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2023-2024 Annual Report

Fiscal Year Ending: September 30, 2024

THE BARKER WELFARE FOUNDATION

The Barker Welfare Foundation is a private foundation established in Illinois in 1934 by Catherine Barker Hickox (1896-1970).

The mission of the Barker Welfare Foundation is to make grants to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life, with an emphasis on strengthening youth and families and to reflect the philosophy of Catherine Barker Hickox, the Founder.


Directors and Officers

Danielle H. Moore, Director & President
Alline Matheson, Director & 1st Vice President
Frances B. Hickox, Director & 2nd Vice President
Betsy L. Turner, Director & Treasurer 
Sarane R. O’Connor, Director & Secretary
James A. B. Hickox, Director
Thornton Matheson, Director
Alexander B. Ross, Director
Sarane H. Ross, Director & President Emerita 
Stephen B. Ross, Director 
Walter L. Ross III, Director 
Adam J. Wawrynek, Director

Susan M. De Maio, Assistant Secretary & Executive Director
Mallory M. Sorise, Associate Director

GENERAL POLICY:

Grants are made to tax-exempt organizations which have received a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that they are organizations described in Section 501 (c) (3) and classified in Section 509 (a) (1), (2), or (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (publicly supported organizations and their affiliates). 

In advance of submitting a request, a telephone call is suggested to determine if the organization seeking to apply for a grant falls within the current general policy of the Foundation.  It is recommended that all inquiries be sent through The Barker Welfare Foundation website (www.barkerwelfare.org) under the “Funding Inquiries” tab.  Before submitting an inquiry, it is advisable to read the written policy below.  Correspondence can also be emailed to SusanDeMaio@BarkerWelfare.org or Mallorydemaiosorise@barkerwelfare.org

If a request for a grant appears suitable, a Grant Process sheet, a Grant Application Form and a Checklist of required information will be sent.

  1. Grants are made to tax-exempt organizations which have received a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that they are organizations described in Section 501 (c) (3) and classified in Section 509 (a) (1), (2), or (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (publicly supported organizations and their affiliates).
  2. Consideration will be given to applications from institutions and agencies operating in the field of health, welfare, education, cultural activities and civic affairs, primarily serving the metropolitan areas of Chicago (see #3), New York City (five borough of NYC) and Michigan City, Indiana.
  3. Funding for metropolitan Chicago is by invitation only (initiated by the Foundation).
  4. Grant Requests for Charter Schools will be accepted by invitation only (initiated by the Foundation).
  5. In general, as a matter of present policy, appeals for the following will be declined:

    A. Organizations not located in nor directly serving the areas defined in #2.
    B. National health, welfare, or education agencies, institutions or funds.
    C. Scholarships, fellowships, loans, student aid and appeals from individuals. 
    D. Medical and scientific research
    E. Private elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, professional schools and trade organizations.
    F. Films, program advertising, conferences, seminars, benefits and fundraising costs. 
    G. Start-up organizations, start-up programs, emergency funds, and deficit financing. 
    H. Lobbying-related or legislative activities. 
    I. Endowment funds and intermediary organizations. 


The foundation’s fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. The following grants were paid in the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2024.

Chicago
Michigan City
New York
Chicago

Chicago

Alternatives, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            12,500.00
Art Institute of Chicago for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years funds will provide essential support for key staff positions that will develop and execute K-12 student and teacher programs during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, with a strategic focus on Chicago Public Schools in neighborhoods of need.  $            15,000.00
Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            15,000.00
Chicago Historical Society for first payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for the Education Programs.  $            12,500.00
Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Employment Program.  $            12,500.00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra for first payment on a pledge of 25,000.00 payable over 2 years for CSO-Connect Programming in the Chicago Public Schools on the South and South West side of Chicago.  $            12,500.00
Chicago Youth Centers for final payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            20,000.00
Deborah’s Place for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Comprehensive Support Services for Residents.  $            10,000.00
Gads Hill Center for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            12,500.00
Girls Incorporated of Chicago for the first payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for the Growing Program.  $            12,500.00
Greater Chicago Food Depository for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Healthy Student Markets Program.  $            10,000.00
Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $27,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Upkeep and Repair Program.  $            13,500.00
Noble Network of Charter Schools for the first payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            12,500.00
Per Scholas, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for Per Scholas Chicago Tech Training Program.  $            10,000.00
Year up, Inc. (Chicago) for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 for General Operating Support  $            12,500.00
Youth Guidance for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support for the BAM and WOW programs in the Chicago Public Schools.  $            12,500.00
YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            15,000.00

Michigan City

Michigan City

Boys and Girls Club of Michigan City, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $10,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $          5,000.00
Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $70,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $        35,000.00
Dunebrook, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $35,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        17,500.00
Family Advocates, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $        17,500.00
Humane Society of LaPorte and Berrien Counties, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Jack & Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $        25,000.00
North Central Community Action Agencies, Inc. for equipment for Afterschool Program; $5,000 iPads & wireless printer and $1,000 for recreation equipment.  $          6,000.00
Reins of Life, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support (Michigan City only).  $        12,500.00
Social and Learning Institute for the Disadvantaged, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Youth Service Bureau of LaPorte Cty, Inc. for final payment on pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00

New York

New York

Adaptive Design Association, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Art Therapy Outreach Project Corporation for first payment on a pledge of $16,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                  8,000.00
Arts Connection for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Avenues for Justice for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Battery Conservancy, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Betances Health Center for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for general operating support.  $                12,500.00
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of New York City, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Breaking Ground Housing Development Corporation for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Street Outreach Program.  $                10,000.00
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Corporation for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for Children’s Education Programs  $                12,500.00
Carnegie Hall Corporation for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for Link Up in New York City  $                12,500.00
Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $40,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                20,000.00
Chess-in-the-School, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $12,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                  6,000.00
Children’s Aid Society for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for the Next Generation Center.  $                12,500.00
City Harvest, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                25,000.00
Coalition for the Homeless, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Council on the Environment, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Exalt Youth for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                10,000.00
Girls Incorporated of New York City, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Goddard-Riverside Community Center for final payment on a pledge of $100,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support (to support both Goddard grant $70k & Isaacs $30k).  $                50,000.00
Good Shepherd Services for final payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                25,000.00
Grand Street Settlement, Inc. for second payment on a pledge of $75,000.00 payable over 3 years for the Second Century Capital Campaign.  $                25,000.00
Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for HEAF Continuum.  $                10,000.00
Health Advocates for Older People, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $15,000 payable over 2 years for the Healthy Aging Program.  $                  7,500.00
Henry Street Settlement for final payment on a pledge of $55,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                27,500.00
Hot Bread Kitchen Ltd. for first payment on a pledge of $20,000 payable over 2 years for the Culinary Workforce Development Program.  $                10,000.00
Hudson Guild for final payment on a pledge of $40,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                20,000.00
Island Harvest Ltd. for final payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                25,000.00
Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement for final payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                17,500.00
KIPP New York for final payment on a pledge of $40,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                20,000.00
Knowledge House for first payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Lawyers Alliance for New York for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for Legal and Educational Assistance supporting Nonprofits that serve Children, Youth, Seniors, and Families.  $                10,000.00
LEAP, Inc.  for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $45,000.00 payable over 2 years for Older Adult Services program.  $                22,500.00
Long Island Crisis Center, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for Building Healthy Lives Through Education (BHLTE) program.  $                12,500.00
Mercy Center, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                15,000.00
New York Hall of Science for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
New York Historical Society for final payment on a pledge of $30,000 payable over 2 years for New York Historical Society Education Programs  $                15,000.00
New York Landmarks Conservancy, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Sacred Sites Program.  $                17,500.00
New York Opportunity Network, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                10,000.00
Part of the Solution, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Partnership with Children, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                20,000.00
Per Scholas, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for Per Scholas New York Tech Training Program.  $                17,500.00
Police Athletic League, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support for the Youth Link Program.  $                10,000.00
Project Renewal, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Mobile Health Care for Homeless New Yorkers ($10,000) & Next Step Workforce Program ($10,000)  $                20,000.00
Publicolor, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Queens Botanical Garden Society, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $12,000.00 payable over 2 years for the environmental education program.  $                  6,000.00
Reading Team for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                10,000.00
Red Hook Initiative, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Rocking the Boat, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Safe Horizon, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Safe Horizon Child Advocacy Centers  $                15,000.00
Safe Horizon, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Street Work Project  $                10,000.00
Sanctuary for Families, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $45,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                22,500.00
Search and Care, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                15,000.00
Service Program for Older People, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $28,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                14,000.00
Society of the Third Street Music School Settlement, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Music Program only.  $                12,500.00
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for On-Site School Programs.  $                15,000.00
St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for OSL Education and Community Engagement Programs  $                12,500.00
Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for Title 1 Education Program.  $                12,500.00
StreetWise Partners, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Student Leadership Network  for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for the College Bound Initiative.  $                12,500.00
Success Academy Charter School, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                25,000.00
Union Settlement Association of New York for final payment on a pledge of $45,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                22,500.00
University Settlement Society of New York for final payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                25,000.00
Urban Dove, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
Visions/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired for final payment on a pledge of $40,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $                20,000.00
Wave Hill, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $32,000.00 payable over 2 years for Wave Hill Education Programs  $                16,000.00
Year Up, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                12,500.00
You Gotta Believe! The Older Child Adoption & Permanency Movement for final payment on a pledge of $20,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                10,000.00

The Barker Welfare Foundation Logo

The Barker Welfare Foundation is a private foundation established in Illinois in 1934 by Catherine Barker Hickox.

Foundation Info

The Barker Welfare Foundation provides grants to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life, with an emphasis on strengthening youth and families and to reflect the philosophy of Catherine B. Hickox, the Founder.

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