Our Family Foundation is honored to support programs, events, and services that assist those in need, build stronger communities, and foster an understanding of the challenges and solutions in these communities.
Our mission
To support underprivileged families by enabling them to thrive by giving them access to life-changing opportunities in education, employment, and social spheres.
The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation values its role as a civic leader and passionately believes that it should invest in the communities in which it lives, works, and conducts business.
We help communities succeed by investing in and supporting organizations that serve traditionally underserved populations and promote diversity and inclusion.
The Foundation is based in Chicago, and our giving reflects a commitment to the organizations in this vital and diverse city. However, we also support national and international organizations that reflect our mission and giving priorities.
The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
Our giving priorities
The Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation seeks to provide funding to:
Young adults with special needs
Local non-profit organizations that provide education and workforce development for young adults with special needs that lead to self-sustaining job opportunities.
Greek culture, education, and language
Local, national, and international non-profit organizations that provide programs to strengthen the relationship between Greece and the United States and develop, enhance, and preserve Greek culture, education, and language.
Women-led single-parent households
Local non-profit organizations that provide women-led, single-parent households with sustainable employment opportunities or provide support services to enable the parent to balance work and family.
We provide two types of financial support to non-profit organizations that align with our giving priorities:
Major Gifts
Funding of over $10,000 is provided by the Foundation by invitation only.
One Grant Per Year
An organization may receive one grant per year.
Renewals
Receiving a program grant or event funding does not guarantee renewal the following year.
Meet the founder
When I was at a low point my career, I was given a helping hand, good guidance and strong support, and I have always looked for ways to pay it forward.
Alex Pissios
Alex Pissios had a storied career as a real estate developer and as the founder, President, and CEO of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the largest independent movie studio outside Los Angeles. Cinespace also launched two non-profit organizations, Stage 18 and the CineCares Foundation, to provide Chicago residents with education, job training, and opportunities in TV and film.
In 2021, Alex sold Cinespace and founded Alecko Capital, a privately funded investment firm that provides solutions to established and emerging business segments in the US and international markets. The Foundation was created in 2023.
Over the years, Alex has been a dedicated supporter of various philanthropic causes, generously donating his time and money to noteworthy, charitable organizations. Through the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation, I believe he will continue to inspire and reinforce his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, serving his beloved city, Chicago, and preserving and enhancing Greek culture.
John Koudounis, President & Chief Executive Officer, Calamos
Alex’s big personality is only surpassed by his even bigger heart. After experiencing such good fortune, his move to create a family foundation perfectly fits.
Matt Fiascone, President of the Habitat Company
No one is more charitable or with a bigger heart than Patricia and Alex Pissios. They bring joy and love into every room they enter, and they deeply understand their responsibility to give back to others without access. As champions of Chicago’s students and communities, we find inspiration in Alex’s gusto and commitment to service and look forward to witnessing the impact of this family foundation for years to come.
Sarah and Kerry Wood, founders of the Wood Family Foundation and Pitch In Program
The birth and development of Cinespace along with the impact on its neighborhood and our city was an extraordinary achievement.Congrats to Alex and his family, but more remarkably I continue to watch and admire his commitment to giving back to those in need. This will be his true legacy.
Larry Wert, President of Broadcast Media for Tribune Media
For grant applicants
Application information, submission process, when to submit, grant amounts, forms and other information