O'bryan Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily through unrestricted grants. Its mission reflects a commitment to various causes, including animal welfare, food security, and religious organizations, as evidenced by its funding of animal shelters, food pantries, and churches. The foundation also supports initiatives aimed at women's empowerment. It serves a range of charitable organizations, primarily in the Midwest, with a notable focus on Illinois and Wisconsin.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid-sized community organizations in Illinois (and occasionally nearby Wisconsin) such as animal shelters, food pantries, and local faith-based groups with an existing relationship or regional visibility.
Good Fit
- • Located in Illinois or nearby Wisconsin with demonstrated local impact.
- • Mission in animal welfare, food assistance, or local faith-based services (matches past recipients).
- • Operational or general-support funding needs in the $1k–$60k range.
- • Existing relationship, referral, or past interaction with foundation staff or board members.
Geography
Giving is highly concentrated in Illinois (about 95% of 2024 dollars) with only one other state receiving small amounts, indicating a narrow, regional footprint.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows nine distinct recipients and the three-year history includes multiple independent grantees and some turnover, but dollar awards are heavily concentrated in the top five recipients (92% in 2024), so institutional variety is moderate.
New Applicants
Filings and the foundation's application metadata indicate grants are made only to preselected applicants and no public application route or contact details were listed; while new grantees have appeared, the process appears invitation- or relationship-driven rather than open.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
