Gilbert Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, health conditions, and cancer. Its mission is reflected in its funding practices, which prioritize unrestricted grants to various charities that assist these populations. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to disability advocacy and support services, as well as involvement in health-related causes. While it primarily serves organizations in Illinois, it also supports initiatives in Colorado and Wisconsin, indicating a broader regional impact.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit focused on disability support or health-related services with a local (Illinois) presence and an existing relationship or referral into the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Primary services for people with disabilities or related health needs.
- • Programs or offices based in Illinois or demonstrable Illinois impact.
- • A prior relationship, referral, or endorsement from current grantees or a board member.
- • Requesting modest unrestricted or program support in the typical $200–$3,500 range.
- • Track record of local service and stable small-budget operations.
Geography
Observed grants spanned three states but were heavily concentrated in the foundation's home state, with about 87% of dollars staying in Illinois in the latest year.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows six distinct recipients and a pattern of recurring grantees (five repeat recipients across the three-year record), which indicates a modestly diverse portfolio for a micro private foundation despite heavy dollar concentration among the top few recipients.
New Applicants
The foundation declares it funds only preselected applicants; while there is occasional turnover (one new grantee in the latest year), the behavioral and stated evidence indicate unfamiliar applicants have low likelihood of entry without an introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
