Ideal Industries Foundation
The Ideal Industries Foundation is a corporate foundation based in Sycamore, Illinois, established to formalize the philanthropic commitment of IDEAL Industries, Inc. The foundation invests in philanthropic solutions to issues impacting IDEAL and its stakeholders, with a focus on increasing equity and prosperity for all.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.7M
+25.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$376K
+49.4% YoY
Grant Count
20
-33.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
+124.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to invest in philanthropic solutions to issues impacting IDEAL and its stakeholders, increasing equity and prosperity for all. This work is built upon a commitment to good corporate citizenship and honors Founder J. Walter Becker's belief in the importance of strong relationships.
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- Child welfare and children and youth services
- Disability services
- Homelessness
- Economic development
- History museums
Grantmaking
The foundation makes grants primarily for general operating support to nonprofit organizations.
Grant Range
s:** Typical awards range from $51,000 to $125,000.
Ready to take the next step with Ideal Industries Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on supported DeKalb County nonprofits.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $6,667,850
- Total Revenues: $2,631,446
- Total Expenses: $1,274,392
- Total Giving: $375,597
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $5.32 million
- Revenue: $603,959
- Expenses: $279,923
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,667,850 | $5,315,296 | $4,988,754 |
| Revenue | $2,631,446 | $603,959 | $357,252 |
| Expenses | $1,274,392 | $279,923 | $418,127 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,263,314 | $268,822 | $397,042 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,168,401 | $124,583 | $109,082 |
| Distributable Amount | $292,826 | $259,786 | $260,560 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
139 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Ideal Industries Foundation was established in 1985 by former CEO and Board Chairman Dave Juday. The foundation was created to build on Founder J. Walter Becker's philosophy: "Live, let live, and help live," which remains the foundation's guiding principle.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Henn | Chair | 1 | — |
| Pam McMeen | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Nicole Juday Rhoads | Executive Director | 1 | — |
| Jeff Brown | Treausurer | 1 | — |
| Shannon Schmittle | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Carmen Cardillo | Director | 1 | — |
| Jordan Gladden | Director until 5/2024 | 1 | — |
| Kent Wrenn | Director | 1 | — |
| Alan Zantout | Director | 1 | — |
| Sheila Johnsen | Vice President/Treasurer until 5/2024 | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has announced grants to organizations including the Cassandra Banks Foundation. The foundation continues to support educational and community initiatives aligned with its mission of increasing equity and prosperity for all.
IDEAL INDUSTRIES FoundationRelated Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Green and Blue Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$51K
Above and Beyond Daycare Center
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Primo Center for Women & Children
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$9.7M
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Rose Lafferty Educational Fund Xxxxx9006
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$3.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$228K
The John Crerar Foundation
CHICAGO, IL
Assets
$991K
Grants
1
Total Given
$35K
Fostering Success
WAYNE, IL
Assets
$38K
Grants
1
Total Given
$2K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Ideal Industries Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities