AWS Foundation Inc. is a public charity based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, operating under EIN 26-0142813. Founded in 2007 as an independent organization created by corporate changes in the business operations of AWS/Anthony Wayne Services (now named Benchmark Human Services), the Foundation exists as a separate not-for-profit entity dedicated to supporting the disability community.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$115.8M
+11.3% YoY
Revenue
$18.4M
+54.8% YoY
Net Investment Income
$5.2M
+88.0% YoY
Expenses
$10.8M
+15.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To help children and adults with enduring intellectual and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and function at their highest potential.
Vision: A community in which people with lifelong intellectual and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life.
Primary Funding Areas:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary grantmaking focuses on Indiana and Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $115,800,578
- Total Annual Giving: $7,801,584
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $115,800,578 | $104,031,712 | $96,607,154 |
| Revenue | $18,431,784 | $11,905,004 | $12,377,288 |
| Expenses | $10,800,281 | $9,337,080 | $10,133,829 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $5,249,768 | $2,792,711 | $4,162,024 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
100 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Aws Foundation Inc
Mighty Money Mini Grants
AWS FOUNDATION INC
Amount
Up to US $5,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Specialty Grants- Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant
AWS FOUNDATION INC
Amount
Up to US $25,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Traditional Grants
AWS FOUNDATION INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
CEO: Patti Hays
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDY BROOKS | TREASURER | 3 | — |
| JOE DOUST | SECRETARY | 3 | — |
| SUSAN TRENT | CHAIR | 3 | — |
| WHITNEY BANDEMER | VICE CHAIR | 3 | — |
| DOUG BURDICK | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DR KIM BARNETT JOHNSON | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DR MARK ZOLMAN | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DR PHIL DOWNS | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DR TASHA WILLIAMS | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DR TOMMY SMITH | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| LARRY ADELMAN | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| NANCY BOYER | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| PATRICIA HAYS | CEO | 40 | $213,702 |
| TODD JACOBS | CFO | 35 | $115,836 |
| JOAN SCHMALZRIED | CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $109,649 |
| VICKIE JOHNSON | VP - FINDER | 40 | $107,997 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The organization announced a significant rebrand in January 2026, transitioning from AWS Foundation to WindSwell Foundation after nearly 20 years of operation under the original name. CEO Patti Hays announced the rebrand during a special announcement attended by board members, staff, and community leaders, noting that the new name better captures the scope of the organization's work.
AWS Foundation Announces $1,065,665 in Grants | AWS Foundation UpdatesSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aws Foundation Inc fund?
**Mission:** To help children and adults with enduring intellectual and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community, and function at their highest potential. **Vision:** A community in which people with lifelong intellectual and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life. **Primary Funding Areas:** • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services
How do I apply for a grant from Aws Foundation Inc?
**Grant Portfolio:** • Total annual giving: $7,801,584 • Typical award range: $5,000–$2,000,000 • Four active grant opportunities **Active Grant Programs:** • Traditional Grants • Mighty Money Mini Grants • Specialty Grants - Gilmore Inclusive Arts Grant • WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship - Additional Licensing
Where does Aws Foundation Inc make grants?
Primary grantmaking focuses on Indiana and Illinois.
What is Aws Foundation Inc's EIN?
Aws Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-0142813. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Aws Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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