Zellis Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Zellis Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $4.7 million in 19 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$4.7 million
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$49.4 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2024 was up from $3.0 million the year before.
42% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.0 million | 15 | $37.1 million |
| 2024 | $4.7 million | 19 | $49.4 million |
How to apply
Zellis 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.
What Zellis Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 7 | $1.5 million |
| Georgia | 1 | $500,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $200,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $169,139 |
| New York | 3 | $160,000 |
| California | 2 | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $50,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatology Research Foundation | Health | $500,000 |
| The University of Colorado Foundation | Education | $500,000 |
| JEWISHcolorado | Cultural and Religious | $350,000 |
| Congregation Emanuel | Cultural and Religious | $320,000 |
| Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood Inc | Social Services | $200,000 |
| Northwestern University | Education | $150,000 |
| Jewish Family Service of Colorado Inc | Cultural and Religious | $140,000 |
| Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Health | $129,139 |
| National Ramah Commission Inc | Cultural and Religious | $60,000 |
| CommunityHealth | Health | $50,000 |
| Harold Grinspoon Foundation | Education | $50,000 |
| Hearing Health Foundation | Health | $50,000 |
| Heart and Armor Foundation | Social Services | $50,000 |
| Seeds of Peace | Education | $50,000 |
| University of California San Francisco Foundation | Education | $50,000 |
| National Center for Women and Information Technology | Education | $40,000 |
| Sharsheret Inc | Health | $30,000 |
| So All May Eat Inc | Social Services | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | Social Services | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Levi Gillis
- JoAnn Zell
- Lucille McFarland
- Philip Tinkler
- Joseph Miron
- Michael Shiner
- Naomi Gillis
Questions people ask
Does Zellis Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Zellis Family Foundation give?
$4.7 million in tax year 2024, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Zellis Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Levi Gillis (Director), JoAnn Zell (President), Lucille McFarland (Vice President & Secretary) and Philip Tinkler (Vice President) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Zellis Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and education.