Wilson W Phelps Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Wilson W Phelps Foundation is a private foundation in Irvine, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $662,981 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $129,525. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$662,981
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$129,525
- Assets$14.4 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $599,432 the year before.
38% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $589,788 | 21 | $11.4 million |
| 2024 | $599,432 | 19 | $12.9 million |
| 2025 | $662,981 | 20 | $14.4 million |
How to apply
Wilson W Phelps Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Wilson W Phelps Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 20 | $662,981 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fullerton Joint Union High Sch Dist | Classroom Sets Steam Kits, Julie Kim Joy Service Scholarship, cabinetry to house equipment | $129,525 |
| Fullerton School District | Books, 6th grade 2 nights science camp, building & learning trades for 2nd Tiny home, develope Culturally responsive Mariachi,Update Media Center, Outdoor Furniture, Various other assistance | $76,556 |
| Community Action Partnership | Orange County Food Bank's Farm to Family Program | $75,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club | Scholarship for 25 Students, and 30 Chromebooks | $52,500 |
| Hart Community Homes Inc | Fees and Architectural Services, 4 units 8 bedrooms | $50,000 |
| Cal State University Fullerton | Guardian Scholars -Scholarships for 2 Foster Youths and Emergency Fund | $45,000 |
| Individual | House Homeless Foster Youths | $35,000 |
| SCRPA- Fullerton Train Museum | Union Pacific Car Transportation Upgrades | $35,000 |
| Meals on Wheels of Fullerton Inc | Meal subsidies for low income homebound individuals | $25,000 |
| Higher Ground Youth Family Services | Upgrade outdoor space & harm prevention programs | $25,000 |
| Advance On to College | College Scholarships | $25,000 |
| Individual | Care for Therapy Horses for one year | $25,000 |
| Peo | Scholarships toWomen | $15,000 |
| Individual | Field Trip at Heritage House | $10,000 |
| Individual | Housing property Aquisition | $10,000 |
| All the Arts for All the Kids Found | 5th Grade Field Trip | $9,600 |
| Action Alliance Foundation | 100 New Mattresses | $8,300 |
| Friends of Jazz | Recorders and music books for 4th Grade Students | $5,000 |
| Nga | Clothes the Needy | $5,000 |
| Assistance League of Fullerton | Operation School Bell Clothing & School Supplies for Children | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- John W Phelps
- James Phelps
- Louise Shamblen
- Carol B Phelps
- Marlene McGlensey
- Becky McGlensey
- Torane Phelps
Questions people ask
Does Wilson W Phelps Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Wilson W Phelps Foundation give?
$662,981 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Wilson W Phelps Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John W Phelps (Ceo), James Phelps (Cfo), Louise Shamblen (Director) and Carol B Phelps (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Wilson W Phelps Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.