Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. It supports land conservation, artistic vitality, and broadening narratives for people in the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation at a glance
In short: Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation gave $7.1M across 355 grants in 2024 (avg $20K), top state Illinois. 16% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $7,116,176
- +1.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 355
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $20,046
- +7.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $193,974,783
- -0.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 16% first-time grantees (57 of 355, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Illinois (48% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s 2024 filing says organizations apply through an online system linked from its website. Deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the dates posted on the foundation’s website. The filing directs applicants to the website for information about award restrictions and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
- Contact
Application contact: Gaylord And Dorothy Donnelley Found
Mailing address: 35 East Wacker Drive Suite 2600, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 977-2700
Website: HTTPS://GDDF.ORG
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Artistic Vitality: Chicago Gen Ops Grant
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Chicago Region Artistic Vitality Grants
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Amount
US $2,500 - US $13,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Chicago Region Land Conservation Grants
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was National Audubon Society Inc ($236K). Together the top 10 received $1.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
2,019 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,831 grants of 2,019 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies the Chicago region and South Carolina Lowcountry as its places of focus. In filing year 2024, 48% of grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois and 28% to recipients in South Carolina. Other leading recipient states or jurisdictions were New York (5%), the District of Columbia (5%), and Virginia (4%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 355 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation open to new grantees?
16%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 57 of 355 grantees (16%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $21K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 78% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−12%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 114% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $6.5M (2022) to $8.1M (2021). In 2024 it made 355 grants totaling $7.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Audubon Society Inc New York, NY | July 13TH Board/Staff Field Trip Honorarium | $235,500 |
| Nature Conservancy Arlington, VA | July 13th 2024 gaylord and dorothy donnelley board/staff field tr | $185,500 |
| Center for Heirs Property Preservation North Charleston, SC | Center for Heirs Property Preservation | $170,500 |
| Ducks Unlimited Memphis, TN | Ducks Unlimited, Inc. | $145,500 |
| Coastal Conservation League Charleston, SC | Coastal Conservation League | $133,500 |
| National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Washington, DC | Chi-Cal Rivers Fund | $125,000 |
| Chicago Community Foundation Chicago, IL | Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development | $120,000 |
| US Endowment for Forestry and Comm Greenville, SC | General Operations | $106,250 |
| University of Chicago BMR Chicago, IL | The Center for the Arts at USC Beaufort | $106,000 |
| Trust for Public Land San Francisco, CA | General Operations | $100,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
EIN: 36-6108460.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $193,974,783 | $3,405,943 | $11,800,801 | $7,116,176 | 355 | $10,657,750 | $2,332,917 | $9,368,087 |
| 2023 | $195,674,596 | $5,409,028 | $11,533,247 | $6,982,461 | 373 | $10,488,901 | $4,605,954 | $8,345,056 |
| 2022 | $192,075,712 | $3,091,111 | $9,649,040 | $6,473,161 | 490 | $12,446,423 | $2,088,558 | $9,531,568 |
| 2021 | $230,638,982 | $15,986,805 | $12,089,347 | $8,052,097 | 387 | $10,707,580 | $20,724,599 | $11,004,855 |
| 2020 | $207,987,827 | $6,597,963 | $10,274,789 | $7,198,653 | 414 | — | $10,962,257 | $9,291,128 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation reported a distributable amount of $9.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated focus areas include artistic vitality, land conservation, and broadening narratives. Its 2024 filing describes direct activities to coordinate regional land-conservation efforts in South Carolina’s Lowcountry and to strengthen the capacities of small arts organizations in both the Lowcountry and Chicago.
Its grantmaking includes support for arts organizations and conservation organizations. For example, grantee National Audubon Society describes its mission as working toward a future where birds thrive across the Americas, while The Nature Conservancy describes its mission as conserving the lands and waters on which life depends. Chicago grantee Openlands says it protects natural and open spaces in northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 355 grants totaling $7,116,176. Grants ranged from $60 to $235,500, with a median grant of $10,000. The foundation’s largest reported grants included $235,500 to the National Audubon Society, $185,500 to The Nature Conservancy, and $170,500 to the Center for Heirs Property Preservation. Other notable awards included $145,500 to Ducks Unlimited, $133,500 to the Coastal Conservation League, and $125,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The foundation’s website describes its Chicago Region Artistic Vitality support as providing general operating grants, technical assistance, and other support to small, professional arts organizations. Its published Chicago grant range is $2,500–$13,500; eligible organizations are described as 501(c)(3) public charities or organizations with fiscal sponsors, with annual expenses under $1 million. For the Lowcountry Artistic Vitality grant, the published range is $5,000–$25,000. The website says applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities with at least one full fiscal year of operations, and that the grants emphasize unrestricted general operating support. Both programs ask prospective applicants to contact the relevant program staff before applying; Chicago applicants are asked to share upcoming performances, shows, or exhibits, and Lowcountry applicants are asked to make contact at least six weeks before the deadline. The website lists March 26, 2027 as the next grant deadline.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Laura Donnelley as director and chairperson; Mark Templeton as director and treasurer; and Denise Gardner as director and secretary. Other listed directors are Brian Bannon, Betsy Chaffin, Ceara Donnelley, and Inanna Donnelley. Arnold Randall and Joel David Farren are listed as executive directors and assistant secretaries; Baronica Roberson is listed as director of finance and assistant treasurer.
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation is led by Joel David Farren, Executive Director & Assistant Secretary on every filing since 2023; 3 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joel David Farren
Executive Director & Assistant Secretary
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$357K (2023) → $65K (2024)
Arnold Randall
Executive Director & Assistant Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$335K (2024)
Laura Donnelley
Director & Chairperson
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Baronica Roberson
Director Finance & Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$60K (2021) → $216K (2024)
Alaka Wali
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Betsy Chaffin
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Bannon
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Denise Gardner
Director & Secretary
Director → Director & Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Inanna Donnelley
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Templeton
Director & Treasurer
Director → Director & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mimi Wheeler
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Lowe
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shawn M. Donnelley
Director
Director & Secretary → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wendi Huff
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Gates
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ceara Donnelley
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Max Wheeler
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andres Tapia
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Dan Ray (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Trenholm Walker (2020–2023) — Director & Treasurer
- Former: David Farren (2020–2022) — Executive Director & Assistant Secretary
- Former: Thomas Trinley (2020–2021) — Director Finance & Assistant Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $335K, to Arnold Randall (Executive Director & Asst. Secretary). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
How much does Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation give each year?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation gave $7.1M across 355 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $7.0M across 373 grants.
What is Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's typical grant size?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $20,046, across 355 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation that year got $13K on average.
Where does Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation give grants?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's top state is Illinois, with 48% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were South Carolina (28%) and New York (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (181 grants), Charleston, SC (24 grants), North Charleston, SC (13 grants) and Washington, DC (10 grants).
Does Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 57% of Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (204 of 355) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Lohi Stipend" (8 grants), "Directed Giving - Mark Templeton" (4 grants) and "Directed Giving - Betsy Chaffin" (4 grants).
Who are Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's largest grantees?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include National Audubon Society Inc ($235,500), Nature Conservancy ($185,500) and Center for Heirs Property Preservation ($170,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation reported $194.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $10.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $9.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated focus areas include artistic vitality, land conservation, and broadening narratives. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation?
The foundation’s 2024 filing says organizations apply through an online system linked from its website. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's EIN?
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-6108460. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 6, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 1, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/gaylord-and-dorothy-donnelley-foundation-morg_dd614db7c38047b5ba3492f769cabec0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_366108460_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/gaylord-and-dorothy-donnelley-foundation-morg_dd614db7c38047b5ba3492f769cabec0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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