Leon Wells Trust
LEON WELLS TRUST is a private foundation based in Muncie, Indiana. Its 2026 filing lists scholarships for individual students attending colleges and universities, with all reported grant dollars going to recipients in Michigan.
Key facts about Leon Wells Trust
In short: Leon Wells Trust gave $14K across 13 grants in 2026 (avg $1K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 38-6146348
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026
- Annual giving (2026)
- $14,000
- Grants made (2026)
- 13
- Average grant
- $1,077
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $254,915
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The 2025 filing lists First Merchants Bank as the contact and refers applicants to an attachment for forms and materials and award restrictions. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2026 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$255K
+0.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$14K
+27.3% YoY
Grant Count
13
-31.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1K
+86.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leon Wells Trust reported a distributable amount of $12K for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Leon Wells Trust gives
- Giving fell 24% from 2023 to 2026. Method
- In 2026 it paid out 131% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2026, the foundation reported 13 grants totaling $14,000. Grants ranged from $500 to $1,750, with a median of $1,000. Listed awards included $1,750 each to Jadyn Sprau for a scholarship to the University of Toledo, Carleigh Abbott for a scholarship to the University of Michigan, Colton Ghesquiere for a scholarship to Kettering University, and Brianna Cousino for a scholarship to Michigan State University.
Ready to take the next step with Leon Wells Trust?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for filing year 2026 went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $10K (2021) to $19K (2023). In 2026 it made 13 grants totaling $14K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was Jadyn Sprau ($2K). Together the top 10 received $13K.
Grant Size Distribution
93 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 93 grants of 93 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jadyn Sprau Dundee, MI | Scholarship University of Toledo | $1,750 |
| Carleigh Abbott Dundee, MI | Scholarship University of Michigan | $1,750 |
| Colton Ghesquiere Dundee, MI | Scholarship Kettering University | $1,750 |
| Brianna Cousino Maybee, MI | Scholarship Michigan State University | $1,750 |
| Jackson Iott Petersburg, MI | Scholarship Owens Community College | $1,000 |
| Zoe Stanger Dundee, MI | Scholarship University of Findlay | $1,000 |
| Giana Stout Petersburg, MI | Scholarship Michigan State University | $1,000 |
| Sarah Prati Petersburg, MI | Scholarship Lourdes University | $1,000 |
| Mia Miller Petersburg, MI | Scholarship University of Toledo | $1,000 |
| Ava Fisher Petersburg, MI | Scholarship Monroe County Community College | $500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $254,915 | $20,100 | $19,144 | $14,000 (13 grants) |
| 2025 | $253,959 | $18,510 | $16,238 | $11,000 (19 grants) |
| 2024 | $251,687 | $6,182 | $16,353 | $11,600 (18 grants) |
| Metric | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $254,915 | $253,959 | $251,687 |
| Revenue | $20,100 | $18,510 | $6,182 |
| Expenses | $19,144 | $16,238 | $16,353 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $16,043 | $13,576 | $13,892 |
| Net Investment Income | $17,369 | $15,848 | $6,219 |
| Distributable Amount | $12,290 | $16,369 | $15,448 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 6, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS September 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 24, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 16, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2026 filing lists First Merchants Bank as trustee.
Leon Wells Trust's only listed officer is First Merchants Bank, Trustee on every filing since 2020 (compensated).
Officers on the 2026 filing
First Merchants Bank
Trustee
On filings since 2020
$3K (2020) → $4K (2026)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2026 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $4K, to First Merchants Bank (Trustee).
Contact
Application contact: First Merchants Bank
Mailing address: 10 Washington St, Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 242-2734
Frequently asked questions about Leon Wells Trust
How much does Leon Wells Trust give each year?
Leon Wells Trust gave $14K across 13 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $11K across 19 grants.
What is Leon Wells Trust's typical grant size?
Leon Wells Trust's median grant in 2026 was $1,000, and its average grant was $1,077, across 13 grants on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Leon Wells Trust give grants?
Leon Wells Trust gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Petersburg, MI (8 grants) and Dundee, MI (4 grants).
Does Leon Wells Trust give general operating support?
Not in 2026: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Leon Wells Trust's 2026 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship University of Toledo" (3 grants) and "Scholarship Michigan State University" (3 grants).
Who are Leon Wells Trust's largest grantees?
Leon Wells Trust's largest 2026 grantees include Jadyn Sprau ($1,750), Carleigh Abbott ($1,750) and Colton Ghesquiere ($1,750), according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 38% of its itemized 2026 grant dollars.
How large is Leon Wells Trust?
Leon Wells Trust reported $255K in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $16K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $12K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
How do I apply for a grant from Leon Wells Trust?
The 2025 filing lists First Merchants Bank as the contact and refers applicants to an attachment for forms and materials and award restrictions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Leon Wells Trust's EIN?
Leon Wells Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-6146348. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2026.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Leon Wells Trust by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Leon Wells Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Lilly Endowment Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Lilly Endowment funds community development, education and youth, and religion, with a national reach—especially in religion—and a particular commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$105.9B
Grants
2,285
Total Given
$3.9B
Central Indiana Community Foundation Inc
Indianapolis, IN
CICF supports a range of charitable work through its funds and partner entities, including youth programs, housing, social services, environmental equity, and services for older adults, primarily in Central Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. CICF does not award grants directly; most competitive opportunities use its grants portal, while the Hamilton County Multi-Year Partner Grant is invitation-only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$583.5M
Grants
525
Total Given
$31.1M
United Way of Central Indiana Inc
Indianapolis, IN
United Way of Central Indiana funds basic needs, family opportunity, economic mobility, early learning, housing, and human-services-sector support, primarily in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties. Its 2025 grants had a median of $16,238, while current Basic Needs and Family Opportunity awards range from $8,500 to $150,000; those funds accept applications from nonprofits outside its accredited partner network, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$255.2M
Grants
370
Total Given
$29.9M
Lumina Foundation for Education Inc
Indianapolis, IN
Lumina Foundation funds research, policy, technical assistance, and initiatives that expand equitable access to education and credentials beyond high school, with a national focus. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $2.51 million, with a median of $12,500. It says it does not accept unsolicited requests; funding is primarily proactive, with occasional open calls for proposals.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
357
Total Given
$30.0M
Round Room Gives Inc
Fishers, IN
Round Room Gives supports community organizations and local charitable activities, including education, family services, health, and animal welfare, with grants across about 40 states. In 2024, grants ranged from $250 to $140,000, with a median of $3,452. It accepts applications through an online form on an ongoing basis; applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a TCC employee sponsor.
Assets
$1.4M
Grants
357
Total Given
$1.8M
University of Notre Dame du Lac
Notre Dame, IN
The University of Notre Dame supports Catholic education, student life, academics, athletics, research, and nonprofit and institutional projects; its 2025 grants had a median of $30,480, though amounts varied widely. Giving is concentrated in Florida and Indiana, with support also going to organizations elsewhere in the U.S.; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$29.6B
Grants
462
Total Given
$84.8M
Indianapolis Center for Congregations Inc
Indianapolis, IN
The Center funds Indiana congregations’ focused projects, including resource needs such as consulting, planning, software, and education, as well as eligible equity-related work. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000 (ranging from $5,077 to $100,000); Resource Grants are matching grants of up to $25,000. Applicants are directed to contact a resource consultant, but whether unsolicited requests are accepted is not stated.
Assets
$62.6M
Grants
336
Total Given
$7.6M
Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
Indianapolis, IN
The Trust funds nonprofits serving people in need, animal welfare, conservation and environmental awareness, and community enrichment, primarily in Marion County, Indiana, and Maricopa County, Arizona; environmental grants may support work across Indiana and Arizona. Most grants are under $250,000, with a median of $35,000; listed maximums are $250,000 for non-environmental requests and $10,000 for environmental requests. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$441.1M
Grants
328
Total Given
$22.7M
Community Foundation
Elkhart, IN
The Community Foundation of Elkhart County funds local work in career pathways, kids and families, and placemaking, along with other community priorities, primarily in Elkhart County, Indiana. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $2.7 million, with a median of $25,000; Community Investment requests are accepted year-round for amounts under $25,000, and applicants are asked to contact a program officer first.
Assets
$501.7M
Grants
301
Total Given
$35.3M
Nicholas H Noyes Jr Memorial
Carmel, IN
The foundation funds charitable organizations and educational institutions in arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic and community service, religion, and environmental initiatives, primarily in greater Indianapolis and central Indiana, including Indiana colleges and universities. In 2025, grants ranged from $2,500 to $300,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a letter of intent during designated application windows; full proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$157.9M
Grants
305
Total Given
$6.4M
Welborn Baptist Foundation Inc
Evansville, IN
Welborn Baptist Foundation supports early education, healthy communities, Christ-centered communities, and nonprofit capacity building in parts of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Indiana. Its 2024 grants ranged from $12 to $166,817, with a median of $4,760. The Christ-Centered Living cycle is invitation-only; the profile does not state whether other programs accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$96.4M
Grants
274
Total Given
$4.0M
National Collegiate Athletic Association
Indianapolis, IN
The NCAA funds college sports, including member conferences and schools, championships, student-athlete programs, coaching and athletics administration, and academic initiatives. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $61.9 million, with a median of $16,228; recipients were across the United States, with the largest reported shares in Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and Alabama. The profile does not state whether the NCAA accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
591
Total Given
$627.8M
More Funders in Indiana
Leon Wells Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?