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.
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.
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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
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 |
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 include Animal Care Centers of New York City ($100,000), Humane Society of the United States ($100,000), American Veteran Service Dog Academy (avsda) ($82,500).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| CENTRAL VERMONT HUMANE SOCIETY INC East Montpelier, VT | $40,000: To support veterinary care services for cats and dogs in their foster care network or shelter. The Central Vermont Humane Society Serves Orange County and Washington County, Vermont. $30,000 was allocated to cats and dogs in need of extraordinary care. $10,000 supported spay or neuter surgeries. | $40,000 |
| CHICAGO CANINE RESCUE FOUNDATION Chicago, IL | $15,000: For veterinary care expenses for shelter animals, as well as foster animals, hosted by their network of animal foster families. Funds were applied to both outstanding and previously paid veterinary costs that occurred within the grant period. | $15,000 |
| DART COMMAND CENTRAL INC Jericho, VT | $40,000: To further fund the development of a mobile software application that helps communities prepare and care for pets during natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires, and to manage temporary emergency pet shelters. | $40,000 |
| DART COMMAND CENTRAL INC Jericho, VT | $25,000: To fund the development of a mobile software application that helps communities prepare and care for pets during natural disasters, and to manage temporary emergency pet shelters. Funding supported the development of application features, which have been evaluated during simulations, trainings, and emergencies, to track the care of dogs, cats, and other companion animals. | $25,000 |
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 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 June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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