Ellie's Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Ellie's Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $550,806 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $2,750 and the largest $269,324. 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$550,806
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$2,750
- Largest grant$269,324
- Assets$21.9 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $483,569 the year before.
19% 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 | $477,987 | 14 | $10.8 million |
| 2024 | $483,569 | 15 | $14.1 million |
| 2025 | $550,806 | 16 | $21.9 million |
How to apply
Ellie's Foundation Inc 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 Ellie's Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 10 | $525,306 |
| Florida | 3 | $18,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Memorial Foundation | Charitable purposes | $269,324 |
| Lutheran Social Services of Illinois | Charitable purposes | $226,472 |
| Resurrection Lutheran Church | Charitable purposes | $12,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | General operations | $10,000 |
| NCH Healthcare System | Charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Emmanuel Lutheran Church | Charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Mercy Home for Boys and Girls | Charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Grace Place for Children and Families | Charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Bethlehem Lutheran Church | Charitable purposes | $2,500 |
| First Presbyterian Church | Charitable purposes | $2,500 |
| Pine Mountain Music Festival | Charitable purposes | $2,500 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | General operating support | $1,000 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association | Charitable purposes | $1,000 |
| Arcs | Charitable purposes | $700 |
| Misericordia Home | Charitable purposes | $500 |
| Chicago History Museum | Charitable purposes | $310 |
Officers and trustees
- Ellen Bechthold
- Walter Dewey
- Kurt Bechthold
Questions people ask
Does Ellie's Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ellie's Foundation Inc give?
$550,806 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $2,750.
Who runs Ellie's Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Ellen Bechthold (President), Walter Dewey (Vice-President) and Kurt Bechthold (Secretary).
What does Ellie's Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, human services and youth programs.