The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation is a private foundation in Columbus, Georgia. In tax year 2025 it gave $76,650 in 6 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$76,650
- Number of grants6
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$3.1 million
- New grantees83%
Giving in 2025 was up from $47,500 the year before.
83% 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 | $25,000 | 3 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $47,500 | 4 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $76,650 | 6 | $3.1 million |
How to apply
The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges 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.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 3 | $40,150 |
| Georgia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Documentary Fund | After the flood documentary | $25,000 |
| More Light Inc | Classical artistic training | $25,000 |
| Pisgah Legal Services | Annual justice forum | $10,000 |
| Emmett Till Interpretive Center | Historical preservation | $10,000 |
| Asheville High School Band Assoc | High school band support | $5,150 |
| Cultivate Pastors & Churches Inc | Pastor development | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Shannon I Candler
- Synovus Trust Company NA
- Matthew W Candler
- Peter M Candler Jr
Questions people ask
Does The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation give?
$76,650 in tax year 2025, across 6 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Shannon I Candler (Distribution Committee), Synovus Trust Company NA (Successor Trustee), Matthew W Candler (Distribution Committee) and Peter M Candler Jr (Distribution Committee).