Pat Mac's Pack Incorporated
Pat Mac's Pack (patmacspack.org) is a Chicago-based nonprofit honoring Patrick McNamara that raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research (notably at Lurie Children’s) and provides financial assistance to young cancer patients and families. The site contains the organization's history, mission, impact, events, donation options, and board/advisors information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An Illinois-based pediatric cancer research center, hospital program, or a program providing emergency financial assistance to families of young cancer patients; applicants with direct hospital referrals are especially aligned.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois or directly partnered with an Illinois hospital
- • Work focused on pediatric brain tumor research or direct emergency financial aid to families
- • Existing relationship or referral from Lurie Children’s Hospital, hospital social work, or a medical advisor
- • Capacity to receive a one-time large research grant or many small emergency awards
- • Clear use for unrestricted family assistance or a defined research project tied to pediatric neuro-oncology
Geography
The latest year shows an almost exclusively in-state footprint: roughly 99% of 2024 dollars stayed in Illinois, with only minimal out-of-state grants.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation made 72 grants to 72 distinct recipients, and most grants were small emergency awards to many independent individuals and organizations, indicating a broad recipient set despite one very large research gift.
New Applicants
Behavior and access cues conflict: the funder reports funding only preselected applicants, yet 65 recipients in 2024 were new, so direct evidence of open competitive entry is limited but the observed portfolio includes many new grantees.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
