The Wagner Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Wagner Foundation is a private foundation in Northbrook, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $180,000 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $4,250 and the largest $25,000. 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$180,000
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$4,250
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$3.7 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2025 was up from $174,000 the year before.
10% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $150,000 | 25 | $2.9 million |
| 2023 | $151,000 | 28 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $174,000 | 31 | $3.4 million |
| 2025 | $180,000 | 26 | $3.7 million |
How to apply
The Wagner 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 The Wagner Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14 | $56,000 |
| New York | 2 | $30,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $28,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $22,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $18,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $14,500 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $5,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $3,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $25,000 |
| The Jed Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $25,000 |
| Bounce Childrens Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $14,500 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $12,000 |
| Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $11,000 |
| Individual | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $11,000 |
| To Write Love on Her Arms | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $10,000 |
| FORCE - Facing Hereditary Cancer Em | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $8,500 |
| University Of Chicago | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $8,000 |
| Amfar The Foundation For Aids Resea | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $5,000 |
| StJude Children's Research Hospital | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $5,000 |
| Youth Services of GlenviewNorthbroo | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $5,000 |
| University of Illinois Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,500 |
| American Liver Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Bernie's Book Bank | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Chicago Coalition For The Homeless | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Make-A-Wish | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| National Foundation for Cancer Rese | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Individual | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Wings Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Individual | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $3,000 |
| Center for Enriched Living | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes | $3,000 |
| Individual | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $2,500 |
| Silayan | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $1,000 |
| SIU Foundation | To aid the organization and further exempt purposes. | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul Wagner
- Ralph Satoloe
- David Wagner
- Hal Roseth
Questions people ask
Does The Wagner Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Wagner Foundation give?
$180,000 in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $4,250.
Who runs The Wagner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul Wagner (Treasurer), Ralph Satoloe (Secretary), David Wagner (Director) and Hal Roseth (Director).
What does The Wagner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, food and hunger and health.