The Gillis Family Foundation is a small, faith-driven private foundation that directs nearly all of its funding to Christian ministry and church-related work, with a strong emphasis on youth-focused evangelical programs. The foundation’s giving is dominated by multi-year support to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and includes both local church support and overseas mission-type ministries, reflecting a blend of domestic congregational funding and international faith-based relief/mission activity.
Concentrated, faith-focused giving: a small number of relatively large grants with repeat funding to a primary grantee (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), plus occasional church and mission gifts.
Notable grantees: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hispaniola Mountain Ministries, Stateline Baptist Church
The Gillis Family Foundation’s recent giving is anchored by a long-running commitment to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, with three grants totaling $703,000 across 2023, 2024, and 2025 to further the organization’s mission. That recurring support sets the tone for a portfolio built around Christian ministry, church-related work, and faith-based youth programming. The foundation also backs local congregational and ministry efforts in Mississippi, including Stateline Baptist Church in Columbus and Hispaniola Mountain Ministries in Jackson, while extending support to evangelical organizations and mission-oriented groups in other states. Its grants are generally modest outside the largest relationship-based awards, which suggests a pattern of concentrated core support alongside many smaller mission gifts. Recent recipients also include The Salvation Army in Columbus, Columbus Christian Academy in Steens, and Fathers Child Ministry in Columbus, showing attention to local faith institutions as well as broader Christian outreach. Across the latest grants, the foundation’s giving reflects a consistent preference for organizations framed around mission support rather than restricted projects.
Christian youth and sports ministry is a central theme. The foundation gave $354,000 in 2024 to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, then followed with $187,000 in 2023 and $162,000 in 2025, all described as support to further the organization’s mission. Local church and school-linked support also appears in Mississippi: Stateline Baptist Church in Columbus received $50,000 in 2023, plus $25,000 in both 2024 and 2025, and Columbus Christian Academy in Steens received $5,000 in 2023 and $1,000 in 2024. International Christian mission work is another thread, including $50,000 in 2024 to Hispaniola Mountain Ministries. The portfolio also includes smaller grants to organizations such as Reaching & Teaching International Ministries, Shepherd's Staff, and the Jesus Film Project, all consistent with faith-based outreach and ministry support.
Typical grant sizes are small, with a p25 of $100, a median of $275, and a p75 of $1,075, even though a few relationship grants are much larger. The pattern looks recurring rather than one-off: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Stateline Baptist Church, Awana, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Fathers Child Ministry each appear in multiple years. Grants are generally framed as support “to help further the mission” of the recipient, indicating mission-driven or general operating-style funding rather than project-specific awards. The foundation is a private foundation and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments.
$229K
$1.5M
$327K
$243K
Most grants fall between $100 and $1K, with a median of $275.
25th Percentile
$100
Median
$275
75th Percentile
$1K
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Giving is regional but spread across a wide set of U.S. locations. Pennsylvania is the top state by grant count, while 23% of grants go to recipients in Mississippi, the headquarters state. Recent grants in the list show clusters in Columbus and other Mississippi communities, plus repeated awards to Kansas City, Missouri through Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Other recipient cities include Jackson, Concord, Albuquerque, Wheaton, Franklin, Charlotte, and Orlando, showing a national footprint within a faith-based network.
The foundation focuses on Christian ministry and church-related work, especially evangelical youth sports ministry, local Baptist church support, and international Christian mission or relief activity in Hispaniola. Recent grants also include Christian schools, retreat centers, and mission organizations.
The foundation’s grant sizes are usually modest: the 25th percentile is $100, the median is $275, and the 75th percentile is $1,075. That pattern sits alongside a few much larger relationship grants.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Stateline Baptist Church, Awana, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Fathers Child Ministry. That suggests ongoing support relationships rather than isolated awards.
Pennsylvania is the top state by grant count, and Mississippi accounts for 23% of grants. The recent-grants list also shows repeated awards to recipients in Columbus and other Mississippi locations, along with organizations in several other U.S. cities.
No. The foundation does not fund individuals, and it does not make program-related investments.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES | KANSAS CITY, MO | $162,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| STATELINE BAPTIST CHURCH | COLUMBUS, MS | $25,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| BAND OF BROTHERS | FRANKLIN, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| REACHING & TEACHING INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES | WHEATON, IL | $10,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| AWANA | STREAMWOOD, IL | $6,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION | CHARLOTTE, NC | $5,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| FATHERS CHILD MINISTRY | COLUMBUS, MS | $1,100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| MESSIANIC JEWISH ALLIANCE OF AMERICA | PHOENIX, AZ | $1,050 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | COLUMBUS, MS | $1,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY | STEENS, MS | $1,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| RACE TRACK CHAPLAINCY OF AMERICA INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $1,000 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| WAUKAWAY SPRINGS CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER | VOSSBURG, MS | $750 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISITANS AND JEWS | CHICAGO, IL | $550 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| FAIRVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH | COLUMBUS, MS | $350 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY | COLUMBUS, MS | $300 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| BETHLEHEM BIBLE COLLEGE | NEW BRAUNFELS, TX | $250 | 2025 | TO HELP FUTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| BIBLICA | PALMER LAKE, CO | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| MALS FOUNDATION | DEDHAM, MA | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| JESUS FILM PROJECT | ORLANDO, FL | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF AL NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION | TUSCALOOSA, AL | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| ALS ASSOCIATION | ARLINGTON, VA | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| PEACE FOR THE PERSECUTED | LYNCHBURG, VA | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| UNITE US | AUBURN, AL | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| ST JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | MEMPHIS, TN | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| WYCLIFFE ASSOCIATES | ORLANDO, FL | $200 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | MEMPHIS, TN | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| EMPOWER MISSISSIPPI | RIDGELAND, MS | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT | TOPEKA, KS | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN CORNERSTONE INSTITUTE | WASHINGTON, DC | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY | DALLAS, TX | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| NAVIGATORS | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCATION | LOVES PARK, IL | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| GOOD SHEPHERD INDIA | MONUMENT, CO | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| ZION METHODIST CHURCH | SEVEN SPRINGS, NC | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANZIATION |
| PRAY IN JESUS NAME MINISTRIES | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION | TUPELO, MS | $100 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| UNITED STATES JUSTICE FOUNDATION | PUEBLO, CO | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| MY FAITH VOTES | PLANO, TX | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| ALZHEIMERS DISEASE RESEARCH | CLARKSBURG, MD | $50 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS | CINCINNATI, OH | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| IN GOD WE TRUST | WASHINGTON, DC | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| MISSION INDIA | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| JUDICAL WATCH | WASHINGTON, DC | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY | HAGERSTOWN, MD | $50 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| OPEN DOORS | BRIDGEVILLE, PA | $35 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| JESSE HELMS CENTER FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $25 | 2025 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES | KANSAS CITY, MO | $354,000 | 2024 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| HISPANIOLA MOUNTAIN MINISTRIES | JACKSON, MS | $50,000 | 2024 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
| STATELINE BAPTIST CHURCH | COLUMBUS, MS | $25,000 | 2024 | TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION |
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
$162,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
STATELINE BAPTIST CHURCH
$25,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
BAND OF BROTHERS
$10,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
AWANA
$6,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION
TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
FATHERS CHILD MINISTRY
$1,100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
MESSIANIC JEWISH ALLIANCE OF AMERICA
$1,050TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
THE SALVATION ARMY
$1,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
COLUMBUS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
$1,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION
RACE TRACK CHAPLAINCY OF AMERICA INC
$1,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
WAUKAWAY SPRINGS CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER
$750TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
FAIRVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH
$350TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY
$300TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
BETHLEHEM BIBLE COLLEGE
$250TO HELP FUTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
BIBLICA
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
MALS FOUNDATION
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
JESUS FILM PROJECT
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
PEACE FOR THE PERSECUTED
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
UNITE US
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
ST JUDE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
WYCLIFFE ASSOCIATES
$200TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
LE BONHEUR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
NAVIGATORS
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCATION
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
GOOD SHEPHERD INDIA
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
ZION METHODIST CHURCH
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANZIATION
PRAY IN JESUS NAME MINISTRIES
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION
$100TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
UNITED STATES JUSTICE FOUNDATION
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
MY FAITH VOTES
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
ALZHEIMERS DISEASE RESEARCH
$50TO FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
IN GOD WE TRUST
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
MISSION INDIA
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
$50TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
OPEN DOORS
$35TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
JESSE HELMS CENTER FOUNDATION
$25TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
$354,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
HISPANIOLA MOUNTAIN MINISTRIES
$50,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION
STATELINE BAPTIST CHURCH
$25,000TO HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE DONEE ORGANIZATION