Origami Works Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Origami Works Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $243,750 in 33 grants; the typical grant was $6,000 and the largest $16,600. 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$243,750
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$6,000
- Largest grant$16,600
- Assets$4.0 million
- New grantees67%
Giving in 2025 was down from $254,600 the year before.
67% 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 | $148,200 | 17 | $4.5 million |
| 2024 | $254,600 | 19 | $4.2 million |
| 2025 | $243,750 | 33 | $4.0 million |
How to apply
Origami Works 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Origami Works Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 28 | $212,150 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $16,600 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vocel | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $16,600 |
| Individual | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $16,600 |
| Jobs for the Future | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $16,600 |
| Current | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $16,600 |
| Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $16,600 |
| Individual | First Generation College Student Summer Internship | $12,600 |
| Individual | General Support | $12,500 |
| Individual | General Support | $10,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $10,000 |
| ProPath Fund | ProPath Fund | $10,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $10,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $10,000 |
| North Lawndale Employment Network | General Support | $10,000 |
| Women in Trucking Foundation | General Support | $10,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $10,000 |
| Skills for Chicagoland's Future | General Support | $6,000 |
| Chicago Jobs Council | Support 44th Annual Meeting | $6,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $5,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $5,000 |
| Cwfa | Workforce Symposium | $5,000 |
| ScaleLIT | General Support | $5,000 |
| Allies for Community Business | General Support | $5,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $5,000 |
| Urban Farm Education Growing Hope | General Support | $2,000 |
| Children First Fund | General Support | $2,000 |
| Women's Business Development Center | General Support | $2,000 |
| Friends of Pierce NFP | General Support | $2,000 |
| Individual | General Support | $2,000 |
| Health Medicine Policy Research Gro | RespiratoryTherapy WorkforceSummit | $1,500 |
| The Cara Program | General Support | $1,000 |
| Illinois Digital Services | General Support | $1,000 |
| The Unity Forum | In memoriam of Lisa Schneider Fabes | $100 |
| Christopher House Chicago | General Support | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- Dani Houchin Petrie
- Tamara Hillberry
Questions people ask
Does Origami Works Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Origami Works Foundation give?
$243,750 in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $6,000.
Who runs Origami Works Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dani Houchin Petrie (Trustee) and Tamara Hillberry (Prgm Officer).
What does Origami Works Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and community development.