The Irving and Phyllis Millstein
The Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare is a private foundation based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, established in 2017. Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation serves animal and human needs through grants provided to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation describes itself as practicing "An Animal-Centered Philanthropy®," with a focus on protecting vulnerable and at-risk animals while fostering the human-animal bond.
Key facts about The Irving and Phyllis Millstein
- EIN
- 81-4594769
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,487,100
- Grants made (2024)
- 33
- Average grant
- $45,064
- Median grant
- $40,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (12 of 28, 2024)
- Total assets
- $29,347,984
- Primary geography
- Illinois (40% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Who The Irving and Phyllis Millstein funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for The Irving and Phyllis Millstein's 33 itemized 2024 grants were Illinois (40%), New York (23%) and Pennsylvania (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Wheeling, IL (3 grants), Chicago, IL (3 grants), New York, NY (2 grants) and East Hampton, NY (2 grants). None of its 33 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support.
Is The Irving and Phyllis Millstein open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 12 of 28 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $34K; repeat grants $68K. How we count
Medians: $34K first-time, $73K repeat.
- 43% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 27% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 135% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
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Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$29.3M
+3.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.5M
+2.5% YoY
Grant Count
33
+37.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$45K
-25.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Irving and Phyllis Millstein reported a distributable amount of $1.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is to protect, care for, and support vulnerable, at-risk animals, and to address animal-related human conditions, connections, and bonds. Irving and Phyllis valued the human and animal relationship, and the Foundation provides grants and programs that foster and preserve these relationships.
The Foundation supports the following grant categories:
- Outreach — Extending and promoting human/animal companionship through grants and sponsorships addressing animal-centered social needs
- Millstein Veterinary Project® — Grants funding efforts to overcome barriers to proper animal care by pet owners and animal caregivers, including sponsorships for vaccination, wellness care, and spay/neuter clinics
- Animal Relocation
- Animal Care
- Shelter and Capital Support
- Veterinary Aid
- Education and Training
The Foundation focuses specifically on dog, cat, and horse populations.
Grantmaking
The Foundation maintains a consultative and problem-solving approach to grantmaking. Grants are provided to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
Ready to take the next step with The Irving and Phyllis Millstein?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation funds organizations primarily in Illinois, Vermont, and New York. Recent grantees include organizations in Illinois and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 33 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $29,347,984
- Total Revenue: $1,803,879
- Total Expenses: $2,242,236
- Total Giving: $1,487,100
- Total Liabilities: $749,000 (as of 2023)
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total Assets: $28,200,000
- Total Revenue: $1,360,000
- Total Expenses: $2,540,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $29,347,984 | $28,233,189 | $27,104,435 |
| Revenue | $1,803,879 | $1,355,002 | $1,255,176 |
| Expenses | $2,242,236 | $2,535,805 | $2,981,260 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,922,811 | $1,905,551 | $1,992,602 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,543,379 | $1,129,678 | $1,007,340 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,426,906 | $1,347,511 | $1,445,254 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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
120 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons ($135,000 across 2 grants), Animal Care Centers of New York City ($100,000), Humane Society of the United States ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ANIMAL CARE CENTERS OF NEW YORK CITY New York, NY | $100,000: For the yearly costs of mobile veterinary clinics, which operate in Queens, Brooklyn, and Bronx counties. This Millstein Veterinary Project grant provided free vaccinations, microchips, other wellness care, and pet-care equipment to underserved communities. | $100,000 |
| HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES Washington, DC | $100,000: To support HSUS' Animal Rescue Team. The Team consists of highly-trained staff who work with and coordinate a national network of volunteer first-responders. The grant was used as matching funds for an online donation appeal to help fund the team. The grant supported moving shelter animals in advance of hurricanes and storms, reuniting animals with their owners after disasters, assisting shelters in disaster zones, and rescuing animals from mass cruelty situations. | $100,000 |
| AMERICAN VETERAN SERVICE DOG ACADEMY (AVSDA) Lemont, IL | $82,500: For training and instruction of students and the veterinary care of service dogs that serve as companions to United States Armed Service veterans living with post-traumatic stress. The training is done in a community college setting, and funds are used for eligible participants' expenses. A portion of the funds were granted as a match during a fundraising appeal, which was conducted by a Chicago radio station. | $82,500 |
| ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE Oak Park, IL | $80,000: Third payment of a capital shelter development grant of $250K, to rebuild and expand their facility in Oak Park, IL to better serve the community. The grant included funds to rebuild a community resource center and clinic._ | $80,000 |
| ANDERSON ANIMAL SHELTER Wheeling, IL | $75,000: For low-or-no-cost community veterinary care, delivered in the community and administered as a Millstein Veterinary Project grant. The grant provided veterinary care to help keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter system. | $75,000 |
| PAWS CHICAGO Chicago, IL | $75,000: Second payment of a three-year sponsorship of low-cost and no-cost veterinary services in low-income and underserved areas of Chicago. The procedures and surgeries are performed at PAWS Chicago Medical Center. | $75,000 |
| ANIMAL RESCUE FUND OF THE HAMPTONS East Hampton, NY | $70,000: To support a capital campaign for state-of-the-veterinary care, training, and housing of cats and dogs, to prepare them for adoption. The grants supported a new kennel building, training center, catteries, dog holding rooms, lobby, and administrative spaces. | $70,000 |
| TLC CENTERS FOR THERAPY (DREAM RIDERS) Crystal Lake, IL | $70,000: For the annual cost of physical care of therapy horses that assist with physical therapy for disabled youth and young adults, and to support the cost of direct care of the Center's retired horses that reside at the facility. | $70,000 |
| ANIMAL RESCUE FUND OF THE HAMPTONS East Hampton, NY | $65,000: To support the relocation of at-risk dogs from animal welfare partners located in the southern United States to its adoption facility in Long Island, New York. Funding supported the veterinary preparation of animals for transport and adoption. | $65,000 |
| PHILADELPHIA ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Philadelphia, PA | $60,000: To support dental services for cats and dogs in shelters in Philadelphia and to fund low-cost or no-cost care at PAWS Philadelphia's two veterinary clinics. Each were funded at $30,000. | $60,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers:
- Michael D. Randell — President, Programs and Grants (37.5 hours/week, $162,000 annual compensation)
- Richard E. Randell — Vice President and Treasurer, Investments (37.5 hours/week, $133,000 annual compensation)
- Philip H. Randell — Vice President, Public Affairs and Development (37.5 hours/week, $132,000 annual compensation)
- Jorie L. Gronek — Corporate Secretary (1 hour/week, $7,000 annual compensation)
Board of Directors:
- Richard Nadelman — Director (1 hour/week, $7,800 annual compensation)
- Roberta Spring — Director (1 hour/week, $7,800 annual compensation)
The Foundation employs three full-time staff members.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael D Randell | President | 37.5 | $162,326 |
| Richard E Randell | Vice President/Treasurer | 37.5 | $132,822 |
| Philip H Randell | Vice President | 37.5 | $132,186 |
| Jorie L Gronek | Corporate Secretary | 1 | $7,000 |
| Richard Nadelman | Director | 1 | $7,800 |
| Roberta Spring | Director | 1 | $7,800 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation has provided ongoing support to animal welfare organizations across its geographic focus areas. Recent funding announcements indicate continued commitment to veterinary care and shelter support initiatives. The Foundation has renewed and expanded funding relationships with organizations including PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) and PAWS NY, demonstrating sustained engagement with established grantees.
PAWS NY Receives Funding from The Irving and Phyllis Millstein FoundationFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Irving and Phyllis Millstein fund?
The Foundation's mission is to protect, care for, and support vulnerable, at-risk animals, and to address animal-related human conditions, connections, and bonds. Irving and Phyllis valued the human and animal relationship, and the Foundation provides grants and programs that foster and preserve these relationships. The Foundation supports the following grant categories: • **Outreach** — Extending and promoting human/animal companionship through grants and sponsorships addressing animal-centere…
How do I apply for a grant from The Irving and Phyllis Millstein?
The Foundation maintains a consultative and problem-solving approach to grantmaking. Grants are provided to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. **Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $6,100 to $100,000, with a median grant amount of $40,000. **Recent Grant Activity (2024):** • Humane World for Animals: $100,000 to support the Humane Society of the United States' Animal Rescue Team, including matching funds for an online donation appeal. The grant supported moving shelter animals in advanc…
Where does The Irving and Phyllis Millstein make grants?
The Foundation funds organizations primarily in Illinois, Vermont, and New York. Recent grantees include organizations in Illinois and New York.
What size grants does The Irving and Phyllis Millstein award?
In 2024, The Irving and Phyllis Millstein awarded 33 grants totaling $1.5M — an average of about $45K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Irving and Phyllis Millstein required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Irving and Phyllis Millstein reported a distributable amount of $1.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Irving and Phyllis Millstein's EIN?
The Irving and Phyllis Millstein's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-4594769. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.