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.
Key facts about Aws Foundation Inc
- EIN
- 26-0142813
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Total assets
- $130,089,098
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Is Aws Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2021
In 2021, 21 of 66 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $41K; repeat grants $67K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $37K repeat.
- 61% of 2021 grantees were also funded in 2020. Method
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2019–2021). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Aws Foundation Inc
- How to evaluate Aws Foundation Inc as a funder
Our grant prospecting guide: read the 990-PF, check fit, and decide whether to apply.
- Draft an LOI to Aws Foundation Inc with AI
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- Track this opportunity in a free grant tracker
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Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$130.1M
+12.3% YoY
Revenue
$17.5M
-4.9% YoY
Net Investment Income
$4.0M
-22.9% YoY
Expenses
$9.8M
-9.3% 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
Ready to take the next step with Aws Foundation Inc?
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 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $130,089,098 | $115,800,578 | $104,031,712 |
| Revenue | $17,533,778 | $18,431,784 | $11,905,004 |
| Expenses | $9,794,968 | $10,800,281 | $9,337,080 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $4,049,607 | $5,249,768 | $2,792,711 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 15, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS January 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 3, 2022)
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
67 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 2025.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
CEO: Patti Hays
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Burdick | Treasurer | 2 | — |
| Joe Doust | Secretary | 3 | — |
| Whitney Bandemer | Chair | 3 | — |
| Cassie Beer | Director | 2 | — |
| Dr Kim Barnett Johnson | Director | 2 | — |
| Dr Mark Zolman | Director | 2 | — |
| Dr Phil Downs | Director | 2 | — |
| Dr Tasha Williams | Vice Chair | 2 | — |
| Dr Tommy Smith | Director | 2 | — |
| Larry Adelman | Director | 2 | — |
| Monte Lightner | Director | 2 | — |
| Nancy Boyer | Director | 2 | — |
| Susan Trent | Director | 3 | — |
| Patricia Hays | CEO | 40 | $214,085 |
| Todd Jacobs | CFO | 35 | $123,439 |
| Joan Schmalzried | Chief Program Officer | 40 | $111,722 |
| Vickie Johnson | VP - Finder | 40 | $110,882 |
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 2019–2025.
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 September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.