Special People in Need
Special People in Need (SPIN) is a private foundation based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1987. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity and functions as a family foundation focused on grantmaking to nonprofit organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.3M
-3.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$375K
+21.0% YoY
Grant Count
75
+7.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
+12.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Special People in Need's primary mission is to assist economically needy disabled individuals seeking to improve themselves. The foundation awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations operating in the following fields:
- Education
- Health
- Assistance to persons with disabilities
The foundation also awards scholarships and fellowships to financially needy and handicapped students.
Grantmaking
In 2023, Special People in Need made 82 grants totaling approximately $249,500 in grant distributions. Typical grant awards range from $750 to $35,000.
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Special People in Need?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, Colorado, and Montana.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2023:
- Total Assets: $3,449,897
- Total Revenue: $327,160
- Total Expenses: $384,279
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Investment Income and Dividends: $95,958
Staff: The foundation operates with 0 employees as of 2023.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,344,644 | $3,449,897 | $3,503,016 |
| Revenue | $331,855 | $327,160 | $417,228 |
| Expenses | $437,062 | $384,279 | $389,582 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $408,404 | $356,127 | $358,763 |
| Net Investment Income | $306,258 | $306,555 | $391,767 |
| Distributable Amount | $378,695 | $340,991 | $341,895 |
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
250 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
- Sarah M Linsley — Secretary (as of May 2023)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOLLY M GERBAZ | DIR/CHAIR | 0.5 | — |
| LESLIE H MORNINGSTAR | DIR/VP | 0.5 | — |
| LARRY D GERBAZ | DIR/VP | 0.5 | — |
| TERRY A SKWORCH | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| LYDIA T WHITEHEAD | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| LESLIE ANN GERBAZ-BLUE | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| ANNE K MORNINGSTAR | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| SARAH M LINSLEY | DIR/SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| HEIDI KIMMEL | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JERMEY GERBAZ | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| PATRICK J BITTERMAN | TREASURER | 0.5 | — |
Related 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 Special People in Need 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