Whaley Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Whaley Foundation is a private foundation in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 30 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$1.6 million
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$15.1 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.1 million the year before.
20% 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 | $859,000 | 28 | $8.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 29 | $14.1 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 30 | $15.1 million |
How to apply
Whaley 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 Whaley Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 25 | $1.5 million |
| Colorado | 3 | $28,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $4,000 |
| New York | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Education - general purposes | $500,000 |
| Walker Art Center | Public charity - general purposes | $290,000 |
| Cretin-Derham Hall | Education - general purposes | $250,000 |
| Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library | Public charity - general purposes | $125,000 |
| Sisters Rising Worldwide | Public charity - general purposes | $70,000 |
| Nativity School Fund | Education - general purposes | $62,500 |
| Catholic Schools Center of Excellence | Public charity - general purposes | $50,000 |
| United Way | Public charity - general purposes | $40,000 |
| Macalester College - Annual Fund | Education - general purposes | $30,000 |
| Kiberia Girls Soccer Academy Foundation | Education - general purposes | $25,000 |
| Minnesota Public Radio | Education - general purposes | $25,000 |
| University of Denver Sturm College of Law | Education - general purposes | $25,000 |
| Catholic Charities - Hope Street | Religious - general purposes | $20,000 |
| Nativity of Our Lord Church | Public charity - general purposes | $11,000 |
| Alight | Public charity - general purposes | $5,000 |
| Highland Friendship Club | Public charity - general purposes | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Minnesota | Public charity - general purposes | $5,000 |
| Unbreakable Pit Bull Rescue | Public charity - general purposes | $5,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Public charity - general purposes | $4,000 |
| Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center | Education - general purposes | $2,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Public charity - general purposes | $2,000 |
| Neighborhood House | Public charity - general purposes | $2,000 |
| American Indian Center | Education - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Avivo | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Center for Economic Inclusion | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Dream of Wild Health | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Minnesota Humane Society | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Open Arms of Minnesota Inc | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Save the Boundary Waters | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
| Veterans to Farmers | Public charity - general purposes | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John P Whaley
- Annette M Whaley
- Megan J Whaley
Questions people ask
Does Whaley Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Whaley Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Whaley Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John P Whaley (Director), Annette M Whaley (Director) and Megan J Whaley (Vice President).
What does Whaley Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and faith communities.