INSPIRED BY EDUCATION

Palumbo Family Foundation Awards $2 Million in Scholarships and Medical Grants to Support Youth in Need

Since its founding in 2009, the Palumbo Family Foundation has invested more than $2 million in multi-year scholarships, supporting over 300 students from low-income and underserved communities in their pursuit of higher education and long-term success.

In recent years, the foundation has expanded its mission to address another critical need facing young people: access to healthcare and wellness support. Through this expanded focus, the organization now provides tens of thousands of dollars in medical grants to organizations who provide care for children facing serious health challenges, ensuring they have access to resources, and life-enhancing experiences.

Gabriella Palumbo Shapiro, one of five sisters who help lead the foundation, said the organization remains deeply committed to empowering young people to reach their full potential through a comprehensive approach that prioritizes education, health, and overall well-being.

“One of our foundation’s core pillars is education,” Gabriella explained. “We provide scholarships to high school seniors and undergraduate students. Each year, our board carefully reviews applications from students across the Chicagoland area. This year alone, we received more than 200 applications.”

For many applicants, these scholarships represent more than financial assistance—they are a gateway to opportunity.

“These students often face significant barriers,” she said. “Many come from single-parent households, live with grandparents, or are navigating life without parental support. Others are first-generation college students. Too often, circumstances beyond their control limit their opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that doesn’t determine their future.”

The impact of the foundation’s work is evident in the achievements of its scholars. Recipients have gone on to attend prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale—schools that might otherwise have been out of reach.

The foundation’s commitment to education is rooted in family values instilled by founders Sebastian and Mary Palumbo. Their belief in the transformative power of education—and their experience putting five daughters through college—became the driving force behind the organization’s creation.

“My mother was an elementary school teacher in underserved communities, and my father was passionate about giving back,” Gabriella said.

“They understood that education doesn’t just change one person’s life—it strengthens families and entire communities.”

Community involvement has been central to the foundation’s growth. Its board includes the Palumbo sisters along with dedicated community leaders and educators who bring valuable insight and connections to the scholarship selection process. Scholarship awards typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, helping alleviate the rising cost of higher education and reducing the burden of student debt.

That philosophy continues to guide the foundation today, which focuses not only on academic achievement but also on the broader development of young people.

“Our family has several nurses and teachers, so helping others and giving back has always been an important part of our lives,” said Elizabeth Palumbo Pierce, another sister who taught high school math and is now a private tutor. “That naturally led us to focus the Palumbo Family Foundation efforts on children and young adults with disabilities and the organizations that serve them.”

Elizabeth and her sisters recently visited the Ray Graham Association’s Hanson Center in Burr Ridge, which is supported by the foundation. The Center provides equestrian therapy, horticulture programs and other services for people with disabilities.

“The horses and the Center provide not only support, but also peace and happiness for those who attend the program,” Elizabeth said. “Seeing the joy and comfort they bring is incredibly special and reminds our family why this work matters so much.”

Recognizing that educational success is closely tied to health and stability, the foundation expanded its mission to include medical grants for children facing serious conditions.

This expansion was inspired in part by another sister, Samantha Palumbo Tropeano, a neonatal ICU nurse, whose firsthand experience highlighted the urgent needs of families navigating complex medical situations.

Today, the foundation partners with a wide network of organizations to distribute these grants, including Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Marklund Children’s Home, Clearbrook, Turning Point Autism Foundation, the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare initiative, Elmhurst University, and many others.

A key distinguishing factor of the Palumbo Family Foundation is its operational model: 100 percent of donations go directly to those in need.

“No one on our board receives compensation,” Gabriella emphasized. “Every dollar raised goes directly to scholarships and grants. That’s something we are incredibly proud of.”

Looking ahead, the foundation is actively working to engage the next generation. That includes inviting scholarship alumni to participate in leadership roles and encouraging younger family members to embrace philanthropy.

“We want to cultivate a culture of giving,” Gabriella said. “It’s important that young people not only pursue their own goals but also recognize the value of giving back.”

Many former scholarship recipients exemplify this mission. Among them are a neurosurgeon, a prominent attorney, and other professionals who are making meaningful contributions in their fields.

The Palumbo Family Foundation continues to expand its reach while staying true to its founding mission—creating meaningful, lasting impact across communities throughout the Chicago area.

palumbofamilyfoundation.org