Fred Says
Preselected recipients only
Fred Says is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $81,600 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $16,600 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$81,600
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$16,600
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was down from $225,000 the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $225,000 | 11 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $81,600 | 5 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
Fred Says 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Fred Says funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 3 | $46,600 |
| Alabama | 1 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Magic City Acceptance Academy | To sponsor programs with youth initiatives | $25,000 |
| Center on Halsted | To sponsor programs with youth initiatives | $20,000 |
| Gendercool | To sponsor programs with youth initiatives | $16,600 |
| Advocates for Youth | To sponsor programs with youth initiatives | $10,000 |
| Test Positive Aware Network | To sponsor programs with youth initiatives | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert Garofalo
- Lisa Kuhns
- Christina Garofalo Bonifacio
- Brad Gerber
- Babafemi O Taiwo
- John Garofalo
- Zach Stafford
Questions people ask
Does Fred Says accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Fred Says give?
$81,600 in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $16,600.
Who runs Fred Says?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert Garofalo (President), Lisa Kuhns (Treasurer), Christina Garofalo Bonifacio (Secretary) and Brad Gerber (Board Member) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Fred Says fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs.