The Lillys Gift Foundation concentrates its giving on local agricultural and youth livestock activities in Siskiyou County, CA, directing multi-hundred-thousand dollar gifts to support county fairs and junior livestock programs. Grants consistently fund the operation and charitable missions of the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair and the 10th District junior livestock committee, indicating a focus on sustaining hands-on agricultural education and community fair infrastructure.
Lillys Gift Foundation Lois G Ericson President gives at a scale and consistency that is unusual for a regional funder: annual grants total $4,950,500, with a pattern of repeated large awards to the same local institutions year after year. The most visible part of its grantmaking centers on Siskiyou County agricultural life, especially the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair and the 10th District Junior Livestock Committee. Those two organizations each received $345,000 in 2024 and 2025, following $335,000 gifts in 2023, showing a durable commitment to fair operations and junior livestock programming. The foundation’s support is tied to hands-on youth development through FFA, 4-H, Grange, and independent exhibitor programs, and the grant descriptions emphasize charitable mission support and, in some cases, limits on administrative expenses. Beyond the county fair and livestock core, the grant list also includes recurring support for water, health, therapeutic recreation, and community organizations, but the agricultural youth programs are the clearest defining thread in the recent record.
Youth agricultural education is the foundation’s clearest program area. In 2024 and 2025, it gave $345,000 each year to the 10th District Junior Livestock Committee for an annual junior livestock auction in Siskiyou County that benefits youth in FFA, 4-H, Grange, and independent exhibitor programs. The Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Friends received the same $345,000 amount in both years for fair support, with earlier $335,000 awards in 2023 for the same purpose. Another recurring area is water, sanitation, and hygiene: Water Missions International received $100,000 in 2023, 2024, and 2025 to build safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions in developing nations and disaster areas. Therapeutic recreation also appears in the record, with Stable Hands receiving $25,000 for a therapeutic riding program and area improvements.
Typical grants fall in a fairly tight range: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $15,000, and the 75th percentile is $20,000. The recent record also shows a small set of much larger awards, including repeated $345,000 gifts. The foundation appears to favor recurring support over one-time grants; several recipients appear in multiple years, including the same organizations receiving similar amounts in consecutive years. The grant descriptions suggest programmatic support, sometimes with restrictions such as funds not being used for administrative expenses. It also funds individuals, which is uncommon for many private foundations.
$520K
$12.3M
$3.4M
$778K
Most grants fall between $10K and $20K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$20K
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Highly concentrated, large grants to a very small number of repeat local grantees; multi-installment funding aimed at sustaining recurring events and core operations rather than many small or one-off awards.
Notable grantees: TULELAKE-BUTTE VALLEY FAIR FRIENDS, 10TH DISTRICT JR LIVESTOCK COMMITTE, 10TH DISTRICT JUNIOR LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE
The foundation’s giving is regional, with grants concentrated in the western United States and fully within the U.S. in the recent record. California is the main recipient state by count, accounting for 42% of grants. Siskiyou County locations show up often, including Yreka, Tulelake, Weed, and Mount Shasta. Outside California, recipient cities include Charleston, South Carolina; Medford, Oregon; Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Fernley, Nevada. Oregon is the top state by grant count overall, indicating that much of the distribution reaches beyond the headquarters state.
The recent grants point to youth agricultural education and county fair support in Siskiyou County as the central focus, especially junior livestock auctions and fair operations. Other supported areas include safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, therapeutic riding, community health care, and selected local community organizations.
Yes. The record shows repeated grants to the same recipients across multiple years, including annual support for the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair Friends, the 10th District Junior Livestock Committee, Water Missions International, and March of Dimes.
The grant-size distribution is relatively compact: p25 is $10,000, median is $15,000, and p75 is $20,000. The recent list also includes larger program grants, such as $345,000 awards tied to fair and junior livestock support.
No. While agricultural youth programs are the strongest pattern, the recent grants also include water and sanitation work, therapeutic riding, community health care, veteran-adjacent community groups, and local cultural or educational organizations.
The foundation’s giving is regional and stays within the United States. California receives 42% of grants by recipient location, and Oregon is the top state by grant count. Recent recipient cities include Yreka, Tulelake, Mount Shasta, Charleston, Medford, Klamath Falls, and Fernley.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCKENZIE RIVER TRUST | EUGENE, OR | $55,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARCOLA ELEMENTARY PTO | MARCOLA, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LIBERATION PATHWAYS HEALING PLACE | YREKA, CA | $40,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SEEDING JUSTICE THE CHUUSH FUND | PORTLAND, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OREGON HORSE RESCUE | EUGENE, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NEWPORT MESA CHURCH | IRVINE, CA | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARCOLA EDUCATION FOUNDATION | YREKA, CA | $20,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BOARD HOUSE SOCIETY | BEND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SOUTHWEST INDIAN FOUNDATION WATER IS LIFE PROGRAMS | YREKA, CA | $15,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OREGON WORKER RELIEF FUND | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| COMPANION ANIMAL MEDICAL PROJECT (CAMP CLINIC) | BEND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE GIVING PLATE | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| COLBY'S CREW | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS (DBA RED ROVER) | SACRAMENTO, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CAMP COCKER RESCUE | YREKA, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| PAWTCAKE REFUGE | PLAINVIEW, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ROARING RIVER WATER COLLECTIVE | YREKA, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| PROGRAMA DE AYUDA INC (DBA LATINO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION) | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GRASP ANIMAL RESCUE | ROCHESTER, NY | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CASCADIA WILDLANDS | EUGENE, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LANE COUNTY SHEREES MOUNTED POSSE | YREKA, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BIG DOG RANCH RESCUE | YREKA, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ALL SEATED IN THE BARN | BAKERSFIELD, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HUI O NA WAT CHA | WAILUKU, HI | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NORTHWEST DOG PROJECT | EUGENE, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TINY MIGHTY AND STRONG | TULELAKE, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| FAMILY KITCHEN | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HIGH DESERT FOOD & FARM ALLIANCE | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| EMBRACE BEND | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CENTRAL OREGON LANDWATCH | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GENTLE GIANTS DRAFT HORSE RESCUE SOCIETY LTD | MOUNT AIRY, MD | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THINK WILD | BEND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OSCARS PLACE ADOPTION CENTER & SANCTUARY | PORTLAND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARCH OF DIMES | IRVINE, CA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SMILE TRAIN INC | WASHINGTON, DC | $5,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TULELAKE-BUTTE VALLEY FAIR FRIENDS | TUKELAKE, CA | $345,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| 10TH DISTRICT JUNIOR LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE | YREKA, CA | $345,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WATER MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL | CHARLESTON, SC | $100,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| PURR-ANGELS | YREKA, CA | $95,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WEED HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | WEED, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CALIFORNIA CATTLEWOMEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION | SACRAMENTO, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TIMOTHYS HOUSE ORPHANAGE REV REX DAWSON | YREKA, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SISKIYOU WORKS BUTTE VALLEY CTE PROGRAM VIM SHANKS | YREKA, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WICKENBERG ELKS CLUB | YREKA, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MT SHASTA RACE ASSOCIATION MT SHASTA OXI TEAM | MOUNT SHASTA, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARCOLA EDUCATION FOUNDATION | YREKA, CA | $40,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CSULB 49ER FOUNDATION | LONG BEACH, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TRAUMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM OF LANE COUNTY | YREKA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARCH OF DIMES | IRVINE, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| STABLE HANDS | YERKA, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
MARCOLA ELEMENTARY PTO
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
LIBERATION PATHWAYS HEALING PLACE
$40,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
OREGON HORSE RESCUE
$20,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
NEWPORT MESA CHURCH
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
MARCOLA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$20,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
BOARD HOUSE SOCIETY
$15,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
SOUTHWEST INDIAN FOUNDATION WATER IS LIFE PROGRAMS
$15,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
OREGON WORKER RELIEF FUND
$15,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
COMPANION ANIMAL MEDICAL PROJECT (CAMP CLINIC)
$15,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
CAMP COCKER RESCUE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
PAWTCAKE REFUGE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
ROARING RIVER WATER COLLECTIVE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
PROGRAMA DE AYUDA INC (DBA LATINO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION)
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
GRASP ANIMAL RESCUE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
LANE COUNTY SHEREES MOUNTED POSSE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
BIG DOG RANCH RESCUE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
HUI O NA WAT CHA
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
NORTHWEST DOG PROJECT
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TINY MIGHTY AND STRONG
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
FAMILY KITCHEN
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
HIGH DESERT FOOD & FARM ALLIANCE
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
EMBRACE BEND
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
OSCARS PLACE ADOPTION CENTER & SANCTUARY
$10,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TULELAKE-BUTTE VALLEY FAIR FRIENDS
$345,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
10TH DISTRICT JUNIOR LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE
$345,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
PURR-ANGELS
$95,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
WEED HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
CALIFORNIA CATTLEWOMEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TIMOTHYS HOUSE ORPHANAGE REV REX DAWSON
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
SISKIYOU WORKS BUTTE VALLEY CTE PROGRAM VIM SHANKS
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
WICKENBERG ELKS CLUB
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
MT SHASTA RACE ASSOCIATION MT SHASTA OXI TEAM
$50,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
MARCOLA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$40,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
TRAUMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM OF LANE COUNTY
$30,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
STABLE HANDS
$25,000TO SUPPORT THE CHARITABLE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION