Mary Lou Downs Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Mary Lou Downs Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $300,000 in 42 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $14,000. 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$300,000
- Number of grants42
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$14,000
- Assets$5.3 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was up 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $190,000 | 42 | $3.9 million |
| 2024 | $225,000 | 44 | $5.0 million |
| 2025 | $300,000 | 42 | $5.3 million |
How to apply
Mary Lou Downs 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 Mary Lou Downs Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 32 | $231,000 |
| New York | 2 | $18,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $14,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $7,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $6,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $6,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $6,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $4,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wings Program Inc | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Little Sisters of the Poor of Palatine | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Misericordia Heart of Mercy | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Hephzibah Children's Assn | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Shriner's Hospital for Children | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Larabida Children's Hospital | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| Tunnels to Towers Foundation | Exclusively charitable | $14,000 |
| The Center of Concern | Exclusively charitable | $13,000 |
| Shelter Inc | Exclusively charitable | $13,000 |
| Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital | Exclusively charitable | $12,000 |
| House of the Good Shepherd | Exclusively charitable | $10,000 |
| Life Span | Exclusively charitable | $8,000 |
| Paralyzed Veterans of America | Exclusively charitable | $7,000 |
| Maryville Academy | Exclusively charitable | $7,000 |
| NTL Multiple Sclerosis Society | Exclusively charitable | $6,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | Exclusively charitable | $6,000 |
| Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust | Exclusively charitable | $6,000 |
| The Anti-Cruelty Society | Exclusively charitable | $6,000 |
| Home for Our Troops | Exclusively charitable | $6,000 |
| Connections for Abused Women & Their Children | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Family Service Center | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| The Child's Voice | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Journeys the Road Home | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Turning Point Inc | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys & Girls | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Gateway to Learning | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Alzheimer's Fdn of America | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| American Heart Assn | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| American Red Cross of Greater Chicago | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Catholic Charities | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| The Night Ministry | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Pads Lake County | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Franciscan Outreach | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Arden Shore Child and Family Service | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| West Suburban Humane Society | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
| Victorian Woods Senior Living | Exclusively charitable | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul F Gerbosi
Questions people ask
Does Mary Lou Downs Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Mary Lou Downs Foundation give?
$300,000 in tax year 2025, across 42 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs Mary Lou Downs Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul F Gerbosi (Sole Trustee).
What does Mary Lou Downs Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, health and veterans.