Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $501,000 in 38 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $55,000. 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$501,000
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$55,000
- Assets$9.0 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2025 was up from $448,100 the year before.
42% 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 | $420,000 | 32 | $7.8 million |
| 2024 | $448,100 | 31 | $8.5 million |
| 2025 | $501,000 | 38 | $9.0 million |
How to apply
Virginia Lee Shirley Private 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.
What Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 30 | $361,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $55,000 |
| California | 1 | $25,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $25,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $5,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Can Do Canines | General purposes | $55,000 |
| Ravinia | General purposes | $50,000 |
| South Suburban Humane Society | General purposes | $30,000 |
| St Mary's School and Catholic Church | General purposes | $30,000 |
| Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation | General purposes | $25,000 |
| Deaf Unity - United Advocates Against Violence | General purposes | $25,000 |
| Duke Law School Annual Fund | General purposes | $25,000 |
| Lurie Children's Foundation | General purposes | $25,000 |
| St Peter's Catholic Church | General purposes | $25,000 |
| Bishop McNamara Catholic School | General purposes | $20,000 |
| Salvation Army | General purposes | $20,000 |
| Hadley Institute for the Blind | General purposes | $12,500 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters - Chicago | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Civic Leadership Foundation | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Colgate University - Camp Colgate | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Inspiration Stables | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Mentor Teacher Brother Inc | General purposes | $10,000 |
| St Vincent de Paul Society | General purposes | $10,000 |
| The H Foundation | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Youth Guidance | General purposes | $10,000 |
| Chicago Police Memorial Foundation | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Collaborative Community Housing Initiative | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Empower Youth Network | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Fleur de Lis Camp | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Glenwood Academy | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Granny Rose Animal Shelter | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge | General purposes | $5,000 |
| National Parkinson's Foundation | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Newman Central Catholic High School | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Rush University Medical Center - Hearing Research | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Way Back Inn | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Wttwwfmt Public TV and Radio | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Boy Scout Troop 155 | General purposes | $3,000 |
| SW Il Jets Basketball Club | General purposes | $2,500 |
| CGH Health Foundation | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Harmony House for Cats | General purposes | $1,000 |
| Latinos Progresando | General purposes | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Louis S Harrison
- Lynne Kaplan
- Samantha J Edwards
Questions people ask
Does Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation give?
$501,000 in tax year 2025, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Louis S Harrison (Pres. & Dir.), Lynne Kaplan (Sec. & Dir.) and Samantha J Edwards (Treas. & Dir. & VP).
What does Virginia Lee Shirley Private Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, animals and faith communities.