2024-2025 Annual Report

Fiscal Year Ending: September 30, 2025

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

 

Alline Matheson, Director & President
Frances B. Hickox, Director & 1st Vice President
Sarane R. O’Connor, Director & 2nd Vice President
Betsy L. Turner, Director & Treasurer 
James A. B. Hickox, Director & Secretary
Thornton Matheson, Director
Danielle H. Moore, 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).

 

    1. 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.

 

    1. Funding for metropolitan Chicago is by invitation only (initiated by the Foundation).

 

    1. Grant Requests for Charter Schools will be accepted by invitation only (initiated by the Foundation).

 

    1. 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, 2025.

Chicago

Chicago

Academy for Urban School Leadership for first payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                      25,000.00
B.U.I.L.D., Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Intervention Program.  $                      12,500.00
Chicago Commons Association for first payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for Family Hub Program  $                      25,000.00
Chicago Historical Society for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for the Education Programs.  $                      12,500.00
Chicago Symphony Orchestra for final 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
Deborah’s Place for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Comprehensive Support Services for Residents.  $                      10,000.00
Family Rescue for first payment on a pledge of $20,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                      10,000.00
Girls Incorporated of Chicago for final payment in a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                      12,500.00
Greater Chicago Food Depository for final 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 final 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 final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $                      12,500.00
Youth Guidance for final 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

Michigan City

Michigan City

Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $80,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $            40,000.00
Dunebrook, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $             17,500.00
Family Advocates, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $            17,500.00
Jack & Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $            25,000.00
Michiana Humane Society, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $             12,500.00
Open Door Community Alliance, Inc. for the Medication Assistance Program.  $              5,000.00
Open Door Community Alliance, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Adolescent Health Center.  $             15,000.00
Paladin, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $9,000 payable over 2 yrs for the Employment Program.  $               4,500.00
Reins of Life, Inc. for first 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 final 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 first 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 final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
American Museum of Natural History for first payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for Education Programs at the American Museum of Natural History.  $        20,000.00
Art Therapy Outreach Project Corporation for final payment on a pledge of $16,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $          8,000.00
Avenues for Justice for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of New York City, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy, Inc. for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Door – A Center for Alternatives, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Dorot, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $24,000.00 payable over 2 years for Social Work Home Assessment and Case Assistance for Older Adults.  $        12,000.00
Exalt Youth for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc. for final 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 final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Grand Street Settlement, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $75,000.00 payable over 3 years for the Second Century Capital Campaign.  $        25,000.00
Health Advocates for Older People, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $15,000 payable over 2 years for the Healthy Aging Program.  $          7,500.00
Hope Program, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        20,000.00
Hot Bread Kitchen Ltd. for final payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Workforce Program.  $        10,000.00
Intrepid Museum Foundation, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Intrepid Museum Access Initiative.  $        10,000.00
Knowledge House for final payment on a pledge of $25,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Lawyers Alliance for New York for final 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
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $45,000.00 payable over 2 years for Older Adult Services program.  $        22,500.00
Mercy Center, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Metropolitan Opera Association, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $100,000.00 payable over 3 years for HD Live in NYC Schools.  $        50,000.00
Mind Builders Creative Arts Co. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
National Dance Institute, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support  $        15,000.00
New York Botanical Garden for first payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for Green Leaders: Empowering Youth in Community Gardens Initiative.  $        25,000.00
New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox & Tilden Foundations for first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Summer Learning Program.  $        10,000.00
Part of the Solution, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Project Hospitality, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $35,000payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        17,500.00
Publicolor, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Queens Community House, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $50,000.00 payable over 2 years for the General Operating Support.  $        25,000.00
Reaching Out Community Services, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $30,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Read Alliance, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for Read Alliance In School and Summer Reading Programs.  $        17,500.00
Red Hook Initiative, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        12,500.00
Rocking the Boat, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $30,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        15,000.00
Safe Horizon, Inc. for first 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 first payment on a pledge of $20,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Street Work Project  $        10,000.00
SCAN-Harbor, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $24,000.00 payable over 2 years for the Violence Prevention Program.  $        12,000.00
Services for the Underserved, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $40,000 payable over 2 years to cover direct service costs for Veterans that are not funded by existing Federal (VA) grants (i.e., housing, employment, transportation, etc.) in the Veterans Division at SUS.  $        20,000.00
Student Leadership Network  for final payment on a $25,000.00 pledge payable over 2 years for the College Bound Initiative.  $        12,500.00
Success Academy Charter School, Inc. for final payment on a pledge of $50,000 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        25,000.00
Sunnyside Community Services, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $40,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        20,000.00
United Neighborhood Houses of New York, Inc. for first payments on a pledge of $45,000.00 payable over 2 years for General Operating Support.  $        22,500.00
Wildlife Conservation Society for first payment on a pledge of $35,000.00 payable over 2 years for WCS Education Programs.  $        17,500.00
Young Peoples Chorus of New York City, Inc. for first payment on a pledge of $25,000.00 payable over 2 years for the School Choruses Program  $        12,500.00