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NKC Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.3M
000

NKC Family Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,349,000 (2023)
  • Average Grant Size: $46,517
  • Total Assets: $27 million
  • Number of Grants: 29 awards (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Fox Valley Area, Illinois (primary); Greater Chicagoland (secondary); also supports organizations in Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Wisconsin
  • Application Method: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 501 W. State Street, Suite 201, Geneva, IL 60134

Website: https://www.nkc.foundation/

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited funding requests. Organizations must be invited to apply.

Overview

Founded in 2016 by Nick and Kimberly Calamos, the NKC Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Geneva, Illinois. With assets totaling approximately $27 million, the foundation distributed $1,349,000 in grants across 29 awards in 2023. The foundation's mission is to "responsibly use the wealth that God has generously blessed to us" and operates with the tagline "Serving Jesus' Kingdom with Love and Purpose." The foundation focuses on assisting people facing difficult circumstances while encouraging personal growth rooted in Christian faith and community relationships. Operating as stewards of their resources, the foundation strives to "bring honor to Christ's name in all we do." The foundation prioritizes strategic partnerships with organizations in the Fox Valley Area and Greater Chicagoland that demonstrate strong leadership, financial health, and measurable outcomes.

Funding Priorities

Four Primary Giving Areas

The foundation has established four distinct funding priorities:

1. Christian Community & Gospel Development Focus on engagement and growth through evangelism, discipleship, education, and service, particularly for vulnerable populations.

2. Hands & Feet of Christ Gospel-centered human services addressing homelessness, substance abuse, food insecurity, foster care, legal aid, and poverty. The foundation favors organizations providing "a 'hand up' over a hand out."

3. The Great Commission Spreading the Gospel through church, leader, and personal development globally.

4. Healthcare & Christian Services for Disabilities Improving lives of disabled individuals and families through faith development and access to therapies, housing, counseling, and retreats.

Types of Organizations Supported

The foundation has partnered with:

  • Homeless shelters
  • Food banks
  • Christian education institutions
  • Christian social services organizations
  • Military services
  • Organizations serving disabled individuals and their families

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations must be:

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations
  • Biblically-based with kingdom-focused missions
  • Led by strong leadership with demonstrated fundraising capability
  • Financially healthy with transparent accounting
  • Able to demonstrate measurable, meaningful outcomes
  • Committed to transparency and accountability

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Nick Calamos - Chairman of the Board Founder and funder of the foundation, Nick Calamos is the former Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Calamos Investments. He holds an M.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He oversees the foundation's investments, financials, legal matters, and leadership.

Kim Calamos - Board Chair Co-founder and funder of the foundation, Kim Calamos holds a Biology degree from Southern Illinois University. She focuses on advocacy for vulnerable populations, animals, and children.

Edward Jarosz, Jr. - Board Chair With over 30 years of leadership experience, Edward Jarosz is the former President and CEO of Edwards Medical Supply (14 years) and previously served as Vice President of Business Development at Moore Medical (2009-2011). He holds a Finance degree from Miami University, Ohio, and brings extensive experience in business transformation and executive leadership consulting.

Foundation Staff

Katie Calamos-Bifoss - CEO Katie joined the foundation in 2016 after graduating from Taylor University. She earned her MBA from Indiana University in 2022. As CEO, she focuses on understanding organizational impact and meeting community needs through Christian love. She is a member of Chapelstreet Church and operates under the biblical principle: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Gabby Haugen - Program Associate Gabby joined the foundation in early 2023, bringing professional social work experience to the role. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a Psychology minor from Aurora University (2017) and a Master's in Social Work (2018). She develops nonprofit effectiveness analysis for the foundation and is a member of First Presbyterian Church of Aurora. Her guiding verse is: "Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him" (Ephesians 3:17).

Jill Valentini - Program Assistant Jill joined the foundation part-time in 2022 and transitioned to full-time. She holds a Marketing degree from DePaul University and previously served as Communications Coordinator at Chapelstreet Church. She serves as the primary contact for nonprofit partners and is guided by: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Grantmaking Governance

The board reviews potential grant recipients four times annually before distributing funds, ensuring thorough evaluation and strategic alignment.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The NKC Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

According to the foundation: "All organizations must be invited to apply for funding and given a specific timeline for application." The foundation team has developed a thorough process of evaluation before they ask an organization to apply.

Organizations cannot submit applications unless they have received a direct invitation from the foundation.

Decision Timeline

Organizations that receive invitations are given a specific timeline for application. The board reviews potential grants four times per year (quarterly), suggesting that invited organizations may experience decision timelines aligned with these quarterly review cycles.

Geographic Considerations

While the foundation supports organizations across multiple states (Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Illinois), they emphasize that their primary focus is on neighbors in the Fox Valley Area, with secondary focus on Greater Chicagoland. Organizations outside this geographic area may have reduced likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, success depends entirely on alignment with the foundation's mission and getting noticed by the foundation team. Based on the foundation's publicly stated priorities:

Mission Alignment is Critical

The foundation explicitly requires:

  • Biblical, kingdom-focused missions at the organizational core
  • Christian values integrated throughout programs and services
  • Focus on serving vulnerable populations
  • Commitment to faith development alongside service provision

The foundation's four giving areas are specific and clearly defined. Organizations must fit squarely within one or more of these areas: Christian Community & Gospel Development, Hands & Feet of Christ, The Great Commission, or Healthcare & Christian Services for Disabilities.

Operational Excellence Matters

The foundation evaluates organizations on:

  • Strong leadership: Demonstrated capability at the executive and board level
  • Fundraising capability: Ability to sustain operations and not be solely dependent on one funder
  • Financial health: Sound financial management and transparent accounting
  • Measurable outcomes: Ability to demonstrate meaningful, quantifiable impact
  • Transparency and accountability: Willingness to share data, outcomes, and challenges

Philosophy of Service

The foundation favors organizations that provide "a 'hand up' over a hand out," suggesting preference for programs that:

  • Build self-sufficiency rather than creating dependency
  • Empower individuals for long-term change
  • Address root causes of challenges
  • Integrate spiritual development with practical assistance

Geographic Proximity

Organizations located in or serving the Fox Valley Area of Illinois have the highest likelihood of partnership. The foundation team explicitly states their aim is to "primarily benefit neighbors in the Fox Valley Area" through strategic partnerships.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an invitation-only funder - You cannot submit an unsolicited application. Focus on building organizational visibility in the Fox Valley Area and Greater Chicagoland through excellent work and community presence.

  • Christian mission is non-negotiable - This foundation exclusively supports organizations with biblical, kingdom-focused missions. Secular organizations or those without explicit Christian integration will not be considered.

  • Demonstrate operational strength - The foundation values strong leadership, financial health, and measurable outcomes. Organizations should have these elements in place before seeking foundation support.

  • Average grants are approximately $46,500 - With 29 grants totaling $1.35 million in 2023, most awards likely fall in a moderate range, suggesting this foundation may not be appropriate for organizations seeking six-figure grants.

  • Geographic focus is tight - While the foundation supports organizations in six states, they explicitly prioritize Fox Valley Area neighbors. Organizations outside this area should not expect invitations unless they have exceptional mission alignment.

  • The foundation values transformation over transactions - The emphasis on "a hand up over a hand out" and integration of faith development with services suggests the foundation seeks partners working toward sustainable, holistic change.

  • Quarterly board review cycle - With four annual board meetings for grant review, invited organizations should expect decisions to align with quarterly cycles rather than rolling approvals.

References

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