Russell and Betty Shirk Foundation
Historical FunderBloomington, Illinois · EIN 23-7022709 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $4,000 and $13,850.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | James A Shirk |
|---|---|
| Address | 103 N Robinson, Bloomington IL 61701 |
| Phone | 3098278580 |
| Form and materials | Contact James A Shirk for Further Information |
| Deadlines | May 1 and October 1 of each year |
| Restrictions | Grants are primarily considered for Youth Programs and for Organizations located in Mclean County Illinois |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
33% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-N YMCA Charitable Foundation NFP | Bloomington, IL | YMCA Building | $832,460 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | Bloomington, IL | Shirk Center Endowment | $250,000 |
| Prairie Cities Soccer League | Bloomington, IL | Program Expense | $20,000 |
| Illinois Prairie Community Foundation | Bloomington, IL | Program Expense | $14,281 |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Program Expense | $13,850 |
| The Arts Campus at Willits | Basalt, CO | Program Expense | $13,700 |
| Beyond the Books Educational Foundation | Bloomington, IL | Program Expense | $10,000 |
| West Point School of Music | Chicago, IL | Program Expense | $10,000 |
| ISU Foundation | Normal, IL | Program Expense | $8,150 |
| Town of Normal Childrens Discovery Museum | Normal, IL | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Chicago Fair Trade | Chicago, IL | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | Pepper Pike, OH | Program Expense | $5,000 |
| Simmons University | Boston, MA | Program Expense | $4,000 |
| University of Illinois | Champaign, IL | Program Expense | $4,000 |
| Young Life | Colorado Springs, CO | Program Expense | $3,000 |
| Lifelong Access | Normal, IL | Program Expense | $2,500 |
| Hope College | Holland, MI | Program Expense | $2,000 |
| Christ Episcopal Church | Aspen, CO | Program Expense | $1,300 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,204,241 | 18 |
| 2024 | $1,127,440 | 21 |
| 2023 | $984,042 | 20 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 14, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202631349349103333
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 23-7022709
- Profile updated Nov 6, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.