Brian and Julie Simmons Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Brian and Julie Simmons Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of financier Brian Simmons and his wife, Julie. This funder works in the areas of education, health and human services.

IP TAKE: This funder supports Chicago schools and organizations with modest grants. The foundation keeps a low profile and little is known about the specifics of its grantmaking practices, although it appears to accept applications for funding.

PROFILE: Established in 2001, the Brian and Julie Simmons Foundation is a family foundation in Illinois. Brian P. Simmons is a founder of CHS Capital, a private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Grantmaking areas of interest include education, youth, arts and culture, health and human services.

The foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. However, one area of interest for the Simmons couple in Chicago is education. The foundation's grantmaking has supported the Chicago Public Education Fund, where Simmons has served on the board of directors, as well as Urban Alliance, KIPP Chicago, Latin School of Chicago and Golden Apple. The couple also supports arts and culture organizations including the Lincoln Park Zoo, where Simmons is a life trustee, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Another interest is health and human services. Julie Simmons is a member of the women's board of University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, which the couple supported. Other past grantees include the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where Simmons once served as board chair.

Individual grants rarely exceed $25,000 and in many instances are much lower. Review the funder’s recent tax records to learn more about past grantees. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away a little under $250,000. Foundation giving does not appear to be exclusively restricted to the Chicago area, but this is where much of the couple’s giving takes place.

The foundation has a minimal web presence, but it appears to possibly accept applications, per recent tax records. The foundation’s phone number is 312-876-1840.

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CONTACT:

Brian and Julie Simmons Foundation

10 S. Wacker Dr., No. 3175

Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 876-1840