The Wendys Foundation
Accepts applications
The Wendys Foundation is a private foundation in Dublin, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $312,500 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $175,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$312,500
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$175,000
- Assets$462,245
- New grantees83%
Giving in 2025 was down from $393,300 the year before.
83% 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 | $330,000 | 25 | $780,644 |
| 2024 | $393,300 | 21 | $516,104 |
| 2025 | $312,500 | 23 | $462,245 |
How to apply
| Contact | Liliana M Esposito One Dave Thomas BLVD, Dublin, OH 43017 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (614) 764-3100 |
| What to submit | Written request with background literature included for the prospective donee charitable organization. |
| Restrictions | Organization must be a qualified IRC Sec. 501c 3 organization. |
What The Wendys Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 16 | $285,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $7,500 |
| Colorado | 2 | $5,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $2,500 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption | To dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North Americas foster care system. | $175,000 |
| MidOhio Food Collective | To end hunger one nourishing meal at a time while co-creating sustainable communities where everyone thrives. | $25,000 |
| Columbus Urban League Empowerment | To empower African Americans and underrepresented groups through economic educational and social progress. | $15,000 |
| Columbus Urban League HerStory | To empower African Americans and underrepresented groups through economic educational and social progress. | $10,000 |
| Alicias Closet | To create a brighter future for families affected by foster care by building community of support to provide essential resources and responsive programming. | $10,000 |
| Northern Illinois Foodbank | To provide nutritious food and resources for our neighbors with dignity equity and convenience through partnerships and innovation. | $7,500 |
| Central Community House | This organization is a comprehensive neighborhood-based community center that has been serving the near east side of Columbus Ohio in the settlement house tradition since 1936. Our mission is to empower people to reach their full potential to be self-supporting and to live cooperatively with all others. | $5,000 |
| Harvest to Hope | Serves kids and families in Title I schools in Fort Worth TX. They provide snack packs to kids in school and focus on their development. | $5,000 |
| Kaleidoscope Youth Center | For youth across the spectrums of sexual orientation and gender identity to live healthy whole lives with acceptance and freedom from oppression. | $5,000 |
| MY Project USA | To be a catalyst for protecting and empowering youth by uplifting families througheducation social services civic engagement and advocacy. | $5,000 |
| Proyecto Mariposas | Provides an environment of learning sharing and support to Latina Girls and their mothers. | $5,000 |
| Shepherds Corner Ecology Center | Invites others to join with us in experiencing the joys and responsibilities of caring for land life and spirit. Inspiring others to become shepherds of creation in their own corners of the world. | $5,000 |
| Star House Foundation | Do whatever it takes to lift youth out of homelessness and into a community of hope. | $5,000 |
| ForKids Inc | Breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. | $5,000 |
| Honor Flight Columbus | To honor Americas senior veterans with a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the nations memorials. To help them share their stories. To celebrate and affirm their service and homecoming. | $5,000 |
| Kids Mental Health Foundation | To give expert-created resources and tools to all U.S. communities so that everyone can understand and promote mental health for children. | $5,000 |
| The Ohio State University Foundation | To raise funds and manage endowments and planned gifts for the benefit of The Ohio State University | $5,000 |
| Canine Companions North Central Training Center | A national organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no charge to the recipient. | $2,500 |
| Families Flourish | Offers a 3-year program that transforms the lives of low-wage working families and their children by providing a comprehensive path to economic mobility and wellness. This is accomplished through life coaching rent support and monthly required programs that promote housing and economic stability career advancement and generational change for their children. | $2,500 |
| Urban Peak | To ignite the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined fulfilled lives. | $2,500 |
| Casa Valentina | To provide at-risk and former foster care youth with safe affordable housing life skills and continued support so that they can achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. | $2,500 |
| Go Pantry | To provide food to Northern Kentucky children on days schools are not open.As a secondary mission we have found a way to involve many people with volunteer and giving opportunities. | $2,500 |
| Raise the Future | To connect youth waiting in foster care with the adults who become stable forces in their lives and to support those relationships so that they last for a lifetime. | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Aaron Kale
- Liliana M Esposito
- Ken Cook
- Mark Johnson
Questions people ask
Does The Wendys Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Wendys Foundation give?
$312,500 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Wendys Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Aaron Kale (Treasurer), Liliana M Esposito (President), Ken Cook (Chief Executive Officer) and Mark Johnson (Secretary).
What does The Wendys Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, human services and education.