Philos Foundation Inc
Philos Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, that describes itself as a national grantmaker supporting vulnerable populations through community-focused philanthropy. Its website says it provides financial support to nonprofits offering community-based services and supports innovative programs intended to impact people’s lives.
Philos Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Philos Foundation Inc gave $171K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $14K), mostly in Illinois. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $171,353
- +60.7% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +200.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $14,279
- -46.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $35,918,523
- +8.2% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Illinois (76% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Philos Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Contact
Mailing address: 750 N State Street 7Th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (630) 572-8228
Website: https://www.philosfoundations.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Philos Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Bridge Teen Center ($45K). Together the top 10 received $170K.
Grant Size Distribution
17 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 17 grants of 17 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Chicago. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Illinois (76%), North Carolina (12%), Wisconsin (12%), and Florida (1%); percentages are as reported. The grants included Chicago-area organizations and disaster-relief support in North Carolina and Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
How Philos Foundation Inc gives
- 8% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 38% 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 filings (2025). 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 2023 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2023) to $171K (2025). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $171K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Bridge Teen Center Orland Park, IL | To provide free programs during after-school and unsupervised hours where students can develop mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in a safe environment. | $45,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Chicago, IL | Support vulnerable youth in vocational and mental health services. | $25,340 |
| Chicago Children's Advocacy Center Chicago, IL | A unique collaboration brings child protection, law enforcement, and healing services together under one roof to respond to, treat, and ultimately prevent child abuse. | $22,600 |
| Windy City Cares Skokie, IL | Supporting the Unhoused Population in Chicago. | $21,000 |
| Thrive Hendersonville, NC | Hurricane Helene Relief. | $20,000 |
| Cheri Amore Memorial Inc Twin Lakes, WI | To support childhood cancer research through the midwest athletes against childhood cancer fund. | $10,000 |
| Little Warriors Foundation Brookfield, WI | Support of cancer treatment and research for pediatric cancer. | $10,000 |
| Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation West Dundee, IL | Chicago Bike Safety and Education | $10,000 |
| The Ferrer Foundation One for One Chicago Chicago, IL | Nonprofit supporting teens living in chicago with high rates of violent crime and joblessness. | $5,000 |
| Impact Grants Chicago Chicago, IL | Supporting Chicago Nonprofits Through Collaboration | $1,325 |
Ready to take the next step with Philos Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,918,523 | $5,070,394 | $1,188,917 | $171,353 | 12 | $663,424 | $4,608,146 | $1,730,155 |
| 2024 | $33,189,593 | $2,992,169 | $1,174,876 | $106,639 | 4 | — | $2,779,555 | — |
| 2023 | $29,159,187 | $-193,580 | $1,027,494 | $20,000 | 1 | — | $-502,083 | — |
| 2022 | $26,784,425 | $5,207,288 | $1,721,928 | — | — | — | $3,581,203 | — |
| 2021 | $31,949,803 | $8,278,284 | $8,414,150 | — | — | — | $2,295,101 | — |
| 2020 | $28,274,509 | $4,814,106 | $5,312,222 | — | — | — | $1,515,897 | — |
| 2019 | $29,317,687 | $6,085,971 | $5,598,100 | — | — | — | $2,173,436 | — |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Philos Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.7M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is “to support innovative programs to impact people's lives.” Its website says it supports U.S. organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities, and that it may consider operating and capital grants, including salaries for core staff.
The 2025 grants show support for varied services and causes, including youth programs, vocational and mental health services, child abuse response, assistance for unhoused people, disaster relief, pediatric cancer treatment and research, and bicycle safety education. Among the grantees, Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center describes its mission as uniting public, private, and community partners to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of abused children. Impact Grants Chicago says it connects and engages women to collectively fund Chicago nonprofits addressing challenges facing the city.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation gave 12 grants totaling $171,353. Grants ranged from $52 to $45,000, with a median grant of $10,000.
The largest grants included $45,000 to The Bridge Teen Center for free after-school and unsupervised-hours programs; $25,340 to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls for vocational and mental health services for vulnerable youth; $22,600 to Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center; $21,000 to Windy City Cares to support Chicago’s unhoused population; and $20,000 to Thrive for Hurricane Helene relief. Other grants included $10,000 each to Cheri Amore Memorial and Little Warriors Foundation for pediatric cancer-related support, and $10,000 to Samuel Bell Memorial Foundation for Chicago bike safety and education.
The foundation’s 2024 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website describes a process involving a request through its grant portal, followed—if invited—by an online application. Applicants must be U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities described under Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3). The foundation says it may request measurable outcomes and objectives, generally due within 30 days after the funding term ends unless another timeframe is agreed, and may request a site visit, especially for first-time funding.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Trista Bordignon as executive director; George Larsen and James Mulligan as chairpersons; Joseph Bigane III as treasurer; Alexis Gaughan as secretary; and Michael Chmielewski as a member.
Philos Foundation Inc is led by Trista Bordignon, Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2021); all 6 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Trista Bordignon
Executive Director
CEO → Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$136K (2021) → $181K (2025)
George Larsen
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$2K (2019) → $5K (2025)
James Mulligan
Chairperson
Chairperson & Treasurer → Chairperson, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$4K (2019) → $4K (2025)
Joseph Bigane III
Treasurer
Secretary → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
$2K (2019) → $4K (2025)
Alexis Gaughan
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$3K (2023) → $4K (2025)
Michael Chmielewski
Member
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
$1K (2025)
Former officers (5)
- Former: Peter Bokos (2019–2024) — President & Director
- Former: Lionel Barberousse (2022) — Medical Director
- Former: Nancy Andres (2019–2021) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Pong Laiteerapong (2019–2021) — Medical Director
- Former: Dennis Rybarczyk (2019) — CFO
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $181K, to Trista Bordignon (Executive Director). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Philos Foundation Inc
How much does Philos Foundation Inc give each year?
Philos Foundation Inc gave $171K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $107K across 4 grants.
What is Philos Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Philos Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $14,279, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Philos Foundation Inc give grants?
Philos Foundation Inc gives mostly in Illinois: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (12%) and Wisconsin (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (4 grants).
Does Philos Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Philos Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Philos Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Philos Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include The Bridge Teen Center ($45,000), Mercy Home for Boys and Girls ($25,340) and Chicago Children's Advocacy Center ($22,600), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Philos Foundation Inc?
Philos Foundation Inc reported $35.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $663K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.7M (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 Philos Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is “to support innovative programs to impact people's lives.” Its website says it supports U.S. organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities, and that it may consider operating and capital grants, including salaries for core staff. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Philos Foundation Inc?
Philos Foundation Inc does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check philosfoundations.org for any change to that policy.
What is Philos Foundation Inc's EIN?
Philos Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-2826768. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Philos Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 9, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Philos Foundation Inc'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 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
Oberweiler Foundation
Barrington, IL
The Oberweiler Foundation supports innovative programs in alternative medicine, U.S. veterans and their families, wilderness and wetlands, and services for sick or abused children age 12 and under, primarily in Northern Illinois. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $40,000, with a median of $15,000. It does not accept unsolicited formal applications; organizations may mail a proposal letter, and the foundation may invite selected groups to apply.
Assets
$13.4M
Grants
56
Total Given
$871K
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
Arkes Family Foundation
Chicago, IL
Assets
$7.7M
Grants
118
Total Given
$1.2M
Polk Bros Foundation Inc
Chicago, IL
Polk Bros Foundation funds community-driven Chicago nonprofits working to close the life expectancy gap, build community wealth, and foster participatory, multiracial democracy. Recent grants ranged from $100 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests during its transition period, which ends in fall 2026; it currently offers targeted RFPs.
Assets
$334.3M
Grants
568
Total Given
$19.3M
WP & HB White Foundation
Northfield, IL
The W. P. & H. B. White Foundation funds education, health, housing, and human services, including general operating support and specific programs, with an emphasis on helping people most in need. It focuses on Chicago and the metropolitan area, prioritizing organizations serving Chicago; 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $140,000, with a median of $25,000. It offers an online grant application and quarterly deadlines.
Assets
$35.2M
Grants
141
Total Given
$4.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in Illinois
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Philos Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/philos-foundation-inc-morg_3f9b991df5474cc091d7820c3fbff79d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_362826768_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Philos Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/philos-foundation-inc-morg_3f9b991df5474cc091d7820c3fbff79d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Philos Foundation Inc'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.
Philos Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?