Custom Cares Charities
Preselected recipients only
Custom Cares Charities is a private foundation in Northlake, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $86,829 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $36,679. 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$86,829
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$36,679
- Assets$150,239
- New grantees100%
Giving in 2025 was up from $30,650 the year before.
100% 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 | $63,500 | 1 | $114,371 |
| 2024 | $30,650 | 2 | $138,684 |
| 2025 | $86,829 | 32 | $150,239 |
How to apply
Custom Cares Charities 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 Custom Cares Charities funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 29 | $85,329 |
| Arizona | 1 | $500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $500 |
| New York | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Issa Charities | General support | $36,679 |
| Individual | General support | $28,150 |
| Our Lady of Perpetual Help | General support | $5,500 |
| Special Olypmics Illinois | General fund | $1,500 |
| The Vineyard Church of Aurora | General support | $1,000 |
| Vineyard Aurora Little Food Pantry | General support | $1,000 |
| Juvinile Justice Initiative | General support | $750 |
| Erie Neighborhood House | 150th anniversery fund campaign | $500 |
| Misericordia Heart of Mercy | General support in honor of helen boyle | $500 |
| American Cancer Society | General support | $500 |
| ALS Association | General support | $500 |
| American Heart Association | General support | $500 |
| American Red Cross | General support | $500 |
| Arthritis Foundation | General support | $500 |
| Boy Scouts of America | General support | $500 |
| Cru Inner City | General support | $500 |
| Folds of Honor | General support | $500 |
| For Autistic Kids | General support | $500 |
| Gift Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana | General support | $500 |
| Jesse White Foundation | General support | $500 |
| Mothers Against Drunk Drivers | General support | $500 |
| Make A Wish Foundation | General support | $500 |
| Mercy Home for Boys and Girls | General support | $500 |
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society | General support | $500 |
| Operation Support Our Troops | General support | $500 |
| Prostate Cancer Foundation | General support | $500 |
| Ronald McDonald House | General support | $500 |
| Step Up for Kids | General support | $500 |
| Tower to Tunnels | General support | $500 |
| Toys for Tots | General support | $500 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | General support | $500 |
| West Leyden High School | General support athletics | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Perry Mandera
- Joe Klikas
- Dorland Henderson
Questions people ask
Does Custom Cares Charities accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Custom Cares Charities give?
$86,829 in tax year 2025, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs Custom Cares Charities?
Its 2025 filing lists Perry Mandera (President/Director), Joe Klikas (Secretary/Director) and Dorland Henderson (Treasurer/Director).
What does Custom Cares Charities fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and veterans.