SOURCE OF WEALTH: Metropolitan Bank Group, Byline Bank
FUNDING AREAS: Animals, Health, Education & Youth, Chicago
OVERVIEW: Peter and Paula Fasseas move their philanthropy through the Peter & Paula Fasseas Foundation, which according to available tax filings, gave away about $2.3 million in 2017. The couple is heavily involved with PAWS Chicago, the animal rescue that they founded in 1998. Cancer research is another priority.
BACKGROUND: Peter Fasseas received a law degree from Northwestern University, and Paula Fasseas holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. In the late 1970s, the couple leveraged their home to purchase North Community Bank. It was the first piece in what would grow to become the Metropolitan Bank Group, which now operates as Byline Bank.
ISSUES:
ANIMALS: In 1998, Peter and Paula founded PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Chicago after learning about the pet overpopulation problem in the Chicago area. PAWS Chicago is the largest no-kill humane animal rescue organization in Chicago. In addition to PAWS, the coupe has supported the Animal Welfare League, Hermitage Cat Shelter, the PETCO Foundation, and the Puppy Mill Project.
HEALTH: The couple health philanthropy has prioritized cancer research. They have given millions to University of Arizona, home to the Peter and Paula Fasseas Cancer Clinic, which opened last decade. Other past grantees include the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern University, the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
EDUCATION & YOUTH: The Fasseases have supported a variety of K-12 and higher education institutions. Grantees have included Chicago City Day School, Culver Academies, St. Ignatius College Prep, Duke University and Northwestern University.
OTHER: Much of the couple’s grantmaking is directed toward organizations operating in the Chicago area, including local churches and cultural institutions. One past grantee is the Lookingglass Theatre Company.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the Fasseases to continue to support organizations operating in their areas of interest, including animal rescue, cancer research and the greater-Chicago area.
CONTACT:
The Peter & Paula Fasseas Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
Peter & Paula Fasseas Foundation
1933 Marcey Street
Chicago, IL 60614
LINK:
