The Heritage Foundation of First Security
The Heritage Foundation of First Security is a private grantmaking foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1996 as a nonprofit organization affiliated with First Security Federal Savings Bank, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainian institutions and community organizations across the United States.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$704K
-15.0% YoY
Grant Count
1
-97.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$704K
+3978.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation was created with the mission of financially supporting Ukrainian educational institutions, churches, seminaries, museums, social, cultural and youth organizations in the United States. The overarching goal is to help maintain the viability and vitality of the Ukrainian community in the US, to provide awareness of Ukrainian history and culture, and to highlight the richness of the Ukrainian heritage.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- Ukrainian cultural and educational institutions
Grantmaking
The foundation is an active grantmaker with a significant funding portfolio. In 2023, the foundation made 45 grants totaling $828,166 in giving.
Average Grant
amount: $50–$73,500
Ready to take the next step with The Heritage Foundation of First Security?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Ukrainian community in these regions.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $10.4 million
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Revenue: $733,000
- Expenses: $835,000
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $10,551,122
- Total Revenues: $524,781
- Total Expenses: $969,856
- Total Giving: $828,166
Historical Context: The foundation was established in 1996 with an initial infusion of $5 million in First Security cash and stock. Following First Security Federal Savings Bank's 2004 merger with MB Financial Bank, MB Financial donated $1 million to the foundation, bringing its asset base to approximately $12 million.
| 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 1 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
183 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include See attached - Various ($703,616).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| See attached - Various Various, IL | Cultural & Educational | $703,616 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The original board of directors included:
- Julian Kulas, President and CEO of First Security Federal Savings Bank
- Paul Nadzikewycz, Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Taras Gawryk, Bank Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TARAS DROZD | PRESIDENT | 10 | — |
| CHRYSTYA WERESZCZAK | VICE PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| JULIAN E KULAS | PRESIDENT-EMERITUS | — | — |
| TERRY GAWRYK | SECRETARY-TREASURER | 2 | — |
| PAUL BANDRIWSKY | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| MOTRIA MELNYK | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| MARIA KRUTIAK | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| DR PAUL NADZIKIEWYCZ | TRUSTEE | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation continues to thrive and actively support Ukrainian institutions. The organization maintains its commitment to the Ukrainian community through ongoing grantmaking activities, with recent grants distributed to major Ukrainian cultural and educational organizations in the United States.
[PDF] Download PDF File - Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame and MuseumSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Heritage Foundation of First Security fund?
The foundation was created with the mission of financially supporting Ukrainian educational institutions, churches, seminaries, museums, social, cultural and youth organizations in the United States. The overarching goal is to help maintain the viability and vitality of the Ukrainian community in the US, to provide awareness of Ukrainian history and culture, and to highlight the richness of the Ukrainian heritage. Primary funding areas include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmak…
How do I apply for a grant from The Heritage Foundation of First Security?
The foundation is an active grantmaker with a significant funding portfolio. In 2023, the foundation made 45 grants totaling $828,166 in giving. **Grant Characteristics:** • Average grant amount: $50–$73,500 • Typical grant recipients include Ukrainian cultural, educational, and community organizations **Recent Grant Examples (2023):** • Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art: $61,800 • Ukrainian National Museum: $51,000 • Ukrainian World Foundation USA: $25,000
Where does The Heritage Foundation of First Security make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Ukrainian community in these regions.
What size grants does The Heritage Foundation of First Security award?
In 2024, The Heritage Foundation of First Security awarded 1 grants totaling $704K — an average of about $704K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Heritage Foundation of First Security's EIN?
The Heritage Foundation of First Security's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4135415. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Heritage Foundation of First Security's focus areas in our free grants database
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
RHS Foundation
MOLINE, IL
Assets
$1.1M
Grants
37
Total Given
$342K
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
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Heritage Foundation of First Security 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
Go from researching The Heritage Foundation of First Security to a real strategy.