Castaways Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Castaways Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $180,000 in 77 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$180,000
- Number of grants77
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$4.4 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $180,000 the year before.
26% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $184,000 | 81 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $180,000 | 80 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $180,000 | 77 | $4.4 million |
How to apply
Castaways 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 Castaways Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 53 | $90,500 |
| Illinois | 10 | $36,500 |
| Missouri | 1 | $20,000 |
| Louisiana | 2 | $15,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,000 |
| California | 2 | $3,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $2,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $2,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Children International | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Denver Police Brotherhood Youth Boxing Team | Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Callies Backyard Foundation | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Tulane University | Mildred and herman crown memorial scholarship | $7,500 |
| Tulane University | Ida & abraham rogovin memorial scholarship fund | $7,500 |
| Feeding Colorado | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Immigrant Freedom Fund | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Shedd Aquarium | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Canine Therapy Corps | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| National Jewish Health | Dr. Jinny tavee's research | $5,000 |
| Shirley Ryan Ability Lab | Vocational rehabilitation | $5,000 |
| University of Denver | Barry s. Crown memorial endowed scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition | Unrestricted | $4,000 |
| New Venture Fund | The dream.us mission | $4,000 |
| Paws Chicago | Unrestricted | $4,000 |
| Lincoln Park Zoological Society | Unrestricted | $3,500 |
| Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago | Skylight tv fund | $3,500 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Area of greatest need | $3,000 |
| Aspen Junior Golf Foundation | In memory of alden richards | $2,500 |
| Educating Children of Color | Ecc general fund | $2,500 |
| Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Northwestern Memorial Hospital Foundation | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Safe Place for Pets | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Uc Davis | Voice & swallowing fund | $2,500 |
| UW Foundation Athletics | Volleyball fund | $2,500 |
| Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration | Unrestrictedin honor of alden richards | $2,000 |
| General Federation of Women's Clubs | Signature programbuilding facade program | $2,000 |
| Maryville Academy | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Shriners Hospitals for Children - Chicago | Chicago location - pediatric specialty care | $2,000 |
| Two Angels Foundation | Honor jadyn arenas | $2,000 |
| Aspen Community Health Services | Women's health | $1,500 |
| A Way Out | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Action in Africa | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Aspen Film | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Aspen Public Radio | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Avsc | Scholarship fund | $1,000 |
| Catholic Charities of Central Colorado | Marian house soup kitchen | $1,000 |
| Colorado Springs Fine Art Center | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Divers Alert Network | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Donna Lynn Crown
- Bradley D Crown
- Bruce A Crown
- Laurie J Crown
Questions people ask
Does Castaways Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Castaways Foundation give?
$180,000 in tax year 2025, across 77 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Castaways Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Donna Lynn Crown (Pres/Dir), Bradley D Crown (V.p./Dir), Bruce A Crown (Treas/Dir) and Laurie J Crown (Sec/Dir).
What does Castaways Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and international.