Willens Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Willens Family Foundation is a private foundation in Short Hills, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $602,800 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $12,533 and the largest $302,000. 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$602,800
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$12,533
- Largest grant$302,000
- Assets$16.8 million
- New grantees68%
Giving in 2025 was up from $478,500 the year before.
68% 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 | $405,950 | 18 | $10.8 million |
| 2024 | $478,500 | 21 | $13.5 million |
| 2025 | $602,800 | 19 | $16.8 million |
How to apply
Willens 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 Willens Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 3 | $319,000 |
| California | 4 | $132,734 |
| New York | 5 | $52,266 |
| Maryland | 1 | $37,600 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $20,600 |
| Florida | 1 | $12,600 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Office of Alumni Relations & Development | Endowment | $302,000 |
| Civic Soul | Public Charity | $55,134 |
| Doctors Without Borders USA | Public Charity | $37,600 |
| Med Access International | Public Charity | $37,600 |
| Caltech Advancement and Alumni Relations | Endowment | $25,000 |
| My Block My Hood My City | Public Charity | $15,000 |
| Camfed USA | Public Charity | $15,000 |
| Boca Raton Regional Hospital | Public Charity | $12,600 |
| Minds Matter NYC | Public Charity | $12,533 |
| Childrens Aid NYC | Public Charity | $12,533 |
| Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors | Public Charity | $12,000 |
| Sanctuary for Families | Public Charity | $10,000 |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Public Charity | $10,000 |
| Cancer Free Kids Pediatric Cancer Research Alliance | Public Charity | $10,000 |
| Breast Cancer Research Foundation | Public Charity | $9,600 |
| Community Food Bank of New Jersey | Public Charity | $8,600 |
| Assistance League of Las Vegas Operation School Bell | Public Charity | $8,000 |
| NAACP Legal Defense And Educational Fund Inc | Public Charity | $7,600 |
| Urban Initiatives | Public Charity | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ronald Willens
- Kevin Willens
- Nicole Willens
- Steven Willens
- Jaclyn Willens
- Melissa Wattoo
- Mark Willens
- Kirk Willens
Questions people ask
Does Willens Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Willens Family Foundation give?
$602,800 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $12,533.
Who runs Willens Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ronald Willens (Director Chairman;), Kevin Willens (Director Treasure), Nicole Willens (Director Secretary) and Steven Willens (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Willens Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, international and health.