Optio Caritas Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Optio Caritas Foundation is a private foundation in McHenry, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $19,860 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $3,760. 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$19,860
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$3,760
- Assets$488,553
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was down from $23,500 the year before.
56% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $32,090 | 13 | $437,756 |
| 2024 | $23,500 | 15 | $460,896 |
| 2025 | $19,860 | 18 | $488,553 |
How to apply
Optio Caritas 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 Optio Caritas Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 10 | $11,860 |
| Alabama | 2 | $3,500 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $2,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $200 |
| Michigan | 1 | $200 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WSFI (BVM Helping Hands) | Donation | $3,760 |
| Ewtn | Donation | $2,500 |
| Dynamic Catholic | Donation | $2,000 |
| St Mary Catholic Church | Donation | $1,750 |
| Diocese of Rockford | Donation | $1,500 |
| St Vincent de Paul Society | Donation | $1,200 |
| Conventual Franciscan Friars of Marytown | Donation | $1,100 |
| Madonna Renewal Center | Religious | $1,000 |
| Mundelein Seminary | Donation | $1,000 |
| Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement | Religious | $1,000 |
| Sisters of Mary World Villiages for Children | Religious | $1,000 |
| Vagabond Missions | Donation | $1,000 |
| 1st Way Life Support | Donation | $250 |
| Armed Forces Council of Chicago | Donation | $200 |
| Archdiocese for Military Services | Religious | $200 |
| Our Lady of Fatima | Religious | $200 |
| St John the Baptist | Religious | $100 |
| National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help | Religious | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Samantha Adams
- Benton Adams
- Eric Adams
- Mark Adams
- Claire Adams
Questions people ask
Does Optio Caritas Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Optio Caritas Foundation give?
$19,860 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Optio Caritas Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Samantha Adams (Director), Benton Adams (President), Eric Adams (Vice President) and Mark Adams (Secretary) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Optio Caritas Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities.