Screen Door Philanthropies
Preselected recipients only
Screen Door Philanthropies is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $290,000 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $9,500 and the largest $20,000. 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$290,000
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$9,500
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$7.5 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was up from $185,000 the year before.
35% 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 | $125,000 | 20 | $5.4 million |
| 2024 | $185,000 | 20 | $5.9 million |
| 2025 | $290,000 | 29 | $7.5 million |
How to apply
Screen Door Philanthropies 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 Screen Door Philanthropies funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 18 | $175,000 |
| Rhode Island | 2 | $31,000 |
| Connecticut | 3 | $25,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $13,500 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | To further program initiatives | $20,000 |
| Immigrant Justice Corps | To further program initiatives | $20,000 |
| Newport Festivals Foundation Inc | To further program initiatives | $17,000 |
| Westchester Land Trust | To further program initiatives | $17,000 |
| West Side Center Community Life | To further program initiatives | $16,000 |
| Pres & Fellos Middlebury Coll | To further program initiatives | $15,000 |
| College Visions | To further program initiatives | $14,000 |
| Hopes Door Inc | To further program initiatives | $13,000 |
| Family Legal Care | To further program initiatives | $12,500 |
| Middlesex Hospital | To further program initiatives | $12,000 |
| Hudson Link Higher Ed Prison | To further program initiatives | $11,000 |
| Madison Square Park Conservancy | To further program initiatives | $11,000 |
| Clientearth USA Inc | To further program initiatives | $10,000 |
| Hudson Highlands Land Trust Inc | To further program initiatives | $10,000 |
| Glsen Inc | To further program initiatives | $9,500 |
| Harlem Academy | To further program initiatives | $9,000 |
| Community Center of Northern Westchester | To further program initiatives | $7,500 |
| Friends of the High Line Inc | To further program initiatives | $7,500 |
| Madison Ambulance Association | To further program initiatives | $7,500 |
| Neighbors Link | To further program initiatives | $7,500 |
| Pound Ridge Land Conservancy Inc | To further program initiatives | $7,500 |
| Grace Academy | To further program initiatives | $6,000 |
| Atlantic Marine Conservation Society | To further program initiatives | $5,000 |
| Brattle Film Foundation Inc | To further program initiatives | $5,000 |
| Cambridge Center for Adult Education | To further program initiatives | $5,000 |
| Emergency Shelter Partnership | To further program initiatives | $5,000 |
| Nopi Inc | To further program initiatives | $3,500 |
| Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve | To further program initiatives | $3,000 |
| Leadership Enterprise for A Diverse America (Leda) | To further program initiatives | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Laura Desmarais
- John M Desmarais
- John J Desmarais
- Julia C Desmarais
Questions people ask
Does Screen Door Philanthropies accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Screen Door Philanthropies give?
$290,000 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $9,500.
Who runs Screen Door Philanthropies?
Its 2025 filing lists Laura Desmarais (Director), John M Desmarais (Director), John J Desmarais (Director) and Julia C Desmarais (Director).
What does Screen Door Philanthropies fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and community development.