The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation is a private foundation based in Stanton, Nebraska. In filing year 2025, it reported 12 grants totaling $55,280 to charitable organizations.
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation at a glance
In short: The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation gave $55K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $5K), mostly in Nebraska. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $55,280
- -56.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +140.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $4,607
- -81.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $3,140
- Total assets
- $1,280,480
- +34.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (6 of 12, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (84% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 745, Stanton, NE 68779
Phone: (402) 487-2517
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was American Legion McLeod Post No 47 ($15K). Together the top 10 received $55K.
Grant Size Distribution
36 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 35 grants of 36 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 grants went to organizations in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Colorado. Nebraska recipients received 84% of grant dollars, Tennessee recipients 9%, and Colorado recipients 7%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 12 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $4K; repeat grants $6K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 33% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 27% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 51% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $22K (2020) to $126K (2024). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $55K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Legion McLeod Post No 47 Schuyler, NE | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Our Savior Lutheran Church Norfolk, NE | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Norfolk Family YMCA Norfolk, NE | General Operations | $10,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis, TN | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Briggs & Barrett Project Battle Creek, NE | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Children's Hopechest Palmer Lake, CO | General Operations | $3,780 |
| Food Bank for the Heartland Omaha, NE | General Operations | $2,500 |
| RCS Triumph Inc Lincoln, NE | General Operations | $2,500 |
| Special Olympics Nebraska Omaha, NE | General Operations | $500 |
| Nauw (Norfolk Area United Way) Norfolk, NE | General Operations | $500 |
Ready to take the next step with The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,280,480 | $1,072,257 | $65,953 | $55,280 | 12 | $56,542 | $52,870 | $109,912 |
| 2024 | $950,585 | $78,840 | $140,763 | $125,500 | 5 | $126,680 | $67,153 | $97,599 |
| 2023 | $1,013,103 | $28,715 | $97,541 | $83,200 | 8 | $84,213 | $23,240 | $87,188 |
| 2022 | $1,080,992 | $313,888 | $54,271 | $43,450 | 6 | $44,370 | $302,802 | $82,326 |
| 2021 | $822,099 | $490,083 | $33,833 | $30,000 | 5 | $30,835 | $47,098 | $44,608 |
| 2020 | $366,071 | $62,136 | $24,378 | $22,000 | 6 | — | $4,489 | $30,504 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation reported a distributable amount of $110K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations with varied missions. For example, the Briggs & Barrett Project describes its mission as spreading Sudden Infant Death Syndrome awareness through education and support, while Food Bank for the Heartland says it works to eliminate hunger by ensuring access to healthy foods. Special Olympics Nebraska describes providing sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation made 12 grants totaling $55,280. Grants ranged from $200 to $15,000, with a median grant of $3,140.
The largest grants included $15,000 to American Legion McLeod Post No. 47, and $10,000 each to Our Savior Lutheran Church and Norfolk Family YMCA. Other grants included $5,000 each to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Briggs & Barrett Project, and $3,780 to Children’s HopeChest. The filing lists the grants as being for general operations.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation is led by Michael J. Wilke, Director, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Michael J. Wilke
Director, President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brett M. Wilke
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jessica A. Gall
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lois J. Wilke
Director, Vice President & Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation
How much does The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation give each year?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation gave $55K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $126K across 5 grants.
What is The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's typical grant size?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $3,140, and its average grant was $4,607, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation that year got $4K on average.
Where does The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation give grants?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation gives mostly in Nebraska: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Tennessee (9%) and Colorado (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Norfolk, NE (3 grants), Omaha, NE (2 grants) and Stanton, NE (2 grants).
Does The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (12 of 12) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's largest grantees?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include American Legion McLeod Post No 47 ($15,000), Our Savior Lutheran Church ($10,000) and Norfolk Family YMCA ($10,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation reported $1.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $57K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $110K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations with varied missions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's EIN?
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-3736888. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
Live grants for the work The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Nebraska
Lincoln Community Foundation Inc
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Community Foundation funds nonprofit operations, programs, and capital projects in arts and culture, community improvement, education and youth, the environment and animals, and health and human services. Its 2024 grants had a median of $23,420, with awards ranging from $5,027 to $1,585,362; Open Door Grants serve organizations in or providing services in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska. It accepts Open Door Grant applications year-round and reviews them monthly.
Assets
$250.9M
Grants
379
Total Given
$21.9M
Michael E and Jacquelyn Hanson Family Fdn
Naples, FL
The Michael E. and Jacquelyn Hanson Family Foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including those serving people experiencing homelessness, children, and low-income residents. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $50,806, with a median of $2,000; most funding went to Florida and Indiana. It says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations and invites applicants to contact the foundation; grants must go to a 501(c)(3), with no specific form or deadline stated.
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
35
Total Given
$178K
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
The Sherwood Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Sherwood Foundation funds equity and social-justice work in Nebraska, with a focus on urban and rural community partnerships and early childhood education; it supports operating, program, and capital needs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $90,000, though awards varied widely. It does not accept unsolicited requests and uses an invitation-only application process.
Assets
$977.8M
Grants
790
Total Given
$296.3M
The Lozier Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Lozier Foundation funds education, women and girls, North Omaha initiatives, and human services, with a focus on underrepresented communities in the Omaha metro area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $450 to $2 million, with a median of about $38,000; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and contributes to preselected organizations.
Assets
$437.1M
Grants
450
Total Given
$49.2M
Union Pacific Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Union Pacific Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Union Pacific communities, prioritizing direct services and organizational capacity in safety, workforce development, community and public spaces, and local needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $600,000, with a median of $10,000; it accepts online applications during designated periods.
Assets
$75K
Grants
441
Total Given
$8.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Nebraska
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-michael-and-lois-wilke-foundation-morg_24259e5db3f34e9f87a0a586ffacb36f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_823736888_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Michael \& Lois Wilke Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-michael-and-lois-wilke-foundation-morg_24259e5db3f34e9f87a0a586ffacb36f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-25. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Michael & Lois Wilke Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?