Red Bird Hollow Foundation
Red Bird Hollow Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1991 and based in Lake Forest, Illinois. The foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of the Lillard family and operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with tax-exempt status since June 1991 (EIN: 36-3747664).
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$435K
-74.6% YoY
Grant Count
26
-50.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$17K
-49.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation gives primarily for education and youth programs. According to tax filings and public records, Red Bird Hollow Foundation supports a diverse range of causes including:
- Education (K-12 and higher education)
- Youth programs
- Arts and culture
- Human services
- Health
- Environment
- Religious causes
The foundation demonstrates particular commitment to education and youth initiatives, with notable support for institutions with which the Lillard family is affiliated.
Grantmaking
Red Bird Hollow Foundation takes a proactive approach to grantmaking rather than accepting unsolicited applications. The foundation does not maintain a website to guide grantseekers, reflecting its preference to keep a low profile.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
While the foundation makes grants nationally, nonprofits in the Lake Forest area and Chicago metropolitan region may have an advantage in receiving support. The foundation shows particular interest in organizations within the Chicago area.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending June 2024:
- Total Assets: $1,733,017
- Total Revenue: $39,474
- Total Expenses: $438,831
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Number of Employees: 0
Revenue Composition (FY 2024):
- Investment income and dividends: $23,427
- Other income from Wintrust Chicago Trust Company
Year-over-Year Changes: Investment income declined 27.7% from $32,400 in FY 2023 to $23,427 in FY 2024.
| 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
176 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
Paula Lillard serves as the foundation's principal contact and is an education professional who co-founded Forest Bluff School, a Montessori school in Forest Bluff, Illinois.
John S. Lillard was a real estate investment executive and co-founder of the family's philanthropic efforts. He passed away in 2024.
Contact: Paula Lillard, 1340 N Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045-1147; Telephone: 312-207-1040
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAULA POLK LILLARD | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| PAULA PRESCHLACK | VP/TREASURER | 1 | — |
| HELEN JESSEN | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MARGARET KELLEY | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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