Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation
The Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. It supports charitable organizations through grants, with 2025 giving concentrated in Florida.
Key facts about Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation
In short: Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation gave $164K across 31 grants in 2025 (avg $5K), mostly in Florida. 45% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 65-6303071
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $164,250
- Grants made (2025)
- 31
- Average grant
- $5,298
- Median grant
- $5,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (14 of 31, 2025)
- Total assets
- $2,638,132
- Primary geography
- Florida (90% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.6M
-2.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$164K
+24.9% YoY
Grant Count
31
+19.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
+4.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation reported a distributable amount of $151K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 14 of 31 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $4K; repeat grants $6K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 55% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−7%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 127% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants include general support for a range of charitable organizations. Among its grantees, the Broward Performing Arts Foundation says its mission is to sustain and develop the performing arts in Broward County, while Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital describes its work as supporting hospital equipment, programs, services, and educational, recreational, and therapeutic programs for patients and families. Jack and Jill Children’s Center says it works to strengthen children and families through education, supportive programming, and community engagement. Broward Public Library Foundation says it raises and stewards private funds for Broward County Library, including support for literacy programming and library initiatives.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 31 grants totaling $164,250. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, with a median of $5,000.
Among the largest awards were $10,000 each to the University of Miami, Trinity Lutheran Church, HANDY Inc., Broward Performing Arts Foundation, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Other notable grants included $8,000 to Jack & Jill Children’s Center and $7,500 each to the Salvation Army, Henderson Behavioral Health Center, Museum of Discovery & Science, and Broward Public Library Foundation.
How to Apply
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
Ready to take the next step with Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 90% of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida. The remaining reported shares were Virginia (5%), Georgia (3%), Washington, DC (2%), and New York (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 31 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $132K (2024) to $177K (2022). In 2025 it made 31 grants totaling $164K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Miami ($10K). Together the top 10 received $88K.
Grant Size Distribution
137 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 137 grants of 137 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Miami Coraql Gables, FL | General Support | $10,000 |
| Trinity Lutheran Church Fort Lauderdale, FL | General Support | $10,000 |
| Handy Inc Ft Lauderdale, FL | Helping Abused Neglected | $10,000 |
| Broward Performing Arts Foundation Inc Ft Lauderdale, FL | General Support | $10,000 |
| Joe Dimaggio Childrens Hospital Hollywood, FL | General Support | $10,000 |
| Jack & Jill Children's Center Ft Lauderdale, FL | General Support | $8,000 |
| Salvation Army Alexandria, VA | General Support | $7,500 |
| Henderson Behavioral Health Center Laud Lakes, FL | General Support | $7,500 |
| Museum of Discovery & Science Ft Lauderdale, FL | General Support | $7,500 |
| Broward Public Library Foundation Ft Lauderdale, FL | General Support | $7,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,638,132 | $134,077 | $203,592 | $164,250 |
| 2024 | $2,707,572 | $40,043 | $167,062 | $131,500 |
| 2023 | $2,835,322 | $105,945 | $184,644 | $150,000 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,638,132 | $2,707,572 | $2,835,322 |
| Revenue | $134,077 | $40,043 | $105,945 |
| Expenses | $203,592 | $167,062 | $184,644 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $192,668 | $155,359 | $170,884 |
| Net Investment Income | $123,153 | $95,680 | $96,000 |
| Distributable Amount | $151,482 | $143,810 | $140,697 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Northern Trust Company is listed as trustee on the 2025 filing.
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's only listed officer is Northern Trust Company, Trustee on every filing since 2024 (compensated).
Officers on the 2025 filing
Northern Trust Company
Trustee
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$30K (2024) → $37K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: The Northern Trust Company (2020–2023) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $37K, to Northern Trust Company (Trustee).
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 803878, Chicago, IL 60680
Phone: (312) 630-6000
Frequently asked questions about Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation
How much does Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation give each year?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation gave $164K across 31 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $132K across 26 grants.
What is Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's typical grant size?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $5,298, across 31 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation that year got $4K on average.
Where does Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation give grants?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation gives mostly in Florida: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Lauderdale, FL (16 grants) and Miami, FL (3 grants).
Does Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 94% of Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (29 of 31) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's largest grantees?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include University of Miami ($10,000), Trinity Lutheran Church ($10,000) and Handy Inc ($10,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 18% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation reported $2.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $193K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $151K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants include general support for a range of charitable organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's EIN?
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 65-6303071. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation of Broward Inc
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Community Foundation of Broward funds eligible nonprofits serving Broward County in areas including education, youth, health, arts and culture, and social and economic mobility; individuals are not eligible. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,089 to $1,176,166, with a median of $27,688. It offers application-based grants twice a year in four focus areas; other areas are by invitation only.
Assets
$326.3M
Grants
266
Total Given
$17.8M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
The Batchelor Foundation Inc
Miami Beach, FL
The Batchelor Foundation funds 501(c)(3) programs supporting children’s health, education and well-being, animal welfare, and the natural environment, primarily in South Florida; it also considers some capital grants and work addressing homelessness or veteran services. In 2025, grants ranged from $2,000 to $3.6 million, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests: new applicants are invited only, while previously funded nonprofits may submit an initial letter of intent.
Assets
$409.1M
Grants
326
Total Given
$24.9M
BBX Capital Foundation Inc
Fort Lauderdale, FL
BBX Capital Foundation supports arts, education, human services, and community and economic development, including specific projects and general operations. It gives to 501(c)(3) organizations in Florida communities where BBX Capital has offices; 2025 grants ranged from $407 to $101,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts mailed grant requests.
Assets
$6.8M
Grants
36
Total Given
$487K
The Frederick a Deluca Foundation Inc
Pompano Beach, FL
The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation funds education-related opportunity, including economic mobility, youth and family support, nonprofit capacity building, and crisis relief. Its 2024 grants ranged from $20,000 to $4.12 million, with a median of $277,500; giving is primarily in Florida, especially South Florida, with some support elsewhere. It does not accept unsolicited requests and says it seeks projects by invitation; a separate 2025 community-funding RFP has passed.
Assets
$720.2M
Grants
84
Total Given
$45.2M
Publix Super Markets Charities Inc
Lakeland, FL
Publix Super Markets Charities supports nonprofits addressing hunger, homelessness and housing, youth, education, and community needs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Its 2024 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged widely; it accepts online requests from eligible organizations, with application periods varying by program.
Assets
$233.8M
Grants
3,269
Total Given
$52.5M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Allstate Foundation
Northbrook, IL
The Allstate Foundation funds youth empowerment, efforts to prevent and address relationship abuse, nonprofit leadership, and related economic opportunity and equity work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $2 million, with a median of $1,000, and awards must support work in the United States. It accepts proposals from organizations beyond a preselected list; proposals are reviewed as received.
Assets
$89.3M
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans’ services, and charitable projects through Elks Lodges and state associations across the United States. Its 2026 grants had a median size of $10,000, though awards varied widely; the profile describes application routes for specific Lodge and scholarship programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
More Funders in Illinois
Charles F and Esther M Frye Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?