Private foundation · EIN 13-4339936 · Wilmette, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 8 grants paid, $85K total, median $15K. 50% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
8
$85K
Median grant
$15K
Stays in IL
50%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.2M

Grants paid in 2025

8 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Cottonwoods Canyon FoundationCottonwood Heights, UTGeneral support$15K
FIRST Presbyterian Church of WilmetteWilmette, ILGeneral support$15K
Marklund Children's HomeGeneva, ILProgram support$15K
Northwestern University - Women's BasketballEvanston, ILProgram support$15K
St Olaf CollegeNorthfield, MNProgram support$15K
Scenic UtahSalt Lake City, UTProgram support$5,000
Heritage Center at Mossy CreekJefferson City, TNProram support$2,500
Chicago Jesuit AcademyChicago, ILProgram support$2,500

By state: Illinois 4 · Utah 2 · Minnesota 1 · Tennessee 1

About this foundation

Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Wilmette, Illinois, administered in care of Bruce W Lyon, tax-exempt since 2006. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $85K across 8 grants, a median of $15K.

Where does Tom and Barbara Lyon Family Foundation give?

Illinois (4 grants), Utah (2 grants), Minnesota (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Wilmette that accept applications

All in Illinois
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Mirapaul Foundationsince 1989 Wilmette, IL $362K61 grants · 2024 $3,000Yes $3.8M
Hoghton Fam Charitable Trsince 1995 Wilmette, IL $138K1 grants · 2024 $138KPreselected only $3.7M
Dolan Family Foundationsince 2000 Wilmette, IL $634K31 grants · 2025 $4,000Preselected only $3.6M
Edith-Marie Appleton Foundationsince 2000 Wilmette, IL $95K6 grants · 2024 $6,250Preselected only $3.4M
Herbert C Wenske Foundationsince 1957 Wilmette, IL $122K16 grants · 2025 $5,000Preselected only $3.0M
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