Wheeler Foundation
Accepts applications
Wheeler Foundation is a private foundation in Rankin, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 16 grants; the typical grant was $36,834 and the largest $468,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.6 million
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$36,834
- Largest grant$468,000
- Assets$34.6 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.3 million the year before.
44% 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 | $1.4 million | 14 | $33.3 million |
| 2024 | $2.3 million | 19 | $33.6 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 16 | $34.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Lynn Magers PO Box 305, Rankin, IL 60960 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (217) 397-2901 |
| What to submit | Written application |
| Restrictions | No restrictions |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Wheeler Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 15 | $1.4 million |
| Indiana | 1 | $182,407 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University Foundation | Scholarships | $468,000 |
| Human Resources Center of Edgarclark County | Vehicles for speical education | $311,711 |
| Carle Health Center for Philanthropy | Schloarships | $228,000 |
| Hanging Rock Christian Camp | Additions at christian camp and full replacement of laundry sprinkler system | $182,407 |
| Danville Area Community College Foundation | Scholarships | $175,000 |
| Milford Area Public Schools #124 | Vehicle for special education | $51,750 |
| Eastern Illinois University Foundation | Scholarships | $45,000 |
| University of Illinois Foundation | Annual scholarship grant | $45,000 |
| Danville School District | Vechile and supplies | $28,669 |
| Abra | Vehicle for special education | $20,000 |
| Hoopeston Area Community School District #11 | Vision/hearing screener | $8,687 |
| Douglas Discovery Gardens | Charitable education purposes | $4,382 |
| Armstrong-Ellis School District | Charitable education purposes | $4,358 |
| Burt Co | Photos of challenger baseball event | $4,168 |
| Armstrong Township High School | Charitable education purposes | $379 |
| Iroquois Special Education Association | Supplies | $291 |
Officers and trustees
- Christine McTaggert
- Lynn Magers
- Dennis Weber
- Heather Lane
- Bob Swires
- Sarah Wilson
- Jerry McGlaughlin
- Patrick Halloran
- Mendy Spesard
Questions people ask
Does Wheeler Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Wheeler Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $36,834.
Who runs Wheeler Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Christine McTaggert (Director), Lynn Magers (Treasurer), Dennis Weber (Director) and Heather Lane (Secretary) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Wheeler Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.