James & Zita Gavin Foundation
Preselected recipients only
James & Zita Gavin Foundation is a private foundation in Kenilworth, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.3 million in 30 grants; the typical grant was $100,025 and the largest $405,955. 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$3.3 million
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$100,025
- Largest grant$405,955
- Assets$32.4 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.6 million the year before.
27% 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 | $982,356 | 26 | $22.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.6 million | 28 | $28.8 million |
| 2025 | $3.3 million | 30 | $32.4 million |
How to apply
James & Zita Gavin 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 James & Zita Gavin Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 16 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 8 | $908,747 |
| Louisiana | 2 | $456,780 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $253,492 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $252,513 |
| Indiana | 1 | $250,621 |
| Iowa | 5 | $202,328 |
| Alabama | 1 | $197,808 |
| Florida | 2 | $151,650 |
| Colorado | 1 | $150,995 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $124,646 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sister of Holy Family - New Orleans | Unrestricted charitable gift | $405,955 |
| St Cecelia Dominican Congregation -Nashville | Unrestricted charitable gift | $253,492 |
| Turning Point USA | Unrestricted charitable gift | $250,621 |
| Relevant Radio | Unrestricted charitable gift | $247,938 |
| St John Henry Neuman | Unrestricted charitable gift | $198,912 |
| Ewtn | Unrestricted charitable gift | $197,808 |
| Word on Fire Catholic Ministries | Unrestricted charitable gift | $152,463 |
| Diocese of Joliet for St Isaac Jogues Parish | Unrestricted charitable gift | $151,852 |
| Focus Catholic | Unrestricted charitable gift | $150,995 |
| Mary's Meals USA | Unrestricted charitable gift | $124,646 |
| Lumen Christie Institute | Unrestricted charitable gift | $101,651 |
| Maria Joseph Manor | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,050 |
| Becket Fund | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,050 |
| Dominican Friars Foundation | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,050 |
| Little Sisters of the Poor | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,050 |
| St Bernard Catholic Church | Unrestricted charitable gift | $100,000 |
| Vox Populi Mariae Meditrici | Unrestricted charitable gift | $72,840 |
| St Norbert Abbey | Unrestricted charitable gift | $61,209 |
| Diocese of Joliet for Be Formed | Unrestricted charitable gift | $51,694 |
| University of St Mary of the Lake Seminary | Unrestricted charitable gift | $51,650 |
| Community Pregnancy Clinic | Unrestricted charitable gift | $51,650 |
| Stjohn & Paul Parish | Unrestricted charitable gift | $51,014 |
| Diocese of Baton Rouge for Sacred Heart School ( Baton Rouge) | Unrestricted charitable gift | $50,825 |
| St Gabriel Communications LLC (Iowa Catholic Radio) | Unrestricted charitable gift | $50,398 |
| The Coalition of Family Flourishing (My Forge) | Unrestricted charitable gift | $50,398 |
| Catholic Foundation Michigan for Acts Xxiv | Unrestricted charitable gift | $50,025 |
| The Veil Removed | Unrestricted charitable gift | $25,518 |
| School of Mary-Montessori | Unrestricted charitable gift | $25,000 |
| St Michael's Catholic School Olympia Wa | Unrestricted charitable gift | $10,000 |
| Link Unlimited | Unrestricted charitable gift | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- FR Burke Masters
- FR Kenneth Anderson
- FR Mark McGeary
- James L Gavin
- Kevin P Gavin
- Steven J Gavin
- William Gavin
Questions people ask
Does James & Zita Gavin Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does James & Zita Gavin Foundation give?
$3.3 million in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $100,025.
Who runs James & Zita Gavin Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists FR Burke Masters (Director), FR Kenneth Anderson (Director), FR Mark McGeary (Director) and James L Gavin (Treasurer) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does James & Zita Gavin Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and education.