The Greer Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in October 2007, based in Alsip, Illinois. Founded by Carl C. Greer, PhD, PsyD, a retired clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst, businessman, and shamanic practitioner, the foundation operates as a family foundation with a focus on strategic philanthropy addressing systemic social issues.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$32.1M
+5.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$514K
+28.1% YoY
Grant Count
6
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$86K
+28.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Greer Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Greer Foundation's mission is to support organizations committed to helping people improve their lives. The foundation specifically supports programs that:
- Address the root causes of violence, poverty, and social injustice
- Protect the ecology of the earth
- Promote effective healthcare, including psychological health and alternative medicine
A distinctive aspect of the foundation's operations is that 100% of Carl Greer's author proceeds from his books are directed to various charities through the foundation.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
approximately $66,833 (2023)
Average Grant
approximately $66,833 (2023)
How to Apply
** The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Grants are made only to preselected organizations.
Ready to take the next step with Greer Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation maintains a multi-state geographic focus with emphasis on:
- Chicago, Illinois (primary focus)
- Arizona
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $30,513,205
- Total Revenue: $5,640,000
- Total Expenses: $735,000
- Total Liabilities: $29,600
- Annual Giving: $401,000
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $32,100,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $32,133,603 | $30,513,205 | $25,637,812 |
| Revenue | $2,362,771 | $5,640,717 | $3,329,299 |
| Expenses | $876,355 | $734,923 | $2,634,961 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $789,555 | $685,692 | $2,591,830 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,330,084 | $1,578,748 | $284,467 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,473,090 | $1,246,073 | $1,190,185 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 6 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
69 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Lehigh University Chicago Scholars ($317,500), Chicago Lights ($85,000), National Philanthropic Trust ($75,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Fourth Presbyterian Church Chicago, IL | 2024 - Fall Grant - Replogle Center | $20,000 |
| Lehigh University Chicago Scholars Chicago, IL | 2024 Scholarships | $317,500 |
| Columbia University New York, NY | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE GIFT | $1,000 |
| NATIONAL PHILANTHROPIC TRUST JENKINTOWN, PA | UNRESTRICTED CHARITABLE GIFT | $75,000 |
| DEPAUL UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, IL | 2024 Scholarships | $15,000 |
| CHICAGO LIGHTS chicago, IL | 2024 Scholarships | $85,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Leadership:
- Lisa Sanchez – Executive Director, (708) 385-6558, lsanchez@greercharities.com
- Don Waterlander – Executive Director Emeritus, (708) 385-6504, dwaterlander@greercharities.com
Program & Operations Staff:
- Jennifer Clisham – Program Officer, (708) 385-6503, jclisham@greercharities.com
- Susan Lanciotti – Program Officer, slanciotti@greercharities.com
- Tina Maulino – Grant Systems Technology Officer, (707) 980-3685, tmaulino@greercharities.com
- Catalina Mendoza – Administrative Associate, (708) 385-3736, cmendoza@greercharities.com
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARL C GREER | TRUSTEE, AS REQUIRED | — | — |
| DONALD WATERLANDER | Executive Director Emeritus | — | $50,917 |
| LISA SANCHEZ | Executive Director | — | $90,000 |
| CATALINA MENDOZA | ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE | — | $36,371 |
Contact Information
Address: 4501 W. 127th Street, Suite D Alsip, Illinois 60803
Phone: 708-385-6500
Website: http://www.greercharities.com/
EIN: 83-6080990
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greer Foundation fund?
The Greer Foundation's mission is to support organizations committed to helping people improve their lives. The foundation specifically supports programs that: • Address the root causes of violence, poverty, and social injustice • Protect the ecology of the earth • Promote effective healthcare, including psychological health and alternative medicine A distinctive aspect of the foundation's operations is that 100% of Carl Greer's author proceeds from his books are directed to various charities t…
How do I apply for a grant from Greer Foundation?
**Application Process:** The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Grants are made only to preselected organizations. **Grant Activity:** • 2023: 6 grants distributed totaling $401,000 • 2022: 27 grants distributed • Average grant size: approximately $66,833 (2023) **Historical Impact:** Over its history, the foundation has funded more than 60 charities and supported over 2,000 Greer Scholars through its educational programs.
Where does Greer Foundation make grants?
The foundation maintains a multi-state geographic focus with emphasis on: • Chicago, Illinois (primary focus) • Arizona • Missouri • North Dakota • New York • Pennsylvania • South Dakota
What size grants does Greer Foundation award?
In 2024, Greer Foundation awarded 6 grants totaling $514K — an average of about $86K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Greer Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Greer Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.5M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Greer Foundation's EIN?
Greer Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-6080990. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greer Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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