Mary Helen Roberts Trust
First Trust Savings Bank is a private foundation dedicated to supporting charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes. The foundation primarily funds initiatives that address food insecurity, enhance educational opportunities, and promote community development, with a strong emphasis on local organizations and programs. Its grantmaking includes support for summer reading programs, food assistance for families, and various community and educational projects. The foundation operates mainly within Iroquois County, Illinois, reflecting its commitment to serving the local community.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-midsize local nonprofits, school districts, churches, or municipal units in Iroquois County, IL (or nearby) seeking project or capital support for education, food programs, community facilities, parks, or emergency services.
Good Fit
- • Organization is a 501(c)(3) or a local government unit serving Iroquois County.
- • Request is for a clear, tangible project or equipment purchase (library books, computers, playground/park repairs, medical equipment, food distribution).
- • Local track record or partnerships in the county and a history of previous small capital or program grants.
- • Ability to submit the foundation's application form and meet the May 15 deadline.
Geography
Observed giving is overwhelmingly in Illinois and focused on Iroquois County; only one other state appears in the filings at negligible scale.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 37 distinct independent recipients across schools, churches, hospitals, parks, fire districts and charities, and similar counts appear in prior years, indicating a broad recipient set for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of access includes an explicit application form available from the trustee, a stated May 15 deadline, and about 10 new recipients in the latest year, all of which indicate realistic entry opportunities for unfamiliar local applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
