Mary J Demmon Private Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting animal welfare, with a particular emphasis on horse rescue and related initiatives. Its mission is inferred from its funding patterns, which include grants to various horse rescue organizations, equine therapy programs, and veterinary education. The foundation primarily serves organizations that focus on the care and rehabilitation of horses, as well as those providing veterinary support and education. While its funding is concentrated in Illinois, it also supports organizations in other states, reflecting a broader commitment to animal welfare across the region.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize 501(c)(3) focused on equine rescue, equine therapy, or veterinary education—preferably located in Illinois or a nearby state—seeking single-year grants in the low- to mid-thousands and able to supply prior-year 990s.
Good Fit
- • Mission tied to horse rescue, equine therapy, or veterinary education.
- • Located in Illinois or one of the other states previously funded (CO, IN, CT).
- • Can provide prior-year 990s and basic organizational financials.
- • Request size in the typical $2K–$12K range.
- • Track record of direct service or program work consistent with past grantees.
Geography
Grants in the latest year went to organizations in four states, but roughly half of dollars remained in Illinois, indicating multi-state reach with a regional/Illinois concentration.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows eight distinct recipients with several recurring grantees across three years and multiple new entrants, which indicates a moderate diversity of independent recipients for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (five new recipients in the latest year), and the filings include explicit application instructions, a named contact, and a deadline, so unfamiliar applicants have a plausible path to be considered.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
