Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts is a private foundation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its 2026 filing reports grants to organizations that include educational institutions, a school, and community and cultural organizations.
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts at a glance
In short: Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts gave $655K across 32 grants in 2026 (avg $20K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 19% of 2026 grantees were new. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $654,500
- -12.8% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 32
- +6.7% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $20,453
- -18.3% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $9,375,160
- -2.5% vs 2025
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (6 of 32, 2026)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (99% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1900 John F Kennedy Boulevard 1001, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 881-8800
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was Community College of Philadelphia ($166K). Together the top 10 received $631K.
Grant Size Distribution
206 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 188 grants of 206 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2026 filing reports that 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania; Massachusetts and New York each accounted for 0%. The largest listed recipients are in Philadelphia or the surrounding area.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 32 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2026
In 2026, 6 of 32 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $1K; repeat grants $25K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 75% of 2026 grantees were also funded in 2025. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2023 to 2026 (+4%). Method
- In 2026 it paid out 98% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2026). 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 2021 to 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $528K (2021) to $751K (2025). In 2026 it made 32 grants totaling $655K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $166,000 |
| Temple University (Athletics) Philadelphia, PA | Restricte to Sports | $150,000 |
| Temple University (Fox School of Business) Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $150,000 |
| Temple University (Summer Camp) Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Friends Select School Philadelphia, PA | Restricted | $30,000 |
| Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia Bala Cynwyd, PA | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Female Hebrew Benevolent Society Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Franklin Institute Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia, PA | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $9,375,160 | $553,688 | $792,464 | $654,500 | 32 | $722,825 | $480,153 | $734,970 |
| 2025 | $9,615,287 | $467,011 | $936,934 | $750,650 | 30 | $825,765 | $437,590 | $712,063 |
| 2024 | $10,083,494 | $2,021,201 | $834,316 | $733,950 | 43 | $773,107 | $1,963,789 | $661,411 |
| 2023 | $8,896,442 | $472,541 | $738,321 | $629,850 | 44 | $673,827 | $417,030 | $673,752 |
| 2022 | $9,162,210 | $567,080 | $648,792 | $548,150 | 57 | $591,075 | $502,350 | $692,578 |
| 2021 | $9,248,028 | $279,395 | $690,760 | $527,800 | 64 | — | $296,666 | $637,126 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts reported a distributable amount of $735K for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2026 grants include support for higher education, school programs, athletics, health, Jewish community services, science education, and Holocaust remembrance.
The grantees describe their own missions in varied terms. Jewish Family & Children’s Service says it works to strengthen families and individuals across generations and cultures. The Franklin Institute says it aims to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals says it is dedicated to improving the health of the communities it serves. The Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation says it works to educate people about past atrocities and promote tolerance and enlightenment.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2026, the foundation reported 32 grants totaling $654,500. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $166,000, with a median of $1,000. The largest reported grants were $166,000 to Community College of Philadelphia for unrestricted purposes; $150,000 to Temple University Athletics, restricted to sports; $150,000 to Temple University’s Fox School of Business for unrestricted purposes; and $100,000 to a Temple University summer camp for unrestricted purposes. Other grants included $30,000 to Friends Select School, restricted, and $20,000 to Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia for unrestricted purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2026 filing lists Jennifer M. Robbins, John T. Roberts, and Joseph M. Fisher as trustees.
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's 2026 filing lists 3 officers; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2026 is compensated.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Jennifer M. Robbins
Trustee
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
$20K (2021) → $40K (2026)
John T. Roberts
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph M. Fisher
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Audrey Merves (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Stanley Merves (2021–2023) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2026 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $40K, to Jennifer M Robbins (Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts
How much does Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts give each year?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts gave $655K across 32 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $751K across 30 grants.
What is Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's typical grant size?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's median grant in 2026 was $1,000, and its average grant was $20,453, across 32 grants on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts that year got $1K on average.
Where does Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts give grants?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (23 grants), Bala Cynwyd, PA (2 grants), Hingham, MA (2 grants) and Wynnewood, PA (2 grants).
Does Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts give general operating support?
Yes: 84% of Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's 2026 grants with a stated purpose (27 of 32) were for general or operating support, per its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Restricted" (4 grants).
Who are Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's largest grantees?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's largest 2026 grantees include Community College of Philadelphia ($166,000), Temple University (Athletics) ($150,000) and Temple University (Fox School of Business) ($150,000), according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 71% of its itemized 2026 grant dollars.
How large is Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts reported $9.4M in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $723K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $735K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2026 grants include support for higher education, school programs, athletics, health, Jewish community services, science education, and Holocaust remembrance. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's EIN?
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-2219044. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2026.
Does Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts 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 October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 28, 2026)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 31, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 11, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Other open foundation grants in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Pennsylvania
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 Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds nonprofits working in basic needs, equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, with most opportunities for organizations in Allegheny County or primarily serving its residents. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of about $18,600, though awards varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
The William Penn Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The William Penn Foundation funds arts and culture, children and families, civic participation, the environment and public spaces, and workforce training, primarily in the Philadelphia region. Its 2024 median grant was $50,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests through limited open applications and invites letters of inquiry from public charities.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
1,027
Total Given
$148.8M
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation
Coraopolis, PA
DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation primarily funds youth sports participation in under-resourced communities, including equipment, registration costs and facilities, and also supports outdoor access and education. Its 2025 grants ranged from $626 to $2.5 million, with a median of $5,000, and Sports Matter funding has reached all 50 states. Sports Matter opportunities are by invitation only; the foundation says 501(c)(3) grant requests should be submitted in writing.
Assets
$34.5M
Grants
964
Total Given
$18.0M
Hillman Family Foundations
Pittsburgh, PA
The 18 independently operated foundations support projects in areas such as arts and culture, health, education, economic development, and community improvement, with a preference for Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania; each foundation has its own geographic focus. In 2024, grants ranged from $75 to $5 million, with a median of $20,000. The 2024 filing says unsolicited requests are accepted, beginning with a brief letter of intent through the online portal.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
814
Total Given
$88.8M
Pidc Financing Corporation
Philadelphia, PA
PIDC Financing Corporation administers Pennsylvania business loans for real estate, leasehold improvements, and equipment, as well as partner-funded grants for Philadelphia economic, cultural, civic, historical, storefront, and stormwater projects. Its 2024 filing reports no grants, so no typical giving level is stated; grant partners select recipients, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$6.7M
Grants
774
Total Given
$16.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/gilroy-and-lillian-p-roberts-morg_3b4daf406ba04133a420699a4046497f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_232219044_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/gilroy-and-lillian-p-roberts-morg_3b4daf406ba04133a420699a4046497f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. 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 Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts'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.
Gilroy and Lillian P Roberts down — hundreds of funders to go?