The Lyon Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lyon Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $780,706 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $8,175 and the largest $305,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$780,706
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$8,175
- Largest grant$305,000
- Assets$4.1 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2024 was up from $599,900 the year before.
50% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $622,762 | 29 | $6.1 million |
| 2023 | $599,900 | 33 | $4.7 million |
| 2024 | $780,706 | 32 | $4.1 million |
How to apply
The Lyon Family 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 The Lyon Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 21 | $692,919 |
| New York | 2 | $33,850 |
| Texas | 1 | $20,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,100 |
| Iowa | 1 | $7,500 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $5,175 |
| Ohio | 1 | $4,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $3,060 |
| Virginia | 1 | $3,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $564 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | General purpose | $305,000 |
| JCC of Chicago | General purpose | $112,500 |
| Metropolitan Family Services | General purpose | $51,000 |
| Embarc | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Gateway to Learning | General purpose | $37,500 |
| The Dovetail Project | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Blood Cancer United | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Alzheimer's Assoc | General purpose | $20,363 |
| Ascension Il Foundation | General purpose | $20,000 |
| The Forge for Families | General purpose | $20,000 |
| The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundat | General purpose | $18,250 |
| By the Hand Club for Kids | General purpose | $11,410 |
| Mod Collective | General purpose | $11,150 |
| Everloved | General purpose | $10,100 |
| Uniting Voices Chicago | General purpose | $10,000 |
| The Marfan Foundation | General purpose | $8,850 |
| Byfs | General purpose | $7,500 |
| Hope Chicago | General purpose | $5,250 |
| Hua Momona Foundation | General purpose | $5,175 |
| Cal's Angels | General purpose | $5,000 |
| The Dragonfly Foundation | General purpose | $4,000 |
| The Zac Plantz Foundation | General purpose | $3,060 |
| The Salvation Army | General purpose | $3,000 |
| The Nicholas D Sergi Foundation | General purpose | $2,591 |
| Biltmore Scholarship Foundation | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Barrington Children's Charities | General purpose | $2,073 |
| Hooved Animal Humane Society | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Brookfield Zoo | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Imerman Angels | General purpose | $832 |
| Heifer Intl | General purpose | $564 |
| Babies Need Bottoms | General purpose | $538 |
| Advocate Charity Fund | General purpose | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Alexandra Lyon
- Donna Lyon
Questions people ask
Does The Lyon Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lyon Family Foundation give?
$780,706 in tax year 2024, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $8,175.
Who runs The Lyon Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Alexandra Lyon (Executive Di) and Donna Lyon (Director).
What does The Lyon Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, human services and health.