George & Margaret McLane Foundation
The George & Margaret McLane Foundation is a private foundation based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Established in 2011 by the estate of Wilhelmina McLane in accordance with her wishes, it supports organizations working to build community and improve people’s lives.
Key facts about George & Margaret McLane Foundation
In short: George & Margaret McLane Foundation gave $1.6M across 38 grants in 2024 (avg $41K), mostly in Ohio. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 20-7373591
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,555,750
- Grants made (2024)
- 38
- Average grant
- $40,941
- Median grant
- $30,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (10 of 38, 2024)
- Total assets
- $5,060,965
- Primary geography
- Ohio (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.1M
-16.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
+48.0% YoY
Grant Count
38
-15.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$41K
+75.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, George & Margaret McLane Foundation reported a distributable amount of $845K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is George & Margaret McLane Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 38 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $48K; repeat grants $38K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 63% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 158% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 184% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to build community and improve people’s lives by supporting organizations that prepare children for school and college, enrich lives through creative arts and humanities, protect and advance the lives of people in vulnerable populations, and promote animal welfare, including no-kill shelters, spay/neuter programs, and cruelty prevention.
Its 2024 grants illustrate support for a range of organizations. For example, Optim-All Services describes its mission as meeting the needs of students in Catholic and nonpublic schools. The Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society says it works to preserve and restore Memorial Hall as a place for public gatherings and performances. The Mercantile Library describes itself as a literary library that advances interest in the written word, while the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra says its mission is to seek and share inspiration. The Art Academy of Cincinnati describes its mission as operating and overseeing an independent college of art and design.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 38 grants totaling $1,555,750. Grants ranged from $1,500 to $250,000, with a median award of $30,000. Among the largest were $250,000 to Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio for health and social services; $200,000 to Franklin City Schools; $150,000 to Optim-All Services for private school support; and $85,000 to Film Cincinnati for promoting and cultivating film. Other notable awards included $71,700 to the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, $60,000 to Starfire, and $54,000 to the Mercantile Library.
Review Cycle
, and award restrictions are listed as N/A.
Ready to take the next step with George & Margaret McLane Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio and 4% to recipients in Kentucky.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 38 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $604K (2021) to $1.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 38 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Catholic Charities SW Ohio ($250K). Together the top 10 received $996K.
Grant Size Distribution
174 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 154 grants of 174 (89%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities SW Ohio Cincinnati, OH | Health and Social Services | $250,000 |
| Franklin City Schools Franklin, OH | City Schools | $200,000 |
| Optimall Services Cincinnati, OH | Private School Support | $150,000 |
| Film Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | Promoting and Cultivating Film | $85,000 |
| Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society Cincinnati, OH | Community Art Center | $71,700 |
| Starfire Cincinnati, OH | Training for Mentally Challenged | $60,000 |
| The Mercantile Library Cincinnati, OH | Library | $54,000 |
| Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Cincinnati, OH | Music and Arts | $45,000 |
| Art Academy of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | Art Education | $40,000 |
| Cet Public Television Cincinnati, OH | Education & Arts | $40,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5,060,965 | $792,141 | $1,803,092 | $1,555,750 |
| 2023 | $6,071,916 | $959,220 | $1,263,556 | $1,051,450 |
| 2022 | $6,376,252 | $412,694 | $850,042 | $658,075 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,060,965 | $6,071,916 | $6,376,252 |
| Revenue | $792,141 | $959,220 | $412,694 |
| Expenses | $1,803,092 | $1,263,556 | $850,042 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,555,750 | $1,051,450 | $658,075 |
| Net Investment Income | $703,395 | $388,336 | $330,045 |
| Distributable Amount | $845,480 | $733,451 | $778,836 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation’s website identifies James L. Wellinghoff as trustee, Christopher M. Wheeler as executive director, and Marilyn J. Wellinghoff as advisory board vice president. The 2024 filing lists Christopher Wheeler as executive director, Kristen Wheeler as trustee, James L. Wellinghoff and Mary Gruber Englert as members, Marilyn Wellinghoff as vice president, and Abigail Korrell as a member.
George & Margaret McLane Foundation's 2024 filing lists 6 officers; 1 of 6 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kristen Wheeler
Trustee
On filings since 2021
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Wheeler
Executive Di
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$60K (2020) → $84K (2024)
James L. Wellinghoff
Member
President → Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
$24K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Abigail Korrell
Member
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marilyn Wellinghoff
Vice President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Gruber Englert
Member
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Albert Pyle (2020–2021) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $84K, to Christopher Wheeler (Executive Di).
Contact
Application contact: Christopher Wheeler
Mailing address: 1106 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 479-7999
Email: gmmclanefd@gmail.com
Website: https://mclanefoundation.org
Frequently asked questions about George & Margaret McLane Foundation
How much does George & Margaret McLane Foundation give each year?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation gave $1.6M across 38 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.1M across 45 grants.
What is George & Margaret McLane Foundation's typical grant size?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $30,000, and its average grant was $40,941, across 38 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from George & Margaret McLane Foundation that year got $48K on average.
Where does George & Margaret McLane Foundation give grants?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Cincinnati, OH (31 grants) and Covington, KY (2 grants).
Does George & Margaret McLane Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 38 grants with a stated purpose on George & Margaret McLane Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Support" (3 grants).
Who are George & Margaret McLane Foundation's largest grantees?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Catholic Charities SW Ohio ($250,000), Franklin City Schools ($200,000) and Optimall Services ($150,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is George & Margaret McLane Foundation?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation reported $5.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $845K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does George & Margaret McLane Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to build community and improve people’s lives by supporting organizations that prepare children for school and college, enrich lives through creative arts and humanities, protect and advance the lives of people in vulnerable populations, and promote animal welfare, including no-kill shelters, spay/neuter programs, and cruelty prevention. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from George & Margaret McLane Foundation?
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is George & Margaret McLane Foundation's EIN?
George & Margaret McLane Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-7373591. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching George & Margaret McLane Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in George & Margaret McLane Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation supports education, affordable housing, arts and culture, community well-being, neighborhood development, and basic needs, with responsive grants focused on its eight-county Greater Cincinnati service area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $20,000, while specific opportunities range from small awards to grants of up to $450,000. It offers open RFP and LOI opportunities; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests outside those opportunities.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,408
Total Given
$184.4M
Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation funds arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, and human services in a 10-county Greater Cincinnati area spanning Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $25,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a rolling inquiry process.
Assets
$283.2M
Grants
167
Total Given
$11.8M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation CO
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation supports nonprofits in areas including education, arts and culture, animal welfare, social services, and outdoor experiences for teens, primarily in Greater Cincinnati. Its 2022 grants ranged from $1,000 to $40,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests by letter, with no deadline stated.
Assets
$11.7M
Grants
126
Total Given
$1.0M
John a Schroth Family Char Tr
Pittsburgh, PA
The trust supports organizations addressing homelessness, community services, health, poverty, food access, and wildlife and nature conservation, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Ohio and the rest to Kentucky. Its 2024 grants ranged from $3,000 to $100,000, with a median of $25,000. The filing does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$41.7M
Grants
58
Total Given
$2.0M
Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts
Cincinnati, OH
ArtsWave funds arts and cultural organizations, artists, and projects, including general operating support and community engagement or creative placemaking, in the Cincinnati region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,000 to $2,353,312, with a median of $19,000. Sustaining Impact Grants are by invitation; the profile does not state whether other requests are unsolicited.
Assets
$145.6M
Grants
91
Total Given
$9.7M
Robert H & Susan F Castellini Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations, including healthcare, arts, education, and civic causes, with awards intended mainly for the Greater Cincinnati area; it prefers not to fund religious or political purposes. In 2025, grants ranged from $100 to $200,000, with a median of $2,500. It accepts requests by letter, with no deadline, and the filing says its giving is not limited to preselected organizations.
Assets
$5.3M
Grants
131
Total Given
$1.9M
The Thomas J Emery Memorial
Cincinnati, OH
The Thomas J. Emery Memorial funds capital and program needs that improve Greater Cincinnati residents’ social, cultural, educational, civic, and physical conditions, typically awarding $1,500–$175,000, with a 2024 median of $15,000. It usually supports organizations in designated counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, and accepts letters of inquiry from 501(c)(3) organizations.
Assets
$33.9M
Grants
67
Total Given
$1.6M
Columbus Foundation
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Foundation supports nonprofits and community initiatives in areas including arts and culture, education, youth, neighborhoods, basic needs, and capacity building, with a median 2024 grant of about $21,500. Its focus is Central Ohio, though it also funds organizations elsewhere; most grants are donor-directed and not application-based, but some programs accept applications.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
1,747
Total Given
$242.7M
The Cleveland Foundation
Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Foundation funds nonprofits working on community needs and long-term priorities, including education, health, arts and culture, economic development, neighborhoods, and human services in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $30,700, though amounts varied widely. Its general application is open year-round, so it accepts unsolicited requests through that process.
Assets
$3.3B
Grants
1,016
Total Given
$184.2M
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Scripps Howard Foundation supports journalism education and related programs, including fellowships and investigative and open-source reporting, with 2024 grants concentrated in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Arizona, Ohio, and Colorado. Its median 2024 grant was $1,250, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$69.4M
Grants
819
Total Given
$7.4M
Nisource Charitable Foundation
Columbus, OH
The NiSource Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits addressing safety, workforce and economic development, environmental stewardship, STEM and energy education, and basic needs in communities across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Its 2024 grants ranged from $60 to $2.1 million, with a median of $3,000. The filing directs applicants to contact the Foundation for application materials and deadlines; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$43.0M
Grants
683
Total Given
$7.5M
More Funders in Ohio
George & Margaret McLane Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?