The Ilsababy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ilsababy Foundation is a private foundation in Sullivans Island, South Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.3 million in 26 grants; the typical grant was $77,500 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$3.3 million
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$77,500
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$3.5 million
- New grantees12%
Giving in 2025 was down from $3.4 million the year before.
12% 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 | $3.1 million | 25 | $9.5 million |
| 2024 | $3.4 million | 24 | $6.4 million |
| 2025 | $3.3 million | 26 | $3.5 million |
How to apply
The Ilsababy 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 The Ilsababy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 3 | $1.1 million |
| California | 2 | $600,000 |
| Connecticut | 6 | $433,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $275,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $190,000 |
| South Carolina | 2 | $170,000 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $160,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $150,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $90,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $80,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Docs Without Borders | Medical | $1.0 million |
| Direct Relief | Medical | $500,000 |
| Heather Abbott Fdn | Helps provide prostheses to those with limb loss | $160,000 |
| Classroom Central | Education/arts | $150,000 |
| The Hole in the Wall Gang Fund | Children w/ medical issues | $150,000 |
| Homes for Our Troops | Charitable | $125,000 |
| Journey Home | Indigent assistance | $105,000 |
| Neads | Dogs for physically disabled | $100,000 |
| Winter | Women in non traditional work | $100,000 |
| Operation Home | Unaffordable home repairs for low income families | $90,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Affordable housing | $90,000 |
| Katies Krops | Hunger | $80,000 |
| Neabpd | Assistance for mental health care givers | $80,000 |
| Hartford Promise | Education | $75,000 |
| Apopo | Clear landmines, detect tb and save lives | $70,000 |
| Jefferson Board for Aging | Innovative assistance for the elderly | $70,000 |
| Insulin for Life | Medical | $65,000 |
| River Front Recapture | Recreational | $60,000 |
| Hungry for Music | Repairs instruments | $50,000 |
| Samaritans | Suicide prevention | $50,000 |
| Project Outpour | Personal hygeine/health for the homeless | $40,000 |
| Ugly Duckling Presse | Education/arts | $30,000 |
| Reestablish Richmond | Immigrant support | $30,000 |
| Forge City Works | Foodservice training for jobless | $25,000 |
| Individual | Lawyers probonofor women in need | $25,000 |
| Fresh Start Work | Carpentry for hard-core unemployed | $18,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Bradford G Dake
- Darla Oathout
- John Roche
- Doris Askew
- McCallee Watson
Questions people ask
Does The Ilsababy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ilsababy Foundation give?
$3.3 million in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $77,500.
Who runs The Ilsababy Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bradford G Dake (Trustee), Darla Oathout (Trustee), John Roche (Trustee) and Doris Askew (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Ilsababy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, human services and education.