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The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation at a glanceMostly funded, not a grantmaker: see who funds it →

· Private foundation

The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$77k
Granted FY2025still arriving
6
Grants FY2025still arriving
4
States reached
$25k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Philanthropy$5.4MEducation$636kArts & Culture$178kReligion$120kHealth$95kHuman Services$61kHousing & Shelter$50kEnvironment$48kOther$0
02FY2025 · 6 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k2 grants · $7k
  • $10k–50k4 grants · $70k
$10,000
Median grant
4
States reached
$2.8M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
SOUTHERN DOCUMENTARY FUND$25,000
MORE LIGHT INC$25,000
PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES$10,000
EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER$10,000
ASHEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BAND ASSOC$5,150
CULTIVATE PASTORS & CHURCHES INC$1,500
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY17–25, $91k) land where the poverty rate runs at 19%, against an area that typically sits at 12%. 49% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants spread fairly evenly across need levels.

area typical 12%PROJECT LINUS: $1k → 8%LA PAZ CHATTANOOGA: $35k → 12%ATLAS MINISTRY INC: $10k → 14%EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER: $15k → 31%EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER: $10k → 31%LA PAZ CHATTANOOGA: $10k → 12%EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER: $10k → 31%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

NY
CA
MO
TN
NC
SC
DC
LA
MS
AL
GA
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
04

Where the work is directed

The same grants placed two ways: where each recipient sits, and where its stated purpose sends the money.

About 35% of The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation’s grant dollars are earmarked for a different county than the recipient’s own address. By recipient address, 50% of the giving stays in GA; by stated purpose, 46%.

The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundationlessmore of its giving
Placed by recipient address
How this is measured
Recipient view: each grant at its grantee’s ZIP, mapped to a county. Directed view: each grant at the county its stated purpose names, falling back to the recipient’s county when the purpose names no place; US grants only. A county shows only if it carries the top 95% of that view’s dollars. Purposes are read from the funder’s own 990 grant descriptions.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

20%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$804k · 10 repeat orgs$3.3M to everyone else

10 repeat relationships: 2 still active in FY2025, 8 since wound down; 4 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

10
42

Total granted

$804k
$3.2M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+11%
+16%

Still filing today

70%
67%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 20% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $62k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’23’24’25
Arts & CultureHuman ServicesEnvironmentPhilanthropyEducationHealthOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • LP
    LA PAZ DE DIOS INC
    2× · 2019–2020 · $45k · revenue +13%
  • ET
    EMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER
    3× · 2020–2025 · $35k · revenue +106%
  • HD
    HIGHLANDS DAY SCHOOL FOUNDATION
    2× · 2019–2020 · $30k · revenue +11%

Funded once

  • AF
    A FAMILY FOUNDATION
    one grant, 2021 · $2.7M · revenue -96%
  • RE
    ROBERT E REED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    one grant, 2017 · $70k
  • NH
    NEW HORIZON COMMUNITY THEATRE INC
    one grant, 2019 · $35k · revenue -7% · 27% of their budget
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Deep South Today

Deep south today is a nonprofit network of local newsrooms comprising mississippi today and verite news. with its regional scale and scope, deep south today is providing critical journalism in underserved areas and ensuring its long-term…

Arts & Culture
2
Foundation for the Carolinas

Inspiring philanthropy and strengthening our region through innovative community initiatives and quality services to donors and constituents.

Philanthropy
3
Chattanooga Design Studio

Chattanooga design studio seeks to elevate the quality of life for all citizens through guidance, collaboration, innovation, and education that promotes livable, accessible, walkable, and humane urban design.

Community Improvement
4
Southern Coalition for Social Justice

Southern coalition for social justice partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities across the south to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. through an intersectional and…

Crime & Legal
5
Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin Inc

At community action coalition for south central wisconsin, inc. (cac) our mission is to transform our communities by fostering conditions where everyone can achieve social and economic security. cac exists to push back on poverty. our…

—
6
Community Foundation of W Georgia

To enhance the quality of life for the people of the west georgia area.

Philanthropy
7
Wild South

We inspire people to enjoy, value and protect the wild character and natural legacy of the South.

Environment
8
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Association

To provide high-quality musical presentations and educational programs in the chattanooga area

Arts & Culture
9
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light Inc

Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) inspires and equips communities of faith to organize, implement practical climate solutions, and advocate across Georgia on issues of climate change, environmental justice, and community resilience.

Environment
10
Justice Center of Atlanta Inc

Provides mediation services and mediation training for all manner of disputes, private and public, without the need for formal audication through the court system.

Crime & Legal
11
Christianity Today International

Christianity Today is a global community inspired by evangelical conviction to advance the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God. Our mission is to elevate the storytellers and sages of the global church.

Religion
12
Athens Film Arts Institute Inc Dba Cine

Cine enriches the quality of life in Athens, GA and the surrounding region by presenting film and arts that inspire, educate and sustainably build community.

Arts & Culture
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Inc; the most unlike its peers is A Family Foundation. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
05the grantee network

43 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 43 of the 59 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
14
Early backer (in before they grew)
41/43
Grantees still filing
25/43
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

A FAMILY FOUNDATION: $2,683,111 · PhilanthropyA FAMILY FOUNDATIONCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY INC: $2,666,077 · PhilanthropyCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY INC+4 more: $37,500 · PhilanthropyCSU FOUNDATION INC: $378,000 · OtherCSU FOUNDATION I…NOLA MICRO SCHOOLS: $145,000 · OtherNOLA MICRO SCHOO…ST THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH: $73,000 · OtherST THOMAS EPISCO…ROBERT E REED RESEARCH FOUNDATION: $70,000 · OtherROBERT E REED RE…+30 more: $336,000 · Other+30 moreNEW HORIZON COMMUNITY THEATRE INC: $35,000 · Arts & CultureSOUTHERN DOCUMENTARY FUND: $25,000 · Arts & CultureRevival School Saint Louis: $25,000 · Arts & CultureUS Biennial Inc: $10,000 · Arts & CultureYOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREATER COLUMBUS INC: $5,000 · Arts & CultureWALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART INC: $5,000 · Arts & Culture+1 more: $2,500 · Arts & CultureLA PAZ DE DIOS INC: $45,000 · Human ServicesEMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER: $35,000 · Human ServicesATLAS Ministry Inc: $10,000 · Human Services+1 more: $1,000 · Human Services4point0 Schools: $30,000 · EducationAsheville High School Band Association: $25,150 · EducationTHE ECHO PROJECT: $15,000 · EducationTHE COLUMBUS BOTANICAL GARDENS INC: $20,000 · EnvironmentFRESHWATER LAND TRUST: $15,000 · EnvironmentREWIRING AMERICA: $5,000 · EnvironmentBLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER INC: $5,000 · EnvironmentNEW ORLEANS SPONSORING COMMITTEE -TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS: $25,000 · Community Improvement
Philanthropy$5,386,688Other$1,002,000Arts & Culture$107,500Human Services$91,000Education$70,150Environment$45,000Community Improvement$25,000

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$100k$1.0M$10Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetCOMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY INC: $2,666,077 over 1y, 4.5% of budgetNOLA MICRO SCHOOLS: $145,000 over 3y, 22% of budgetLA PAZ DE DIOS INC: $45,000 over 2y, 2.5% of budgetEMMETT TILL INTERPRETIVE CENTER: $35,000 over 3y, 1.5% of budgetNEW HORIZON COMMUNITY THEATRE INC: $35,000 over 1y, 27% of budgetAUGUSTA UNIVERSITY REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION INC: $33,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budget4point0 Schools: $30,000 over 2y, 1.8% of budgetHIGHLANDS DAY SCHOOL FOUNDATION: $30,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetAsheville High School Band Association: $25,150 over 2y, 23% of budgetNEW ORLEANS SPONSORING COMMITTEE -TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS: $25,000 over 1y, 5.1% of budgetRevival School Saint Louis: $25,000 over 3y, 25% of budgetChampions Community Foundation Inc: $20,000 over 1y, 1.3% of budgetTHE COLUMBUS BOTANICAL GARDENS INC: $20,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetREBUILDING TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS: $15,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetFRESHWATER LAND TRUST: $15,000 over 1y, 1.6% of budgetCHATTANOOGANS IN ACTION FOR LOVE EQUALITY AND BENEVOLENCE: $15,000 over 1y, 1.9% of budgetTHE ECHO PROJECT: $15,000 over 1y, 5.1% of budgetPASTORAL INSTITUTE INC: $15,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetWOMEN'S FUND OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA: $15,000 over 1y, 8.2% of budgetMERCYMED OF COLUMBUS INC ATTN TONY NGUYEN: $10,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetATLAS Ministry Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 0.9% of budgetST MARY'S GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUS Biennial Inc: $10,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetSowing Seeds of Hope Inc: $5,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetBIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN COLLEGE: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetWEST GEORGIA HEALTH FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.4% of budgetBIB TUCKER SEW-OP: $5,000 over 1y, 3.0% of budgetYOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREATER COLUMBUS INC: $5,000 over 1y, 3.1% of budgetBLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER INC: $5,000 over 1y, 1.1% of budgetWALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.6% of budgetSOUTHERLY: $2,500 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE CENTRAL SAVANNAH RIVER AREA INC: $2,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetPROJECT LINUS: $1,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Community Foundation …The Jordan Foundation…Lockwood Partners Fou…Georgia Power Foundat…Mildred Miller Fort F…Jw & Ethel I Woodruff…Richard and Helen Rob…Bradley-Turner Founda…Benwood Foundation IncThe Community Foundat…The Walter Alan Richa…Jackson-Burgin Founda…
Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley IncGA23.2× affinity9 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc · The Jordan Foundation Inc · Lockwood Partners Foundation Inc · Georgia Power Foundation Inc · Mildred Miller Fort Foundation Inc · Jw & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc · Richard and Helen Robbins Family Foundation Inc · Bradley-Turner Foundation Inc · Benwood Foundation Inc · The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham · The Walter Alan Richards Foundation · Jackson-Burgin Foundation Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 00%6%25%56%100%funder's share of their income ↑0%25%50%75%100%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    0get no government money at all
    9report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
    05Through Plinth

    Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

    How do I get to The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation?

    Find your warmest path to The Norman & Emmy Lou Illges Foundation through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

    Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 59 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Norman & Emmy Lou Illges’ filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home