The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation
The Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation is a private foundation based in North Kansas City, Missouri. Formed by Joe and Judy Roetheli and their sons, Steffan and Michael, it was organized under Missouri law in 2003. The foundation says its mission is to inspire and empower people to use their talents for the betterment of themselves and others.
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation at a glance
In short: The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation gave $148K across 17 grants in 2025 (avg $9K), top state Kansas. 41% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $148,403
- -30.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 17
- +21.4% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $8,730
- -43.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $10,692,953
- +3.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 41% first-time grantees (7 of 17, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Kansas (40% 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 Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1602 Jasper St, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 994-8460
Website: https://lilredfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Battle Within ($60K). Together the top 10 received $146K.
Grant Size Distribution
90 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 85 grants of 90 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in North Kansas City, Missouri. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Kansas (40%), Missouri (29%), Michigan (17%), Minnesota (7%), and Virginia (6%). The listed 2025 grants also included recipients in Indiana and Montana.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation open to new grantees?
41%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 17 grantees (41%) were first-time recipients. With only 17 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $13K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $750 repeat.
- 41% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 43% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 68% 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 $135K (2021) to $480K (2023). In 2025 it made 17 grants totaling $148K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Battle Within Olathe, KS | Veteran Support Services | $59,500 |
| Convoy of Hope Springfield, MO | Feed the Hungry | $30,000 |
| Hillsdale College Hillsdale, MI | Scholarship Fund | $25,000 |
| Northland Christian Education System Kansas City, MO | Capital Campaign | $10,000 |
| Saint Paul's Outreach Mendota Heights, MN | Catholic Missions | $10,000 |
| Students for Life of America Fredericksburg, VA | Pro-Life Advocacy | $6,468 |
| Live Action Arlington, VA | Young Leaders Summit | $2,000 |
| Children's Mercy Kansas City, MO | Children in Need | $1,010 |
| Catholicvote Education Fund Carmel, IN | Catholic Education | $1,000 |
| The Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville CO Grandview, MT | Performing Arts Theater | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Roetheli - LIL Red - 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 | $10,692,953 | $210,325 | $205,759 | $148,403 | 17 | $163,366 | $171,885 | $239,981 |
| 2024 | $10,307,691 | $321,005 | $273,947 | $214,635 | 14 | $233,534 | $284,380 | $232,208 |
| 2023 | $10,119,241 | $300,870 | $553,133 | $479,525 | 24 | $512,841 | $264,578 | $225,674 |
| 2022 | $9,986,908 | $314,315 | $319,982 | $260,860 | 25 | $282,093 | $276,999 | $411,711 |
| 2021 | $10,893,291 | $262,218 | $212,305 | $134,950 | 10 | $171,643 | $219,745 | $432,821 |
| 2020 | $10,461,842 | $334,796 | $465,444 | $396,195 | 11 | — | $121,464 | $405,945 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation reported a distributable amount of $240K 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
The foundation describes its mission as inspiring and empowering people to use their talents for the betterment of themselves and others. Its website describes work in Third World Housing and Education, Pet Therapy, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational Stories, and Extraordinary Actions. For example, it reports supporting housing and education projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as water projects in Africa.
The 2025 grants included support for organizations with varied missions. The Battle Within says it provides professional mental health services to veterans, first responders, and front-line medical personnel affected by trauma. Northland Christian Education System describes its work as providing a God-centered, discipleship-based school in partnership with Christian families and churches. Students for Life of America says it equips people to participate in its human-rights movement and provide resources to those facing an unplanned pregnancy; Live Action says it works through media and reporting to defend the rights of preborn children. Wayside Waifs describes its work as caring for pets and supporting the community.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 17 grants totaling $148,403. Awards ranged from $125 to $59,500, with a median grant of $1,000. Its largest grants were $59,500 to The Battle Within for veteran support services, $30,000 to Convoy of Hope to feed the hungry, and $25,000 to Hillsdale College for a scholarship fund. Other notable awards included $10,000 to Northland Christian Education System for a capital campaign and $10,000 to Saint Paul’s Outreach for Catholic missions.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Joseph C. Roetheli as president; Judy E. Roetheli as vice president, secretary, and treasurer; and Steffan Roetheli and Michael Roetheli as directors.
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation is led by Joseph C. Roetheli, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Joseph C. Roetheli
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Roetheli
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steffan Roetheli
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Judy E. Roetheli
Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/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 Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation
How much does The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation give each year?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation gave $148K across 17 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $215K across 14 grants.
What is The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's typical grant size?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $8,730, across 17 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation give grants?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's top state is Kansas, with 40% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Missouri (29%) and Michigan (17%). The most frequent recipient cities were Kansas City, MO (5 grants).
Does The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 6% of The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 17) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's largest grantees?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include The Battle Within ($59,500), Convoy of Hope ($30,000) and Hillsdale College ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 77% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation reported $10.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $163K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $240K (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 Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation fund?
The foundation describes its mission as inspiring and empowering people to use their talents for the betterment of themselves and others. Its website describes work in Third World Housing and Education, Pet Therapy, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational Stories, and Extraordinary Actions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's EIN?
The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-0274173. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Roetheli - LIL Red - 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
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 28, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Missouri
Greater Horizons
Kansas City, MO
Greater Horizons distributes donor-advised fund grants to eligible U.S. charities and institutions across a wide range of causes; international organizations may also be supported after additional due diligence. In 2024, its grants had a median of $15,000, though amounts varied widely. Grants are requested by fund holders, and no general application process for organizations seeking funding is described.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
3,282
Total Given
$212.2M
St Louis Community Foundation Inc
St. Louis, MO
The foundation supports nonprofits through its own community priorities and funds it administers for private and family foundations, including economic mobility, youth connections, and a range of other donor-directed causes. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,050 to $4 million, with a median of $20,000; community-impact funding focuses mainly on high-need ZIP codes in Missouri and Illinois, though grants also go elsewhere. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; applicants should check each funder’s criteria and deadlines.
Assets
$494.4M
Grants
839
Total Given
$63.9M
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations and community projects, with 2024 grants typically small (median $1,500) but ranging from $200 to $60,500. Most funding went to Missouri, followed by Kansas and Illinois, with smaller amounts elsewhere; it says applicants should contact the program director and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status, and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$35.0M
Grants
645
Total Given
$2.0M
Patterson Family Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The Patterson Family Foundation supported economic opportunity, education, and healthcare in rural communities, primarily in Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents. In 2021, it made 607 grants, with a median award of $6,300 and grants ranging from $144 to $2.5 million. Its 2021 filing says it funded only preselected organizations and did not accept unsolicited requests; no later filing is on record.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
607
Total Given
$22.3M
Midway USA Foundation Inc
Columbia, MO
The foundation funds youth shooting sports and related firearms-safety, hunting, and outdoor education programs in the United States, primarily through annual grants to eligible teams and organizations with an endowment of at least $2,000. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $11,000 (ranging from $5,002 to $404,253); team cash grants can be up to 5% of an eligible endowment balance.
Assets
$359.7M
Grants
497
Total Given
$10.1M
Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc
Springfield, MO
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks funds nonprofit and public-purpose projects in areas including education, health, economic development, the arts, and environmental sustainability, mainly in Springfield, central and southern Missouri, and Ozarks affiliate communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000 and ranged from $5,065 to $1 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$539.7M
Grants
477
Total Given
$21.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Missouri
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-roetheli-lil-red-foundation-morg_76bf62842dd24196a38901257739dc14
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_200274173_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-roetheli-lil-red-foundation-morg_76bf62842dd24196a38901257739dc14},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 Roetheli - LIL Red - 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 Roetheli - LIL Red - Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?