Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation
The Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2001, based in Palm Beach, Florida, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois. The foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of financier Brian Simmons and his wife, Julie. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$884K
+40.9% YoY
Grant Count
43
+19.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
+18.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's grantmaking areas of interest include:
- Education
- Youth
- Arts and culture
- Health and human services
- Historic preservation
- Community development
- Philanthropy and voluntarism
Grantmaking
How to Apply
** The foundation does not maintain a website to guide grantseekers. However, according to available information, the foundation appears to accept applications for funding, though prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out first before submitting a proposal.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Florida
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
The foundation has demonstrated particular interest in Chicago-area organizations and institutions.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Total Assets: $3,219,319
Total Annual Giving: $884,255
Federal Tax Status: Exempt from federal income tax under 501(c)(3)
State of Incorporation: Delaware
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
182 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Cox Science Center and Aquarium ($255,000), Chicago Public Education Fund ($100,000), Preservation of Palm Beach ($75,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BATH & TENNIS CLUB HISTORIC BUILDING PRESERVATION FOUNDATION PALM BEACH, FL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $2,500 |
| ANIMALS ASIA TOPEKA, KS | GENERAL CONTRIBUTION | $1,298 |
| CHI PSI EDUCATIONAL TRUST NASHVILLE, TN | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $1,000 |
| CHICAGO CARES CHICAGO, IL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| CHICAGO PUBLIC EDUCATION FUND CHICAGO, IL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $100,000 |
| CITY YEAR CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM WEST PALM BEACH, FL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $255,000 |
| COALITION FOR FAIRNESS IN SOHO NEW YORK, NY | ANUUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $1,700 |
| FIRST SERVE FOUNDATION KEY BISCAYNE, FL | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
| GREENHOUSE SPORTS NEW YORK, NY | ANNUAL GIFT - GENERAL FUND | $10,257 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Brian P. Simmons is a graduate of Cornell University who founded CHS Capital in 1988. He is currently Managing Partner and founder of Shorehill Capital LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm. He serves as a Trustee of Deerfield Academy.
Julie Simmons is co-founder of the foundation alongside her husband, Brian.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRIAN P SIMMONS | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| JULIE D SIMMONS | V.P/ SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| PAIGE P WALSH | ASST. TREASURER | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation maintains a low profile and keeps limited public information about its grantmaking practices. The foundation steadily supports Cornell University, Brian Simmons' alma mater. It has also provided support to Deerfield Academy, where Brian Simmons serves as a trustee, and has supported the Chicago Public Education Fund.
Founding faculty member Brian Simmons establishes scholarship awardSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation fund?
The foundation's grantmaking areas of interest include: • Education • Youth • Arts and culture • Health and human services • Historic preservation • Community development • Philanthropy and voluntarism
How do I apply for a grant from Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $500 to $255,000. **Application Process:** The foundation does not maintain a website to guide grantseekers. However, according to available information, the foundation appears to accept applications for funding, though prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out first before submitting a proposal. **Recent Activity:** The foundation maintains active grantmaking, with recent 990 filings indicating ongoing grant distributions.
Where does Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in: • Florida • Illinois • Massachusetts The foundation has demonstrated particular interest in Chicago-area organizations and institutions.
What size grants does Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation award?
In 2024, Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation awarded 43 grants totaling $884K — an average of about $21K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation's EIN?
Julie and Brian Simmons Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4382077. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Julie and Brian Simmons 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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