SOURCE OF WEALTH: Wolverine Asset Management
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Health, Human Services
OVERVIEW: Christopher and Susan Gust conduct their philanthropy through the Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation, which primarily works to support inclusive education opportunities for students, among other goals. According to available tax filings, the foundation awarded around $325,000 in grants in 2017. Much of the family’s giving is in the Chicago area.
BACKGROUND: Christopher Lazarus Gust graduated from the University of Michigan. Gust is managing director, CEO, and CIO of Wolverine Asset Management, which he co-founded in 2001.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: The foundation partners with “private educational institutions providing funds for study scholarships, and services for students with disabilities,” among other efforts. It has worked with St. Ignatius College Preparatory School and St. Benedict Preparatory School.
The Gust Foundation also works with Chicago Public Schools in support of children with learning disabilities. It has funded, for instance, an inclusion facilitator position at Jahn Elementary School. Gust also has supported an educational conference on inclusive environments.
Christopher and Susan Gust have supported their alma mater, the University of Michigan, including athletic programming. Other grantees have included Depaul University, Roosevelt University, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: The Gust family have supported Autism Speaks, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Autism Connection, and Heartland Alliance, an antipoverty organization.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the Gusts to remain laser-focused on inclusive education, particularly in the Chicago area.
CONTACT:
Applications should be addressed to:
Christopher L.Gust, Director
The Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation
2835 N Sheffield, No. 216
Chicago, IL 60657
(312) 391-6354
