Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation
Accepts applications
Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation is a private foundation in Bloomington, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 18 grants; the typical grant was $6,575 and the largest $832,460. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.2 million
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$6,575
- Largest grant$832,460
- Assets$22.0 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.1 million 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 | $984,042 | 20 | $19.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 21 | $19.5 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 18 | $22.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | James A Shirk 103 N Robinson, Bloomington, IL 61701 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (309) 827-8580 |
| What to submit | Contact James A Shirk for Further Information |
| Deadlines | May 1 and October 1 of each year |
| Restrictions | Grants are primarily considered for Youth Programs and for Organizations located in Mclean County Illinois |
What Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $1.2 million |
| Colorado | 3 | $18,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $4,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| B-N YMCA Charitable Foundation NFP | YMCA Building | $832,460 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Shirk Center Endowment | $250,000 |
| Prairie Cities Soccer League | Program Expense | $20,000 |
| Illinois Prairie Community Foundation | Program Expense | $14,281 |
| Illinois State University | Program Expense | $13,850 |
| The Arts Campus at Willits | Program Expense | $13,700 |
| Beyond the Books Educational Foundation | Program Expense | $10,000 |
| West Point School of Music | Program Expense | $10,000 |
| ISU Foundation | Program Expense | $8,150 |
| Town of Normal Childrens Discovery Museum | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Chicago Fair Trade | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Simmons University | Program Expense | $4,000 |
| University of Illinois | Program Expense | $4,000 |
| Young Life | Program Expense | $3,000 |
| Lifelong Access | Program Expense | $2,500 |
| Hope College | Program Expense | $2,000 |
| Christ Episcopal Church | Program Expense | $1,300 |
Officers and trustees
- James A Shirk
- Cynthia L Shirk
- Lia Valerio Shirk
Questions people ask
Does Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: May 1 and October 1 of each year.
How much does Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $6,575.
Who runs Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James A Shirk (President/Director), Cynthia L Shirk (Director) and Lia Valerio Shirk (Director).
What does Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.