The Wristen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Wristen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Cary, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $55,200 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $3,850 and the largest $7,500. 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$55,200
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$3,850
- Largest grant$7,500
- Assets$1.0 million
- New grantees67%
Giving in 2025 was up from $54,182 the year before.
67% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $69,500 | 11 | $904,786 |
| 2024 | $54,182 | 10 | $939,577 |
| 2025 | $55,200 | 14 | $1.0 million |
How to apply
The Wristen Family 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 Wristen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $28,700 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $7,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $3,500 |
| Michigan | 1 | $3,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CASA of McHenry County | General Support | $7,500 |
| The Orchard Evangelical Free Church | General Support | $5,000 |
| The Navigators | General Support | $5,000 |
| Direct Relief | General Support | $5,000 |
| Young Life (Madison WI) | General Support | $5,000 |
| Cary Grove Food Pantry | General Support | $5,000 |
| Safe Families for Children | General Support | $4,200 |
| The Salt Company | General Support | $3,500 |
| Willow Creek Community Church | General Support | $3,000 |
| Cru | General Support | $3,000 |
| Foundry Church | General Support | $3,000 |
| The Orchard Evangelical Free Church | General Support | $3,000 |
| Intervarsity | General Support | $2,000 |
| The Orchard Evangelical Free Church | General Support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Edward L Wristen
- Rebecca S Wristen
- Molly S Erwin
- Sarah E Brown
- Timothy D Erwin
- Jeffery T Brown
Questions people ask
Does The Wristen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Wristen Family Foundation give?
$55,200 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $3,850.
Who runs The Wristen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Edward L Wristen (President/Dir), Rebecca S Wristen (Vice President/Dir), Molly S Erwin (Secretary/Dir) and Sarah E Brown (Treasurer/Dir.) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Wristen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and human services.