Full Circle Family Foundation

Full Circle Family Foundation is a small private family foundation based in Skokie, Illinois, established in 2001 and managed by Terrance K. Holt. The foundation operates with a conservative, family-directed grantmaking strategy typical of independent private foundations of its size. With total assets of approximately $2.18 million (as of 2023), it maintains an investment-focused approach, holding its endowment primarily in corporate bonds to generate consistent income for charitable distributions. The foundation distributes approximately 5% of its assets annually in grants, meeting the minimum required payout for private foundations. Decision-making appears concentrated within the founding family, with no public-facing website, suggesting that grants are awarded through direct relationship-based solicitation rather than open competitive processes. The foundation registered with the IRS in March 2001 and has maintained consistent operations for over two decades, indicating long-term commitment to its charitable mission.

Full Circle Family Foundation has distributed between $100,000 and $200,000 annually over the years documented in public records. Specific grant distributions by year: - 2023: $118,135 distributed - 2022: $58,209 distributed - 2021: $106,746 distributed - 2020: $201,025 distributed - 2019: $171,525 distributed - 2015: $145,750 distributed - 2014: $141,790 distributed - 2013: $155,350 distributed

The foundation earns investment income primarily from dividend income (~$50,000-$150,000/year) on its bond and equity portfolio. No contributions from outside donors are recorded, confirming this is a purely endowment-funded private foundation. Annual excise tax payments of approximately $900-$2,000 suggest modest net investment income. Grant amounts per recipient are not publicly disclosed in available filings, but the foundation's overall size suggests individual grants in the range of $5,000-$50,000. The NTEE code T22 (Private Independent Foundations) confirms this is a non-operating grantmaking foundation.

Full Circle Family Foundation (Skokie, IL) occupies a small-foundation tier compared to major Illinois-based private foundations. The table below provides context:

Full Circle falls squarely in the small, relationship-driven family foundation category. Compared to mid-size Illinois foundations, it lacks the staff infrastructure or public grantmaking programs of larger peers. Its grantmaking is likely directed toward organizations known personally to the Holt family, including local nonprofits in the Skokie/Evanston/North Shore corridor and potentially religious, educational, or social service organizations.

As of the most recent IRS filings (2023 tax year), Full Circle Family Foundation remains an active private foundation. Key recent indicators: - 2023 total assets: $2,179,736 (net worth: $2,215,367) - 2023 distributions: $118,135 - 2023 investment income: $68,340 (dividends $49,973 + interest $17,459) - Portfolio composition: $2,079,463 in corporate bonds - IRS status: Active (exempt organization status code 1) - Last IRS data update: March 2026, confirming current active status The foundation's asset base has remained relatively stable between $2.1M and $2.5M over recent years, though it peaked above $3M in earlier years (2011-2014). The website domain (fullcircle.org) no longer resolves, suggesting the foundation has discontinued its public web presence. The foundation continues to file 990-PF annually with the IRS and maintain its tax-exempt status.

Given the private, family-directed nature of Full Circle Family Foundation, unsolicited grant applications are unlikely to succeed. Prospective applicants should consider the following approach: 1. Relationship first: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications through a public website. Cultivate a relationship with the Holt family or their advisors through community involvement in the Skokie, Illinois area. 2. Focus on local impact: Target programs with clear Illinois/Chicago North Shore impact, particularly in the Skokie and Evanston communities where the foundation is based. 3. Match the scale: With grants likely ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, propose projects that are appropriately sized and do not require a lead gift from this source. 4. Demonstrate alignment: Family foundations at this size often support causes personally meaningful to the founding family (education, healthcare, arts, or religious organizations are common). Research the Holt family's community affiliations. 5. Contact approach: Address correspondence to c/o Terrance K. Holt, 4827 Fargo Ave, Skokie, IL 60077. A concise letter of inquiry is more appropriate than a formal application package. 6. No formal RFP process: Do not expect a formal grant cycle or deadline. Relationship-based outreach year-round is the appropriate strategy.