Helen Houston Owen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Helen Houston Owen Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $355,389 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $32,500 and the largest $100,000. 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$355,389
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$32,500
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$8.1 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $316,000 the year before.
38% 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 | $306,500 | 7 | $7.4 million |
| 2024 | $316,000 | 8 | $7.4 million |
| 2025 | $355,389 | 8 | $8.1 million |
How to apply
Helen Houston Owen 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 Helen Houston Owen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $326,389 |
| Illinois | 1 | $29,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association | General support | $100,000 |
| Pasadena Unified School District | General support | $65,000 |
| Pasadena Guild of Children's Hospital | General support | $60,000 |
| St Francis High School | General support | $35,000 |
| First African Methodist Church of Pasa | General support | $30,000 |
| Project Restore | General support | $29,000 |
| Pasadena Museum of History | General support | $25,000 |
| Clifford Swan Investment Counsel | General support | $11,389 |
Officers and trustees
- Bmo Bank N A
Questions people ask
Does Helen Houston Owen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Helen Houston Owen Foundation give?
$355,389 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $32,500.
Who runs Helen Houston Owen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bmo Bank N A (Trustee).
What does Helen Houston Owen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.