About
Mather is a non-denominational nonprofit based in Evanston, Illinois, founded in 1941 and dedicated to helping older adults age well. Its mission is to "create Ways to Age Well," with a vision "to change the way society views aging." Mather pursues that mission through three core areas: senior living residences, community programs, and applied research on aging through its Mather Institute.
Mission
Mather's mission is to create "Ways to Age Well" — helping older adults redefine life after 50 through award-winning residences, neighborhood programs, and research. The organization's stated values are "Inclusive, Resilient, Bold, Impactful."
What they do
- Operates senior living residences, including one of the earliest Continuing Care Retirement Communities (Life Plan Communities) in Evanston, Illinois
- Provides community programs, both virtual and in person, including D.I.T. Art Kits, G.I.T. Garden Kits, PAW Packs, and programming at Mather at The Cov
- Conducts research through Mather Institute on innovations for serving older adults, and shares research-based "Ways to #AgeWell" tips
History
Mather was established in 1941 by Alonzo Mather, described by the organization as "a well-regarded humanitarian, lifelong inventor, and innovative entrepreneur." Alonzo Mather began his career in 1864 at age 16, moved to Chicago in 1875 to start a wholesale mercantile business, and in 1879 was inspired to invent a humane animal stock car, for which the Humane Society awarded him a gold medal in 1883. He earned 57 patents over his lifetime and in 1927 built the 43-story Mather Tower in Chicago and the 10-story Mather Building in Washington, DC. He created a home for "ladies of refinement" who had lost their incomes when their husbands passed away — one of the earliest Continuing Care Retirement Communities — and died in 1941 at age 92.
Scale and impact
According to figures published on Mather's website, in 2025 "Mather enhanced the lives of more than 227,500 people," contributed $24 million toward aging-focused initiatives, and reported total assets of $1,068 million (figures as presented by the organization). Mather has been named among Newsweek's America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (fiscal year 2024), Mather (EIN 36-2233542) reported total revenue of $56,090,525, total expenses of $55,822,745, and total assets of $230,001,702. Program services accounted for about 64.5% of revenue ($36.2 million) and contributions about 34.4% ($19.3 million). Mather is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations to it are tax deductible.
Governance
Per the fiscal 2024 filing summarized by ProPublica, Mary G. Leary serves as President and CEO.