Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation
IRISH FELLOWSHIP EDUCATIONAL & is a public charity based in Western Springs, Illinois. Formed in 1979, it supports charitable, religious, educational, and literary purposes, including need-based aid for students of Irish heritage who are U.S. citizens residing in the Chicago metro area and grants that promote cultural awareness.
Key facts about Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation
In short: Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation gave $269K across 43 grants in 2024 (avg $6K), mostly in Illinois. 5% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 36-3166927
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $268,500
- Grants made (2024)
- 43
- Average grant
- $6,244
- Median grant
- $6,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 5% first-time grantees (2 of 43, 2024)
- Total assets
- $352,215
- Primary geography
- Illinois (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$352K
+48.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$269K
+4.5% YoY
Grant Count
43
+7.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$6K
-2.8% YoY
Is Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation open to new grantees?
5%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 43 grantees (5%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $6K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $6K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). 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
The organization states that its mission is to provide scholarships, grants, or other aid to needy students of Irish heritage who are U.S. citizens residing in the Chicago metro area, and to promote cultural awareness.
Its 2024 grants included need-based educational assistance to high schools and cultural grants. Recipients included DePaul University, whose stated mission describes it as an innovative Catholic, Vincentian university committed to students’ integral human development, teaching, and academic excellence. Willows Academy describes its mission as helping parents form their daughters’ characters, and Misericordia Home describes its mission as supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, training, and employment services. These are the grantees’ own descriptions; the filing does not specify the purposes of those two grants.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 43 grants totaling $268,500. Grants ranged from $6,000 to $12,500, with a median of $6,000. The filing describes annual board decisions on grant amounts and grant agreements that set out spending guidelines.
Ready to take the next step with Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization’s stated mission identifies students who are U.S. citizens residing in the Chicago metro area. All reported 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 43 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $216K (2021) to $269K (2024). In 2024 it made 43 grants totaling $269K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Depaul University ($13K). Together the top 10 received $71K.
Grant Size Distribution
196 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 196 grants of 196 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Depaul University Chicago, IL | Cultural Grant | $12,500 |
| Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago Charities Chicago, IL | Cultural Grant | $10,000 |
| Benet Academy Lisle, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Bishop McNamara Catholic Kankakee, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Brother Rice High School Chicago, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Carmel High School Mundelein Mundelein, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Chesterton Academy of Holy Family Lisle, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Christ the King Jesuit College Prep Chicago, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Chicago, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
| Cristo Rey St Martin College Prep Waukegan, IL | To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance | $6,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $352,215 | $423,582 | $308,648 | $268,500 | 43 |
| 2023 | $237,281 | $370,872 | $280,908 | $257,000 | 40 |
| 2022 | $147,317 | $167,347 | $290,328 | $244,000 | 40 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $352,215 | $237,281 | $147,317 |
| Revenue | $423,582 | $370,872 | $167,347 |
| Expenses | $308,648 | $280,908 | $290,328 |
| Net Investment Income | $82 | $68 | $64 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 13, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 5, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jack Hartman as president, Jack Kane as treasurer, and Liz Howard as secretary. Directors listed are Tom Allen, Maureen E. Connors, Margaret O’Ryan Lombardo, Lynn McKeany, Margaret Houlihan Smith, John Wrenn, and James F. Coyne.
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation is led by Kathleen Taylor, Executive Director on every filing since 2019; 1 of 11 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kathleen Taylor
Executive Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$24K (2019) → $36K (2024)
Jack Hartman
President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Wrenn
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn McKeany
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret Houlihan Smith
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret O'Ryan Lombardo
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maureen E. Connors
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Allen
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James F. Coyne
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Kane
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Liz Howard
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Robert Flood (2023) — Director
- Former: Rose Doherty (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: John Griffin (2019–2020) — Chairman of the Board
- Former: Kevin Flood (2019–2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 $36K, to Kathleen Taylor (Executive Director).
Contact
Mailing address: Co Jack Kane 4035 Lawn Ave, Western Springs, IL 60558
Phone: (708) 784-1514
Frequently asked questions about Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation
How much does Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation give each year?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation gave $269K across 43 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $257K across 40 grants.
What is Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's typical grant size?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $6,000, and its average grant was $6,244, across 43 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation that year got $9K on average.
Where does Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation give grants?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation gives mostly in Illinois: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (21 grants), Lisle, IL (2 grants), Wilmette, IL (2 grants) and Niles, IL (2 grants).
Does Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 43) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "To Provide Need-Based Educational Assistance" (40 grants).
Who are Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's largest grantees?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Depaul University ($12,500), Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago Charities ($10,000) and Benet Academy ($6,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation reported $352K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $424K.
What does Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation fund?
The organization states that its mission is to provide scholarships, grants, or other aid to needy students of Irish heritage who are U.S. citizens residing in the Chicago metro area, and to promote cultural awareness. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's EIN?
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-3166927. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
Motorola Solutions Foundation
Chicago, IL
The Motorola Solutions Foundation funds first responder programs, technology and engineering education, and projects combining the two, with priority for under-resourced populations. Its 2025 grants had a median of $35,000; the 2026 cycle capped most requests at $50,000, and it supports organizations worldwide, prioritizing communities where Motorola Solutions operates and universities it recruits from. It accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry during its grant cycle, with full applications by invitation only.
Assets
$1.2M
Grants
213
Total Given
$12.6M
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
—
Grants
2,010
Total Given
$38.0M
Elks National Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, disaster relief, and community projects, primarily through Elks Lodges and state associations in communities across the United States where Elks live and work. Its 2025 grants had a median of $8,500, though amounts varied widely; the listed Beacon and Freedom Grants are limited to Elks Lodges. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$954.1M
Grants
1,536
Total Given
$36.5M
John D and Catherine T Macarthur
Chicago, IL
The foundation funds a broad range of work, including journalism, arts, Chicago communities, climate and clean energy, homelessness, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Its 2024 grants had a median of $160,000, with awards ranging from $450 to $21 million; funding is nationwide, with the largest shares going to New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Application rules vary by program: some accept self-nominations or Letters of Inquiry, while others generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$9.3B
Grants
1,086
Total Given
$356.1M
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial
Chicago, IL
Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports a broad range of organizations, including education, Jewish organizations, and community foundations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000; 55% of grant dollars went to Illinois, with additional funding in New York, Washington, DC, California, and Minnesota. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
897
Total Given
$115.2M
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan funds human services, education, community programs, Jewish life, and crisis relief in the Chicago area, as well as support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $27.4 million, with a median of about $20,000. Unsolicited requests are not addressed for the Federation overall; its separate Jewish Women’s Foundation accepts letters of intent, with proposals by invitation only.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Chicago, IL
The Greater Chicago Food Depository funds hunger-relief work, including food distribution and programs serving children, older adults, and other communities in need across Chicago and Cook County, Illinois. In 2025, its 119 grants ranged from $30 to $175,000, with a median of $3,760; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$216.0M
Grants
677
Total Given
$191.2M
Circle of Service Foundation
Chicago, IL
Circle of Service Foundation funds community services, education, medical research, and Jewish causes, with nearly all grants going to organizations in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. Grants typically range from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and Jewish community needs; education and medical research grants are typically by invitation, and unsolicited capital proposals are not accepted.
Assets
—
Grants
637
Total Given
$37.0M
Ea Mellinger Educational
Monmouth, IL
The foundation primarily funds undergraduate scholarships and makes a small number of educational grants to charitable organizations; in 2025, awards ranged from $183 to $15,000, with a median of $2,100. Scholarships are limited to residents of six Illinois counties, and most grant dollars go to Illinois recipients. It provides an online scholarship application, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests for organizational grants is not stated.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
582
Total Given
$1.2M
More Funders in Illinois
Irish Fellowship Educational & Cultural Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?