Tomkins Family Foundation

Grantmaker South Elgin, IL EIN: 45-3998558

Tomkins Family Foundation is a private foundation based in South Elgin, Illinois. In 2024, it reported 27 grants totaling $222,817 to charitable organizations in multiple states, including organizations working in education, civic engagement, women’s social impact, and community development.

Key facts about Tomkins Family Foundation

In short: Tomkins Family Foundation gave $223K across 27 grants in 2024 (avg $8K), top state California. 56% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

EIN
45-3998558
Latest 990 filing
Form 990 filing, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$222,817
Grants made (2024)
27
Average grant
$8,252
Median grant
$5,000
New grantees (estimate)
56% first-time grantees (15 of 27, 2024)
Primary geography
California (29% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing

Total Assets

—

Annual Giving

$223K

+78.9% YoY

Grant Count

27

+22.7% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$8K

+45.8% YoY

Is Tomkins Family Foundation open to new grantees?

56%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 15 of 27 grantees (56%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $7K. How we count

Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.

  • 41% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for a range of organizations. For example, the University of Illinois Foundation says its mission is to encourage and administer private gifts that benefit the University of Illinois. Way to Rise describes its work as funding sustained, nonpartisan civic engagement led by state-based organizations and national groups that support them. World Pulse Voices describes itself as a global network connecting women to support social change.

Other 2024 recipients include The Hamlin School, which says it educates girls to become thinkers, innovators, and leaders, and Asian Community Development Corporation, which says it works with underserved and immigrant Asian American communities to create and preserve affordable, sustainable, and healthy neighborhoods.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation awarded 27 grants totaling $222,817. Grant amounts ranged from $400 to $50,000, with a median of $5,000. The largest grants included $50,000 to the University of Illinois Foundation, $23,000 to Way to Rise, and $20,000 to The Hamlin School. Other notable awards were $15,000 each to Elisabetta M Colabianchikurandza, Friends of Christ Hospital, and World Pulse Voices, and $13,090 to Women’s Donor Network. The stated purpose for these grants was “to further program services.”

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Tomkins Family Foundation?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, California received 29% of grant dollars, Illinois 23%, the District of Columbia 22%, Pennsylvania 9%, and Oregon 7%.

Grant Distribution by State

16states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 27 itemized grants.

Cities

San FranciscoWashingtonNew YorkChicagoPortlandPetalumaBerkeleyOaklandNew OrleansPhoenixAustinBostonSan RafaelSomervilleSycamoreBaton RougeBurlingtonChampaignClevelandCorte Madera

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$100K$200K$300K27 grants2019 35 grants2020 18 grants2022 22 grants2023 27 grants2024

From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $109K (2020) to $223K (2024). In 2024 it made 27 grants totaling $223K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

University of Illinois Foundation: $50KUniversity of IllinoisFoundation$50KWay to Rise: $23KWay to Rise$23KThe Hamlin School: $20KThe Hamlin School$20KElisabetta M Colabianchikurandza: $15KElisabetta MColabianchikurandza$15KFriends of Christ Hospital: $15KFriends of Christ Hospital$15KWorld Pulse Voices: $15KWorld Pulse Voices$15KWomens Donor Network: $13KWomens Donor Network$13KUnited Nations Relief & Works Agency: $11KUnited Nations Relief & WorksAgency$11KWay to Win: $10KWay to Win$10KAsian Community Development: $5KAsian Community Development$5K

The largest 2024 recipient was University of Illinois Foundation ($50K). Together the top 10 received $177K.

Grant Size Distribution

129 grants across all recorded years

128<$50K1$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 128 grants of 129 (99%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
University of Illinois Foundation Champaign, ILTo Further Program Services$50,000
Way to Rise Washington, DCTo Further Program Services$23,000
The Hamlin School San Francisco, CATo Further Program Services$20,000
Elisabetta M Colabianchikurandza Petaluma, CATo Further Program Services$15,000
Friends of Christ Hospital Lititz, PATo Further Program Services$15,000
World Pulse Voices Portland, ORTo Further Program Services$15,000
Womens Donor Network San Francisco, CATo Further Program Services$13,090
United Nations Relief & Works Agency Washington, DCTo Further Program Services$11,148
Way to Win Washington, DCTo Further Program Services$10,000
Asian Community Development Boston, MATo Further Program Services$5,000

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Reported grantmaking by filing year:

Filing year Grant total Number of grants
2024 $222,817 27
2023 $124,537 22
2022 $122,170 18

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Claire Tomkins as president and treasurer, Nicholas Tomkins as vice president, and Michael Drennan as director.

Tomkins Family Foundation is led by Claire Tomkins, President & Treasurer since 2020 (on filings since 2019); none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Claire Tomkins

    President & Treasurer

    Treasurer → President & Treasurer, 2020

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    $1K (2022) → $0 (2024)

  • Michael Drennan

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Nicholas Tomkins

    Vice President

    On filings since 2019

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Former officers (2)
  • Former: Jennifer Tomkins (2019) — Secretary
  • Former: Trevor Tomkins (2019) — President

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Compensation Overview

From 2022 IRS filing

Claire Tomkins — President / Treasurer: $1KClaire TomkinsPresident / Treasurer$1K

The highest reported compensation on the 2022 filing was $1K, to Claire Tomkins (President / Treasurer).

Contact

Mailing address: 310 N Lafox St 647, South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: (650) 906-1781

Frequently asked questions about Tomkins Family Foundation

How much does Tomkins Family Foundation give each year?

Tomkins Family Foundation gave $223K across 27 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $125K across 22 grants.

What is Tomkins Family Foundation's typical grant size?

Tomkins Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $8,252, across 27 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Organizations receiving their first grant from Tomkins Family Foundation that year got $9K on average.

Where does Tomkins Family Foundation give grants?

Tomkins Family Foundation's top state is California, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. The next largest states were Illinois (23%) and District of Columbia (22%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Francisco, CA (6 grants), Washington, DC (5 grants) and New York, NY (4 grants).

Does Tomkins Family Foundation give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 27 grants with a stated purpose on Tomkins Family Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 filing were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Further Program Services" (27 grants).

Who are Tomkins Family Foundation's largest grantees?

Tomkins Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Illinois Foundation ($50,000), Way to Rise ($23,000) and The Hamlin School ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

What does Tomkins Family Foundation fund?

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for a range of organizations. For example, the University of Illinois Foundation says its mission is to encourage and administer private gifts that benefit the University of Illinois. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from Tomkins Family Foundation?

The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is Tomkins Family Foundation's EIN?

Tomkins Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-3998558. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.

Does Tomkins Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?

No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑

Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Tomkins Family Foundation by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Tomkins Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Mountain View, CA

Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3B

Grants

3,576

Total Given

$3.2B

The Ford Foundation

New York, NY

The Ford Foundation funds organizations, individuals, and ideas working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work in areas such as immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and arts and culture, through grants around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, with amounts ranging from $45 to $15 million; it does not accept unsolicited requests by mail, email, or phone.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$17.5B

Grants

4,007

Total Given

$844.7M

Marin Community Foundation

Novato, CA

Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$1.3B

Grants

1,573

Total Given

$186.1M

The Chicago Community Trust

Chicago, IL

The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$7.1B

Grants

4,316

Total Given

$1.2B

The Allstate Foundation

Northbrook, IL

The Allstate Foundation funds youth empowerment, efforts to prevent and address relationship abuse, nonprofit leadership, and related economic opportunity and equity work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $2 million, with a median of $1,000, and awards must support work in the United States. It accepts proposals from organizations beyond a preselected list; proposals are reviewed as received.

Assets

—

Grants

2,010

Total Given

$38.0M

Elks National Foundation Inc

Chicago, IL

The Elks National Foundation funds scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, disaster relief, and community projects, primarily through Elks Lodges and state associations in communities across the United States where Elks live and work. Its 2025 grants had a median of $8,500, though amounts varied widely; the listed Beacon and Freedom Grants are limited to Elks Lodges. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$954.1M

Grants

1,536

Total Given

$36.5M

John D and Catherine T Macarthur

Chicago, IL

The foundation funds a broad range of work, including journalism, arts, Chicago communities, climate and clean energy, homelessness, human rights, and criminal justice reform. Its 2024 grants had a median of $160,000, with awards ranging from $450 to $21 million; funding is nationwide, with the largest shares going to New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Application rules vary by program: some accept self-nominations or Letters of Inquiry, while others generally do not fund unsolicited proposals.

Assets

$9.3B

Grants

1,086

Total Given

$356.1M

Arie and Ida Crown Memorial

Chicago, IL

Arie and Ida Crown Memorial supports a broad range of organizations, including education, Jewish organizations, and community foundations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $3 million, with a median of $55,000; 55% of grant dollars went to Illinois, with additional funding in New York, Washington, DC, California, and Minnesota. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

—

Grants

897

Total Given

$115.2M

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago, IL

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan funds human services, education, community programs, Jewish life, and crisis relief in the Chicago area, as well as support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $27.4 million, with a median of about $20,000. Unsolicited requests are not addressed for the Federation overall; its separate Jewish Women’s Foundation accepts letters of intent, with proposals by invitation only.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.1B

Grants

896

Total Given

$166.6M

Greater Chicago Food Depository

Chicago, IL

The Greater Chicago Food Depository funds hunger-relief work, including food distribution and programs serving children, older adults, and other communities in need across Chicago and Cook County, Illinois. In 2025, its 119 grants ranged from $30 to $175,000, with a median of $3,760; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Food, Agriculture & Nutrition

Assets

$216.0M

Grants

677

Total Given

$191.2M

Circle of Service Foundation

Chicago, IL

Circle of Service Foundation funds community services, education, medical research, and Jewish causes, with nearly all grants going to organizations in Cook and Lake Counties, Illinois. Grants typically range from $100 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited pre-applications for community services and Jewish community needs; education and medical research grants are typically by invitation, and unsolicited capital proposals are not accepted.

Assets

—

Grants

637

Total Given

$37.0M

More Funders in Illinois

Tomkins Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?