Lillys Gift Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lillys Gift Foundation is a private foundation in Yreka, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $520,000 in 35 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $55,000. 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$520,000
- Number of grants35
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$55,000
- Assets$12.3 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.1 million the year before.
54% 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 | $1.5 million | 57 | $26.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.1 million | 72 | $30.0 million |
| 2025 | $520,000 | 35 | $12.3 million |
How to apply
Lillys Gift 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 Lillys Gift Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Oregon.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 17 | $290,000 |
| California | 12 | $175,000 |
| New York | 2 | $20,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie River Trust | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $55,000 |
| Marcola Elementary PTO | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $50,000 |
| Liberation Pathways Healing Place | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $40,000 |
| Marcola Education Foundation | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $20,000 |
| Newport Mesa Church | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $20,000 |
| Oregon Horse Rescue | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $20,000 |
| Seeding Justice the Chuush Fund | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $20,000 |
| Board House Society | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $15,000 |
| Companion Animal Medical Project (Camp Clinic) | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $15,000 |
| Oregon Worker Relief Fund | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $15,000 |
| Southwest Indian Foundation Water Is Life Programs | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $15,000 |
| All Seated in the Barn | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Big Dog Ranch Rescue | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Camp Cocker Rescue | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Cascadia Wildlands | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Central Oregon Landwatch | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Colby's Crew | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Embrace Bend | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Family Kitchen | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue Society LTD | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Grasp Animal Rescue | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| High Desert Food & Farm Alliance | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Hui O NA Wat Cha | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Lane County Sherees Mounted Posse | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| March of Dimes | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Northwest Dog Project | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Oscars Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Pawtcake Refuge | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Programa de Ayuda Inc (DBA Latino Community Association) | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Roaring River Water Collective | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| The Giving Plate | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Think Wild | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Tiny Mighty and Strong | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| United Animal Nations (DBA Red Rover) | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $10,000 |
| Smile Train Inc | To support the charitable mission of the organization | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Marilyn Ericson
- Risa Ericson Knights
- Brayden Ericson
- Lois Ericson
- Constance Sherwood
- Steven L Ericson
Questions people ask
Does Lillys Gift Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lillys Gift Foundation give?
$520,000 in tax year 2025, across 35 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Lillys Gift Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marilyn Ericson (Ceo), Risa Ericson Knights (Cfo), Brayden Ericson (Secretary) and Lois Ericson (Ceo (End 09/25)) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Lillys Gift Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, animals and education.