Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation
Accepts applications
Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation is a private foundation in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $458,500 in 36 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $100,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$458,500
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$14.4 million
- New grantees9%
Giving in 2025 was up from $304,000 the year before.
9% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $302,443 | 38 | $11.8 million |
| 2024 | $304,000 | 35 | $12.6 million |
| 2025 | $458,500 | 36 | $14.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mary Louise Shenk 135 Leaman Road, Lancaster, PA 17603 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (717) 419-9340, info@shenkfoundation.com |
| What to submit | |
| Deadlines | April 1 and august 1 |
| Restrictions | Lancaster county Pennsylvania charities |
What Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 36 | $458,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster Country Day School | Shenk fund for professional excellence | $100,000 |
| Lancaster Farmland Trust | Land/farm acquisition(s) | $50,000 |
| Lancaster Conservancy | Vehicle lift/mower/material bays | $45,000 |
| Lancaster Conservancy | Stewardship endowment fund | $45,000 |
| Little Conestoga Creek Foundation | Blue-green corridor project | $25,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster | Operations | $15,000 |
| Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School | Operations | $15,000 |
| Lancaster County Food Hub | Operations | $12,000 |
| Casa of Lancaster County | Operations | $10,000 |
| Lancaster Conservancy | Lccf extragive 2025 | $10,000 |
| Samaritan Counseling Center | Operations | $10,000 |
| Swan | Operations | $10,000 |
| Tenfold | Capital campaign | $10,000 |
| The Edible Classroom | Operations | $10,000 |
| Lancaster Country Day School | Playground renovations | $8,500 |
| Music for Everyone | Fresh takes on jazz - piano rental | $7,500 |
| Greystone Manor TRC | Sir sampson sponsorship | $5,000 |
| Holy Spirit Lutheran Church | Memorial gardens maintenance | $5,000 |
| Jeff Musser Foundation | Operations | $5,000 |
| Lancaster Science Center | Blue star program | $5,000 |
| Lancaster Symphony Orchestra | Operations | $5,000 |
| Lancasterhistoryorg | Heritage center | $5,000 |
| Linden Hall | Operations | $5,000 |
| Milagro House | Operations | $5,000 |
| United Disabilities Services | Operations | $5,000 |
| Water Street Ministries | Operations | $5,000 |
| Aaron's Acres | Operations | $3,500 |
| Music for Everyone | Fresh takes on jazz - piano | $3,000 |
| Arc of Lancaster Lebanon | Operations | $2,500 |
| Demuth Foundation | Operations | $2,500 |
| Fulton Theater Company | Operations | $2,500 |
| Lancaster General Health Foundation | Operations | $2,500 |
| Pennsylvania College of Art and Design | Operations | $2,500 |
| Visioncorps | Operations | $2,500 |
| Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society | Operations | $2,000 |
| Rockford Foundation | Operations | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Louise Shenk
- Randy R Moyer
- Stuart W Herr
- Wesley S Lewis
- Hannah S Koch
Questions people ask
Does Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: April 1 and august 1.
How much does Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation give?
$458,500 in tax year 2025, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Louise Shenk (Chair), Randy R Moyer (Director), Stuart W Herr (Director) and Wesley S Lewis (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and arts and culture.