Lois Chiles Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lois Chiles Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 33 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $375,000. 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$375,000
- Assets$5.3 million
- New grantees52%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.3 million the year before.
52% 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 | $2.0 million | 34 | $4.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 31 | $5.6 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 33 | $5.3 million |
How to apply
Lois Chiles 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 Lois Chiles Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 11 | $620,000 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $175,000 |
| Texas | 3 | $115,000 |
| Virginia | 7 | $72,000 |
| Maine | 6 | $43,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $20,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $20,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Historical Society | General fund | $375,000 |
| American Museum of Natural History | General fund | $125,000 |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | General fund | $100,000 |
| Yale Repertory Theatre Associates Inc | General fund | $100,000 |
| David Geffen School of Drama at Yale | General fund | $75,000 |
| Central Park Conservancy Inc | General fund | $25,000 |
| Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation | General fund | $25,000 |
| Daily History Quote Inc | General fund | $20,000 |
| The Beacon Project | General fund | $20,000 |
| University of Virginia | General fund | $20,000 |
| Voices of Jubilee | General fund | $20,000 |
| Share Our Strength(no Kids Hungry) | General fund | $20,000 |
| Wnet(thirteen PBS) | General fund | $15,000 |
| Body Traffic | General fund | $10,000 |
| Camp Holiday Trails | General fund | $10,000 |
| Food Bank for New York City | General fund | $10,000 |
| God's Love We Deliver Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| Lifeflight of Maine LLC | General fund | $10,000 |
| St Luke's Chamber Ensemble Inc(orchestra of St Luke's) | General fund | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| The Promise of Justice Initiative | General fund | $10,000 |
| Rice University | General fund | $10,000 |
| Felix Organization - Adoptees for Children Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| Botanical Garden of the Piedmont | General fund | $5,000 |
| Harlem Academy | General fund | $5,000 |
| Herring Gut Coastal Science Center | General fund | $5,000 |
| Islesboro Community Fund | General fund | $5,000 |
| The Museum of Fine Arts Houston | General fund | $5,000 |
| Western Albemarle Rescue Squad Foundation | General fund | $5,000 |
| Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Inc | General fund | $2,000 |
| Christ Church Dark Harbor | General fund | $2,000 |
| Big Tree Boating Association | General fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lois Chiles
- Gary S Castle
Questions people ask
Does Lois Chiles Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lois Chiles Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Lois Chiles Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lois Chiles (President) and Gary S Castle (Treasurer).
What does Lois Chiles Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.