The Brinson Foundation is a privately funded philanthropic organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2007, it operates as a 501(c)(3) private grantmaking foundation focused on encouraging personal initiative, advancing individual freedoms and liberties, and contributing positively to society through education and scientific research.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$193.3M
-2.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.5M
-92.0% YoY
Grant Count
138
+7.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$61K
-92.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Brinson Foundation provides an opportunity to focus the family's common interests in encouraging personal initiative, advancing individual freedoms and liberties, and positively contributing to society in the areas of education and scientific research.
Vision: The foundation envisions a society that cares for all of its members and endeavors to enhance individual self-worth and dignity. It seeks a world where every individual is a valued and productive member of society, where all people are committed to improving their lives and the quality of their environments.
Primary Funding Areas:
- Education
- Scientific Research
- Philanthropy and Grantmaking
Grantmaking
The foundation made grants totaling approximately $8.48 million in 2024. Notable 2024 grants include:
Grant Range
s:** Typical awards range from $250 to $100,000,000, with significant variation depending on program type.
Grant Types
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Illinois (particularly the Chicago metropolitan area)
- California
- District of Columbia
- Wyoming
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (2024):
- Total Assets: $193,251,101
- Total Revenue: $11,774,224
- Total Expenses: $11,263,940
- Total Liabilities: $467
Assets & Revenue (2023):
- Total Assets: $198,225,050
- Total Revenues: $183,594,091
- Total Expenses: $108,392,447
Annual Giving: The foundation made approximately $4.6 million in annual grants in 2023 and $8.48 million in 2024.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $193,251,101 | $198,225,050 | $104,471,491 |
| Revenue | $11,774,224 | $183,594,091 | $4,173,974 |
| Expenses | $11,263,940 | $108,392,447 | $8,343,917 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $9,778,595 | $107,310,911 | $7,068,769 |
| Net Investment Income | $9,916,555 | $3,096,013 | $2,766,594 |
| Distributable Amount | $11,412,881 | $6,559,260 | $6,519,352 |
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
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Brinson Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is supported by Gary P. Brinson. The organization operates with a staff of 5 employees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARY P BRINSON | DIRECTOR/BOARD CHAIR | 2.5 | — |
| SUZANN A BRINSON | DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| MONIQUE DEMERY | DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
| TALINA SUE MELONE | DIRECTOR/SECRETARY | 1.5 | — |
| AMERI CHRISTY UCHIDA | PRESIDENT | 40 | $298,679 |
| THOMAS R DEMERY | DIRECTOR | 1.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Brinson Foundation launched the **Brinson Exploration Hub at the California Institute of Technology**, representing a significant commitment to advancing theoretical gravitational wave research and exploration science. This initiative reflects the foundation's emphasis on basic scientific research and its potential to deepen understanding of the universe.
The Science Philanthropy Alliance Congratulates The Brinson Foundation onThe foundation has maintained long-term support for educational initiatives, including ongoing partnership with Teach For America since 2005, supporting 125 corps members teaching in the Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana region.
Contact Information
Address: 737 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1850 Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: 312.799.4500
Email: mail@brinsonfoundation.org
Website: brinsonfoundation.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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