Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation is a private foundation in Paradise Valley, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $70,290 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $1,500 and the largest $10,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$70,290
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$1,500
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$639,446
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $39,210 the year before.
44% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $28,999 | 19 | $465,940 |
| 2024 | $39,210 | 16 | $987,282 |
| 2025 | $70,290 | 25 | $639,446 |
How to apply
Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14 | $46,090 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $8,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $7,500 |
| New York | 2 | $3,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $2,500 |
| Arizona | 3 | $1,440 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $1,000 |
| California | 1 | $260 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriels Light | Program support | $10,000 |
| Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor In | Program support | $10,000 |
| Individual | Program support | $7,500 |
| Mayo Clinic | Program Support | $7,500 |
| Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley | Program support | $5,000 |
| Individual | Program support | $5,000 |
| The Community Church | Program support | $5,000 |
| Individual | Program Support | $2,500 |
| Individual | Program Support | $2,500 |
| Food Bank of New York City | Program support | $2,000 |
| Lake Forest Open Lands Association | Program support | $2,000 |
| Entertainment Community Fund | Program Support | $2,000 |
| Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter | Program support | $1,500 |
| American Red Cross | Program support | $1,000 |
| Writers Theatre | Program support | $1,000 |
| Humane Society of Marathon County | Program Support | $1,000 |
| Individual | Program Support | $1,000 |
| Amnesty International | Program Support | $1,000 |
| Individual | Program Support | $1,000 |
| Wbez | Program Support | $500 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Program Support | $410 |
| Friends of Public Radio Arizona | Program Support | $400 |
| Individual | Program Support | $260 |
| Community Animal Rescue Skokie | Program Support | $180 |
| Friends Of Arizona PBS | Program Support | $40 |
Officers and trustees
- Lydia Backer
- Gus Backer
Questions people ask
Does Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation give?
$70,290 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $1,500.
Who runs Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lydia Backer (President) and Gus Backer (Vice President).
What does Lydia and Gus Backer Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals and arts and culture.