The Alton Foundation
Accepts applications
The Alton Foundation is a private foundation in Wood River, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $424,232 in 40 grants; the typical grant was $6,850 and the largest $56,316. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$424,232
- Number of grants40
- Typical grant$6,850
- Largest grant$56,316
- Assets$6.0 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was up from $392,315 the year before.
11% 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 | $324,920 | 40 | $5.2 million |
| 2024 | $392,315 | 40 | $5.5 million |
| 2025 | $424,232 | 40 | $6.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Gary Osborne the Alton Foundation PO Box 168, Wood River, IL 62095 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (618) 463-4200 |
| What to submit | General application letter stating purpose of grant. |
| Restrictions | The alton foundation funds local charities. |
What The Alton Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 40 | $424,232 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Evangelical Church of Christ | Unrestricted | $56,316 |
| Hoyleton Youth and Family Services | Unrestricted | $37,544 |
| Crisis Food Center | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Hitz Memorial Home | Unrestricted | $28,158 |
| Operation Blessing | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Alton Salvation Army | Unrestricted | $18,772 |
| Father Flanagan's Boys Home | Unrestricted | $18,772 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Alton | Unrestricted | $12,500 |
| The Restore Network | Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Wm Bedell Achievement & Resource Center | Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| American Red Cross | Unrestricted | $11,000 |
| Be A Bridge | Unrestricted | $10,400 |
| Centerstone | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Riverbend Head Start | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| St Mary's School | Unrestricted | $9,500 |
| Madison County American Cancer Society | Unrestricted | $9,386 |
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Unrestricted | $9,000 |
| Beverly Farm Foundation | Unrestricted | $8,000 |
| Wm Bedell Achievement & Resource Center | Unrestricted | $8,000 |
| Greater Alton Community Development | Unrestricted | $7,700 |
| Madison County Catholic Charities | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| St Ambrose School | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Community Hope Center | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Evangelical Elementary School | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Marquette Catholic High School | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Pink Ribbon Good | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Riverbend Family Ministries | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Special Olympics | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| The Alton Mission | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Options Nowthrive | Unrestricted | $4,000 |
| Overnight Warming Locations | Unrestricted | $4,000 |
| Madison County Association of the Blind | Unrestricted | $3,700 |
| Greater St Louis Boy Scouts | Unrestricted | $3,500 |
| YWCA | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Riverbend Development Foundation | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Alton Police Youth Camp | Unrestricted | $2,496 |
| Boy Scouts Trail West Council | Unrestricted | $2,496 |
| Girl Scouts S Council | Unrestrcited | $2,496 |
| YWCA | Unrestricted | $2,496 |
| Alton Band and Orchestra Builders | Charitable, religious, scientific, literacy, educational, or other public purposes for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mark Kratschmer
- Pat Heitzig
- Dr John Hoelscher
- Gary Osborne
- Rev Jason Harrison
- Jim Schwartzkopf
- Rene Bassett Butler
- Matt Waters
Questions people ask
Does The Alton Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Alton Foundation give?
$424,232 in tax year 2025, across 40 grants, with a typical grant of $6,850.
Who runs The Alton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mark Kratschmer (New Chairman), Pat Heitzig (Vice-Chairman), Dr John Hoelscher (Director) and Gary Osborne (Secretary) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Alton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, faith communities and youth programs.