The W O'Neil Foundation
Accepts applications
The W O'Neil Foundation is a private foundation in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.5 million in 70 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $1.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$2.5 million
- Number of grants70
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$45.3 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.8 million the year before.
54% 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 | $2.5 million | 62 | $39.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.8 million | 56 | $41.2 million |
| 2025 | $2.5 million | 70 | $45.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Helene O'Neil Shere President the W PO Box 15888, Chevy Chase, MD 20825-5888 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (301) 656-5848, woneilfoundation@wonf.org |
| What to submit | An application form is not required. Initial approach should be by letter of inquiry outlining the nature of the project, the amount requested and evidence of irc section 501(c)(3) exempt status. If the project coincides with the foundation's interests, a proposal will be requested. |
| Restrictions | The foundation is primarily interested in faith-motivated programs that directly bring basic necessities, such as food, clothing, shelter, basic medical care and basic education to those experiencing poverty throughout the world, particularly those needing emergency relief. International assistance grants are made only to U.S.-based charities. The foundation does not make loans or grants to individuals or grants for endowments, capital campaigns, church and school renovations, research, special events, conferences or seminars. |
What The W O'Neil Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 17 states, the most to Maryland.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 7 | $1.1 million |
| District of Columbia | 24 | $576,250 |
| New York | 12 | $250,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $160,000 |
| Massachusetts | 5 | $90,000 |
| Connecticut | 5 | $85,000 |
| Illinois | 3 | $45,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $45,000 |
| South Dakota | 1 | $30,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $26,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Relief Services | Program support | $1.0 million |
| Catholic Charities USA | Program support | $100,000 |
| Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Washington Inc | Program support | $65,000 |
| Catholic Charities Community Services Archdiocese of New York | Program support | $60,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Inc | Program support | $50,000 |
| Association of Volunteers in International Service USA Inc | Program support | $45,000 |
| Friendship Place | Program support | $45,000 |
| Washington School for Girls | Program support | $45,000 |
| Haitian Health Foundation Inc | Program support | $40,000 |
| Jesuit Refugee Service USA | Program support | $40,000 |
| Missio Corp | Program support | $40,000 |
| Operation Smile Inc | Program support | $40,000 |
| Washington Jesuit Academy | Program support | $40,000 |
| Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School of the Archdiocese of Washington Inc | Program support | $30,000 |
| Red Cloud Indian School | Program support | $30,000 |
| Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities | Program support | $28,750 |
| Daughters of Charity Ips | Program support | $26,000 |
| Rostro de Cristo Inc | Program support | $26,000 |
| American Jesuits International Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| Ayuda | Program support | $25,000 |
| Crossing Thresholds Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| Father McKenna Center Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| Hope for Haiti Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| International Catholic Migration Commission Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| School of Leadership-Afghanistan Inc | Program support | $25,000 |
| Blood Cancer United Inc | Patient financial aid program support | $20,000 |
| Bread for the City Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Bridge Over Troubled Waters Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Capital Area Food Bank Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Catholic Legal Services Archdiocese of Miami | Program support | $20,000 |
| City Harvest Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Cristo Rey New York High School | Program support | $20,000 |
| DC Central Kitchen | Program support | $20,000 |
| Depaul USA Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Diocese of Savannah | Program support | $20,000 |
| Marys Center for Maternal and Child Care Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
| Miriams Kitchen | Program support | $20,000 |
| National Center for Children and Families | Program support | $20,000 |
| San Miguel School DC | Program support | $20,000 |
| St Johns Bread & Life Program Inc | Program support | $20,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Helene O'Neil Shere
- Jane O'Neil Wieder
- Molly Herrera
- Ann O'Neil Gradowski
- Mary Regan
- John O'Neil
- Jane Regan
Questions people ask
Does The W O'Neil Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The W O'Neil Foundation give?
$2.5 million in tax year 2025, across 70 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The W O'Neil Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Helene O'Neil Shere (Chair, President, Trustee), Jane O'Neil Wieder (Vice President, Treasurer, Trustee), Molly Herrera (Vice President, Senior Program Officer) and Ann O'Neil Gradowski (Vice Chair, Assist. Secretary, Trustee) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The W O'Neil Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, human services and education.