Press Releases

CHICAGO – May 9, 2024 –Pritzker Military Foundation and its founder, Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), announced a challenge grant that will match private cash donations of up to $250,000 to fund a new scholarship at Norwich University, a not-for-profit, private military college in Northfield, VT. The grant will create an endowed fund for a memorial scholarship in the name of GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, a 1959 graduate of Norwich University and a highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Army.  Known as the “Sullivan Scholarship,” the scholarship will provide merit-based awards to both cadets and civilians in good academic standing, with preference given to students from Massachusetts – the birthplace of GEN Sullivan. The challenge grant period opened on April 1, 2024, and will close on March 31, 2027.

GEN Gordon R. Sullivan, who passed away in January 2024, was a beloved and well-respected veteran leader decorated with over two dozen awards and ribbons. Among these honors were five Distinguished Service Medals, a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. Notably, he was twice honored with the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal by the Army, and received one each from the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, and Coast Guard. He spent more than 36 years on active duty in the United States Army, culminating in a prestigious appointment as 32nd Chief of Staff of the Army and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Clinton Administration. After he retired from active duty, he continued to support military interests, such as a tenure as chairman of the board of trustees at Norwich University. He also co-authored the bestselling book “Hope Is Not a Method: What Business Leaders Can Learn from America’s Army “ (Random House, 1996).

“GEN Sullivan was a true American hero. He went far beyond the call of duty to serve his country in innumerable ways, and provided leadership, mentorship, and the transfer of wisdom to service members and civilians alike,” said Pritzker. “We are honored to support the Sullivan Scholarship to forge new paths to higher education for the next generation while celebrating GEN Sullivan’s memory and legacy.”

Norwich University is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation and private university offering baccalaureate and graduate degree programs for students in a Corps of Cadets and civilian students. It was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army, making it the oldest private military college in the U.S. It’s also known as the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). 

“The Scholarship in honor of GEN Sullivan not only recognizes our very special Norwich soldier and leader but will ensure that other worthy students can have the opportunity to graduate from Norwich and go on to serve America just as GEN Sullivan,” said Norwich President Emeritus RADM Rich Schneider.

The Pritzker Military Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period.

About the Pritzker Military Foundation

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of both the Pritzker Military Museum & Library—and similar nonprofit organizations—to preserve American military history, restore historic military artifacts and make them accessible to the public, and provide services and essential resources to active-duty military, veterans and families of service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.

In observance of the Air Force’s 76th birthday, the Pritzker Military Foundation announces a commitment of $25,000 to support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s  “Enlisted Force: Foundation of Air & Space Power” exhibit. An additional $25,000 in matching funds are available under the grant.  

The Air Force’s history and heritage dates back to the twentieth century but the U.S. Air Force was officially founded in 1947. Each year, the nation observes the Air Force’s birthday on September 18.   

“We are proud to support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s exhibit. We believe that this exhibit will educate the public about the outstanding work of the U.S. Air Force and will help shape the future of all the military branches,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation. 

“Enlisted Force: Foundation of Air & Space Power” highlights the highly skilled, trained and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operation of the U.S. Department of the Air Force. Elements of this exhibit are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum complex. Full completion is expected later this year, but visitors can view individual elements as they are installed.  

“The Air Force Museum Foundation is proud to have supported the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force since 1960,” said Dr. Rorie Cartier, CEO of the Air Force Museum Foundation. “The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the partnerships we have cultivated both locally and globally. This generous grant from the Pritzker Military Foundation is a shining example of mission-meeting generosity and it is particularly rewarding to know how many visitors will benefit from it for years to come. “ 

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The museum collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force’s history, heritage and traditions through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection to global audiences.  

“As we celebrate the museum’s 100th anniversary in 2023, it is a true honor to open our newest exhibit honoring the service, sacrifice, leadership and expertise of our Enlisted Force,” said David Tillotson, Director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “Throughout our history, the enlisted force has been the backbone of the Department of the U.S. Air Force. This expansive exhibit highlights the vital roles that our enlisted Airmen and Guardians have in ensuring that we continue to be a world leader in air and space power.” 

To learn more about the Pritzker Military Foundation grants, please visit https://www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-grants/. The Pritzker Military Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period. 

About Pritzker Military Foundation 

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of nonprofit organizations in preserving American military history, restoring historic military artifacts and making them accessible to the public, and providing services and essential resources to past and present service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org. 

The Pritzker Military Foundation announces a commitment of $500,000 to support construction of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Conn., as well as the development of galleries/exhibits and programming. An additional $500,000 in matching funds are available under the grant.  

The gift is in honor of the National Coast Guard Museum Association’s “When the Most is Expected” Capital Campaign. This year, the association will receive $100,000, the third installment of a five-year gift totaling $500,000.  

“We are humbled and honored to extend our unwavering support to the campaign aimed at constructing a museum that will stand as a testament to the illustrious heritage of the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation. “The organization deserves recognition on a grand scale and calls for a monumental institution where stories of valor, resilience, and selflessness can be shared with generations to come, while also embodying the Coast Guard’s rich history.”  

The mission of the National Coast Guard Museum Association is to educate the public about the evolution of the maritime and military history of the Coast Guard and its contributions to America by delivering a world-class museum with robust programming.  

“The incredibly generous grant and challenge commitment from the Pritzker Military Foundation substantially enhanced our capital campaign efforts towards a National Coast Guard Museum,” said National Coast Guard Museum Association President Captain Wes Pulver, USCG (Retired). “The foundation’s belief and investment in our project will not only honor those who have served our nation but will inspire generations to come.  We are honored to be a part of the Pritzker philanthropic legacy and are dedicated to using their generous funds to make our nation proud.”   

The U.S. Coast Guard is one of the country’s six armed forces and the only military branch in the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard was founded as the Revenue Cutter Service on August 4, 1790, by then-Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton authorized the building of a fleet of ten cutters, whose responsibility would be enforcement of the first tariff laws enacted by Congress under the Constitution. Each year, the nation observes Coast Guard Day on August 4.  

About Pritzker Military Foundation 

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of nonprofit organizations in preserving American military history, restoring historic military artifacts and making them accessible to the public, and providing services and essential resources to past and present service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org. 

CHICAGO – May 17, 2023 –The Pritzker Military Foundation announces grants totaling $875,000 to support educational programs and renovation/construction projects at four museums across the country. An additional $425,000 in matching funds are available under these grants.

International Museum Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable role that museums play in society. The Pritzker Military Foundation recognizes these vital resources by supporting the following museums across the country dedicated to preserving military history and educating people of all ages:

• Eagle River Historical Society and Museum– $300,000 to support Eagle River Historical Society’s (ERHS) Endowment Fund, new building addition construction and facility update project. The foundation will also match any private cash donations received by ERHS for student programs, up to $300,000 over three to 10 years. Located in the small northern Wisconsin community of Eagle River, ERHS is devoted to the preservation of local history. Its Historical Museum opened in May 2014.
• National WWII Museum – $300,000 to support the museum’s annual international conference on World War II. Located in downtown New Orleans, the National WWII Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, taking visitors inside the story of the war that changed the world.
• Spy Museum – $150,000 to support the Spy Museum’s adult and youth educational programs. The museum documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. The Museum opened in 2002 in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and relocated to a new, expanded building with all-new exhibitions at L’Enfant Plaza in 2019.
• Wende Museum of the Cold War – $125,000 to support renovations to the museum’s Institute for Archival Research. Located in Culver City, Calif., the Wende is an art museum, cultural center, and archive of the Cold War that explores social, political, and cultural change. The foundation will also match any private cash donations received by the museum, up to $125,000 over one year.

“Museums have always been an epitome of knowledge, history and heritage that connect people across nations,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation. “They are not just institutions, but windows to the world’s past, present and future. These institutions preserve our collective memories by showcasing the stories from different perspectives with their unique artifacts, exhibits and interactive programs for visitors of all ages. The Pritzker Military Foundation recognizes this importance and supports various museums worldwide.”

To learn more about Pritzker Military Foundation grants, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-grants.

About the Pritzker Military Foundation

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of both the Pritzker Military Museum & Library—and similar nonprofit organizations—to preserve American military history, restore historic military artifacts and make them accessible to the public, and provide services and essential resources to active-duty military, veterans and families of service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.

CHICAGO – April 6, 2023 – The Pritzker Military Foundation announces a $90,000 gift to Kids Rank, a service-based organization developed specifically for military children. Installments of $15,000 were committed to the organization in support of monthlong activities during Month of the Military Child (MOMC).

“Kids Rank’s month of activities sets a gold standard demonstrating how military children are accepted in communities, and the Pritzker Military Foundation is pleased to help celebrate them during the month of April and beyond,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation.

Kids Rank provides stability and support for military-connected children by nurturing social and emotional growth through connection, leadership, and community service. Military children are encouraged to serve their communities just as their parents serve or have served the United States. Kids Rank’s program is open to school-aged military children representing all branches of service including active duty, reservists, retirees and Families of the Fallen.

Month of the Military Child at Kids Rank kicked off on April 1 with a guided painting class in the company of veteran service K-9s. On April 8, volunteers will assemble care packages for military children and on April 15, Kids Rank will team up with USO of Illinois for an exciting family event that will test families’ physical and mental stamina.

The organization will also host a special evening for families, community members, and friends to enjoy a military-style kids ball on April 22. The MOMC will end with a 5K family run on April 29. To register for any MOMC activities, please visit the Kids Rank website.

“Due to their parents’ service, military children relocate often and may experience periods of time away from their parents,” said Chief Operating Officer of Philanthropic Activities Susan Rifkin. “During Month of the Military Child and beyond, we want them to feel valued and appreciated. The events that Kids Rank has planned give children and their families an opportunity to spend quality time together, engaged in activities that create lasting memories.”

To learn more about the Pritzker Military Foundation and its grants, please visit the website.

About Pritzker Military Foundation

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of nonprofit organizations in preserving American military history, restoring historic military artifacts and making them accessible to the public, and providing services and essential resources to past and present service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.

CHICAGO – March 9, 2023 – The Pritzker Military Foundation announces a $25,000 gift to Women In International Security (WIIS), a global organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and achieving gender equality in international peace and security. Two installments of $12,500 were committed to the organization in support of interview transcription and editing for research on women’s integration into U.S. military ground combat units.

“Women have achieved greater seniority and leadership in the services over the years thanks to the advocacy and dedication of organizations like Women In International Security,” said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation. “Throughout Women’s History Month and beyond, we salute women’s involvement in the peace process and WIIS for providing the training, programming, research and analysis to close the gender and diversity gaps in the international security sector.”

Committed to achieving gender equality, WIIS publishes research, conducts training, and convenes policy forums that bridge the gap between gender and today’s critical security issues.

Over the last 35 years, WIIS helped the international community recognize and make commitments to include women in peace and security decision-making at all levels. The organization’s efforts resulted in new and expanding opportunities for women, with an increased presence in foreign and defense affairs and representation at the highest levels of private and public service.

“We recognize and honor the significant contributions of women in the military and international security,” said Pritzker Military Foundation Chief Operating Officer of Philanthropic Activities, Susan Rifkin. “This grant will support research that is an integral part of WIIS’s mission and will document the stories of courageous women who have served in combat roles.”

To learn more about the Pritzker Military Foundation and its grants, please visit the website.

About Pritzker Military Foundation

The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of nonprofit organizations in preserving American military history, restoring historic military artifacts and making them accessible to the public, and providing services and essential resources to past and present service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.