About Us
Our mission is to support underprivileged and underserved communities by providing them with access to life-changing opportunities in education, employment, and social spheres to enable them to thrive.
Our core values
These core values support our mission, shape our goals, and guide our giving.
We believe that gratitude, understanding, and empathy are the foundation to creating consequential and enduring change.
We believe that with the appropriate opportunity, anyone has the potential to improve their situation.
We strive to provide a voice to the voiceless, equal opportunities, and support for all.
We are committed to promoting unity in all communities and cultivating future leaders from every sector.
We understand the value of creating and sustaining pathways for individuals to find meaningful and rewarding employment.
We aspire to perform a daily act of paying it forward.
History of the Foundation
The Foundation was formed in 2023 to continue the philanthropic priorities of the Alexander S. Pissios family, which has a history of providing financial support and resources to local organizations.
In its brief history, the Foundation has provided grants to organizations that deliver programs and services that serve people in need, strengthening communities, and create pathways to understanding.
The Team
Alexander S. Pissios
Founder & President
Alex is the Founder and Principal of Alecko Capital, a lending and investment firm based in Chicago. He is the former President and CEO of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the largest independent movie studio outside Los Angeles that is home to many successful television and film projects.
Rosie Burke
Executive Director
Rosie is a non-profit and for-profit Health care executive with demonstrated success in management, grant administration, research coordination, and proposal solicitation and review, and corporate/industry relations management and fundraising. She served as Senior Philanthropic Advisor to CEO and President of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios.
Nicolette Fiorentino
Director of Finance
Nicolette brings over 20 years of experience in public and private accounting as well as executive leadership. She also serves as Director of Finance and Operations at Alecko Capital. Nicolette began her career as an auditor at Plante Moran, a certified public accounting and business advisory firm, and served for 10 years as President and CFO at a family-owned food distribution company. Nicolette volunteers at her children’s school, serving as the School Board Finance Chair and as a volleyball coach.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Alexander S. Pissios
Trustee, Founder and Board Chairman
Patricia M. Pissios
Trustee and Executive Vice President
Mary Pat Burns
Trustee and Board Secretary
Steve DeGraff
Trustee and Board Treasurer
Spiros A. Pissios
Trustee and Board Secretary Intern
Trustees
John Dvorak
Trustee
Ozzie G. Giglio
Trustee
Perry Mandera
Trustee
Georgia Pissios
Trustee
Larry Wert
Trustee
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.
We invite organizations to learn about our funding programs, to apply during our submission periods, and to contact the Foundation with questions.