Mary Helen Roberts Trust
Accepts applications
Mary Helen Roberts Trust is a private foundation in Watseka, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $208,514 in 44 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $40,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$208,514
- Number of grants44
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$4.6 million
- New grantees34%
Giving in 2025 was up from $197,086 the year before.
34% 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 | $206,245 | 32 | $4.2 million |
| 2024 | $197,086 | 37 | $4.3 million |
| 2025 | $208,514 | 44 | $4.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | First Trust Savings Bank 120 E Walnut, Watseka, IL 60970 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (815) 432-2494 |
| What to submit | Grant application forms are available from the trustee upon request. Applicants which are tax exept organizations, exempt under internal revenue code section 501 (c)(3), should include with their application a copy of their notice from the internal revenue service granting |
| Deadlines | May 15 |
| Restrictions | Grants are awarded only for charitable, religious educational or scientific purposes to organizations which are tax exemt under section 501 (c)(3) of the internal revenue code or to units of local government located in iroquois county, Illinois. Preference is given to tax |
What Mary Helen Roberts Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 43 | $207,514 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iroquois West School District 10 | Educational purposes | $40,000 |
| Iroquois Memorial Hospital | Stryker surgical suction device | $20,000 |
| Gilman Cemetery District | Restore mausoleum | $14,050 |
| Iroquois Mental Health Center | Psychiatric services | $10,000 |
| Douglas Township Park District | Rehab parking lot | $9,478 |
| Gilman Comm Fire Protection Distric | Radio system | $7,500 |
| Unit 9 Academic Foundation | Ipads/cases/cart | $7,500 |
| First United Methodist Church Food | Food from foodbank | $5,000 |
| Gods Food Pantry | Fresh food for clients | $5,000 |
| Martinton Comm Food Pantry | Food for families | $5,000 |
| Watseka Fire Association | Wireless headsets for personnel | $5,000 |
| Gilman Old Boys & Girls Assn | Rent stages for 2025 event | $4,822 |
| Woodland Fire Protection Dist | 8 handheld radios | $4,800 |
| Clifton Food Pantry | Fresh fruits and vegetables for clie | $4,000 |
| Danforth Twp Comm Bldg | New chairs | $4,000 |
| Gilman United Methodist Church | Upgrade two stoves | $4,000 |
| Summer in the Park | Summer in park program | $4,000 |
| Village of Onarga Durham Park | Sunshade for picnic tables | $3,959 |
| Prairie States Christian Service Ca | Adapt boy/girls dorms for efficiency | $3,450 |
| Iroquois Co Sheriff's Office | Stop sticks for pursuit termination | $3,280 |
| Christ Lutheran Hs | Computers/rosetta stone | $3,000 |
| Cissna Park Church Food Pantry | Food for area residents | $3,000 |
| Danforth Centennial Park | Commercial 2-4 seater swing set | $3,000 |
| Sheldon Area Food Pantry | Food for families | $3,000 |
| Volunteer Services of Iroquois Co | Replace 2 office computers | $2,750 |
| St Pauls Lutheran School | Fume hood for kitchen | $2,500 |
| Camp 911 | Cover portion of 911 camp for kids | $2,000 |
| Crescent Iroquois Boosters | K-5 library | $2,000 |
| Gilman Danforth District Lib | Discovery table with lego top | $2,000 |
| Loda Township Library | Summer reading program | $2,000 |
| Marine Toys for Tots | Toys for kids | $2,000 |
| Onarga Public Library Dist | Summer reading program | $2,000 |
| St Johns Lutheran School | Art supplies for program | $2,000 |
| Options for Independent Living | Equipment | $2,000 |
| Watseka Public Library | Youth ipad station | $1,900 |
| Immaculate Conceptionour Lady | Automated defibrillator | $1,495 |
| Gilman Historical Society | Purchase sign depicting early days | $1,252 |
| The Garage in Gilman | Pretzel warmer/cleansers | $1,200 |
| Food From the Heart Inc | December food baskets | $1,000 |
| Sleep in Heavenly Peace | Beds for kids | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- First Trust Savings Bank
Questions people ask
Does Mary Helen Roberts Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: May 15.
How much does Mary Helen Roberts Trust give?
$208,514 in tax year 2025, across 44 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Mary Helen Roberts Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists First Trust Savings Bank (Trustee).
What does Mary Helen Roberts Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and food and hunger.