Polk Bros. Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation

Polk Bros. Foundation was established in 1988 by the children of Sol, Sam, Harry, David, and Morris Polk and Ghisella Bachmann, who built the Polk Brothers appliance and electronics retail business in Chicago. The foundation allocates 22 percent of assets to private equity and holds limited partnership interests in vehicles managed by Madison Dearborn Partners, Adams Street Partners, EnCap Investments, and Axiom Asia Private Capital. It also commits to secondaries and special situations funds through GCM Grosvenor and Raine Partners. Geographic exposure centers on the United States with additional commitments to Asia-focused managers. Capital is deployed via fund commitments rather than direct co-investments. The organization employs 23 professionals at its Kinzie Street office. It participates in Forefront and the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities. No material operational events occurred in the last 24 months. The foundation operates as an independent grantmaking entity whose board and investment decisions remain separate from any operating family businesses.