His First Foundation
Accepts applications
His First Foundation is a private foundation in Peoria, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 37 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $300,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.0 million
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$29.5 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.8 million the year before.
27% 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 | $1.7 million | 30 | $14.9 million |
| 2024 | $1.8 million | 37 | $21.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 37 | $29.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | John Wieland 8901 N Industrial Rd, Peoria, IL 61615 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (309) 686-4048 |
| What to submit | Written letter explaining need, amount requested and purpose. |
| Restrictions | Funds will be distributed to the following groups: 1. Faith based organizations 2. Secular "good works organizations whose values align with "foundation" 3. People in need suffering because of outside circumstances completely out of their control |
What His First Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 23 | $827,500 |
| Kansas | 4 | $50,000 |
| New York | 1 | $50,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $35,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $20,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WTVP | Charitable | $300,000 |
| Dream Center Peoria | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Pathway Ministries | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Citi Vision | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Wpeo | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Youth for Christ | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Destiny for Women | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Friendship House | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Lifesong | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Lone Pine Ministries | Charitable | $25,000 |
| South Side Mission | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Crescent Project | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Hands of Love | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Union Rescue Mission | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Biblical Counseling Ministry | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Black Buffalo Global Missions | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Cadre Ministry | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Child Evangelism Fellowship | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Community Workshop Training Center | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Epic | Charitable | $10,000 |
| International Rescue Committee | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Jesus on Line | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Ninety Five Network | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Paacs Christian Medical & Dental | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Peoria Christian School | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Salvation Army | Charitable | $10,000 |
| St Marys School of Kickapoo | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Voice of the Martyrs | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Youth Horizon | Charitable | $10,000 |
| American Bible Society | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Young Life | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Peoria Christian Center | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Crittention Center | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Great News Radio | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Looks Its My Book | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Peoria Historical Society | Charitable | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- John S Wieland
- Julie Wieland
- Jennifer Wieland
- Richard Wieland
Questions people ask
Does His First Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does His First Foundation give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs His First Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John S Wieland (Director), Julie Wieland (Director), Jennifer Wieland (Director) and Richard Wieland (Director).
What does His First Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, youth programs and education.