,500

    Grants listed
    34
    Assets, end of year
    $6,962,285

  • Tax year 2022

    $750,700

    Grants listed
    30
    Assets, end of year
    $7,041,685

  • Tax year 2021

    $621,800

    Grants listed
    23
    Assets, end of year
    $7,289,601

  • Tax year 2020

    $563,500

    Grants listed
    29
    Assets, end of year
    $7,323,725

  • Tax year 2019

    $1,315,092

    Grants listed
    43
    Assets, end of year
    $7,331,216

  • Tax year 2018

    $448,944

    Grants listed
    37
    Assets, end of year
    $8,131,970

Grants paid in 2025

41 grants, largest first

As listed on the return. Grants to individuals show as “Individual”, with purpose and amount only.

  1. Individual

    For public charity support.

    $154,758
  2. Westlake Christian AcademyGurnee, IL

    To support beautification project of the school

    $70,000
  3. VC Colab FoundationVentura, CA

    Advance education and science, combat community deterioration and lessen the burdens of government

    $50,368
  4. Individual

    Support the [individual]'s educational and community programs

    $50,000
  5. Cedars Sinai Medical CenterW Hollywood, CA

    Provide affordable health care

    $50,000
  6. Salvation ArmyOxnard, CA

    Support the adult rehabilitation center

    $50,000
  7. Madison Project at Santa Monica ColSanta Monica, CA

    To support education programs for the Broad Stage.

    $50,000
  8. Los Angeles Chamber OrchestraLos Angeles, CA

    Support orchestra's education and outreach programs

    $40,000
  9. The Foundation for Pierce CollegeWoodland HLS, CA

    Support development of resources to support educational programs, students and campus

    $25,000
  10. Nenn FoundationSanta Rosa Va, CA

    To support veterinary students in large animal medicine

    $25,000
  11. Friends of Robinson GardensBeverly Hills, CA

    To support preservation and promotion of the historical estate for the education and enjoyment of the general public

    $22,500
  12. Individual

    Provide affordable access to a full range of reproductive health care

    $15,000
  13. Individual

    Support [individual] of the Pomeranian breed and educate about responsible dog ownership

    $15,000
  14. Individual

    To provide more comprehensive medical care and emergency services.

    $10,000
  15. Los Angeles Regional Food BankVernon, CA

    To help mobilize resources to fight hunger in the community.

    $10,000
  16. Animal TracksAgua Dulce, CA

    To help keep wildlife preserved and to keep rescue animals healthy & fed.

    $10,000
  17. The Rescue TrainNorth Hollywood, CA

    To help eliminate animal suffering and euthanasia through hands on rescue work.

    $10,000
  18. SalastinaPasadena, CA

    To support appreciation of chamber music through performance and appreciation

    $10,000
  19. Tanka FundKyle, SD

    To support the return of the buffalo to Native American lands

    $10,000
  20. The UCLA FoundationPasadena, CA

    To support enhancement of physical and emotional well being through canines

    $7,500
  21. Village of GrayslakeGrayslake, IL

    To share engaging programs and exhibitions through the years

    $5,000
  22. The Danish Home FoundationChicago, IL

    To support communities centered in Danish and Scandinavian customs

    $5,000
  23. Rotary Club of Grayslake FoundationGrayslake, IL

    To support local humanitarian needs, youth programs and community development

    $5,000
  24. The Pepper FoundationStudio City, CA

    Support rescuing senior and special needs animals

    $5,000
  25. Dream FetchersTemecula, CA

    To support rescue, training and providing animal assisted activities therapies

    $5,000
  26. A Purposeful RescueLos Angeles, CA

    To help homeless pets in need

    $5,000
  27. Shepherds Paws Animal RescueActon, CA

    To help large and medical dogs in need

    $5,000
  28. Frosted Faces FoundationRamona, CA

    To help senior dogs in need

    $5,000
  29. Community Youth NetworkGrayslake, IL

    To support mental health services

    $5,000
  30. Studio Channel Island Arts CenterCamarillo, CA

    To support bringing artists and community together to educate, enrich and entertain

    $5,000
  31. University of Southern CALos Angeles, CA

    To support innovative research to develop targeted new therapies and cures

    $5,000
  32. Saving K9 Lives PlusEncino, CA

    To provide public awareness of the growing population of homeless animals and animals being euthanized in crowded shelters.

    $2,500
  33. Individual

    To support [individual] and rehabilitation of small dogs

    $2,500
  34. Individual

    To support [individual] and rehabilitation of homeless pets

    $2,500
  35. Linda Blair Worldheart FoundationBurbank, CA

    To support rehabilitation and rehoming of abused and neglected animals

    $2,500
  36. Treepeople IncBeverly Hills, CA

    To inspire and engage people to take personal responsibility fo the environment

    $2,500
  37. Individual

    To support public engagement with the performing [individual]

    $2,500
  38. Women's Guild Cedars SinaiLos Angeles, CA

    To support programs at Cedars Sinai Medical Centers

    $2,000
  39. Ventura County Sheriff FoundationCamarillo, CA

    To promote civic spirit and public safety in support of the Ventura County Sheriff's office.

    $1,300
  40. Individual

    Provide for special needs children, adults and their families

    $1,000
  41. Ventura Cnty Animal Services FoundaCamarillo, CA

    To improve the lives of animals at the facility

    $1,000

Where the money goes

By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.

  1. Animals11 grants $85,00031% of the total
  2. Environment3 grants $75,36827% of the total
  3. Health2 grants $52,00019% of the total
  4. Arts and culture2 grants $50,00018% of the total
  5. Community development1 grant $5,0002% of the total
  6. Housing and shelter1 grant $5,0002% of the total
  7. 1 other causes1 grant $5,0002% of the total

By State

Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.

  1. California26 grants $407,168
  2. Illinois5 grants $90,000
  3. South Dakota1 grant $10,000

Officers, directors and trustees

6 people as filed

As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.

  • Esper A PetersenDir/President Hours 2Pay $5,000
  • Ann PetersenDir/VP Hours 2Pay $5,000
  • Esper A Petersen IIIDirector Hours 1Pay $2,000
  • Stephanie GulloDir/Secretary Hours 1Pay $1,000
  • Jennifer AshworthAsst Secretary Hours 1Pay $1,000
  • Adam MorleyTreasurer Hours 1Pay $1,000

The return

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