Bryan Cressey And Iliana Sweis
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes. Its mission centers on providing unrestricted funding to organizations that address mental health, addiction recovery, community service, education, and housing issues. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote health and wellness, youth development, and food security. It primarily serves recipients in the Chicago area, but also supports organizations in other states, reflecting a commitment to broader community engagement.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A major public charity, preferably Illinois-based or with strong Illinois programs, with capacity to receive unrestricted operating support and an established track record.
Good Fit
- • Organization is a major public charity (public charity status emphasized in guidance).
- • Clear operational capacity to absorb and report on large unrestricted grants.
- • Programs in areas seen in prior grants (addiction recovery/mental health, housing, education, community services).
- • Established presence or partnerships in Illinois or demonstrable statewide impact there.
Geography
Giving is strongly concentrated in Illinois (about 84% of 2023 dollars) despite a few out-of-state grants across roughly six states, so the observed footprint is effectively local/regional.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 21–23 distinct organizations each year and added many new recipients (11 new in 2023), showing a broad set of independent grantees despite substantial dollar concentration in a single large recipient.
New Applicants
Direct behavioral evidence shows substantial turnover and new entrants (about 11 new recipients in 2023 and consistent new-recipient counts in prior years), and the filings provide application guidance and a named contact, though the funder limits consideration to major public charities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
