The W O'Neil Foundation
The W O'Neil Foundation is a private foundation based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It primarily supports faith-motivated programs that provide basic necessities to people experiencing poverty, with particular interest in emergency relief.
The W O'Neil Foundation at a glance
In short: The W O'Neil Foundation gave $2.5M across 70 grants in 2025 (avg $36K), top state Maryland. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,491,250
- +35.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 70
- +25.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $35,589
- +8.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $38,657,869
- +1.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (30 of 70, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (45% 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 W O'Neil Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Send a letter of inquiry outlining the project, amount requested, and evidence of 501(c)(3) status; an application form is not required.
- Contact
Application contact: Helene O'Neil Shere President The W
Mailing address: PO Box 15888, Chevy Chase, MD 20825-5888
Phone: (301) 656-5848
Email: woneilfoundation@wonf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The W O'Neil Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Catholic Relief Services ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
308 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 267 grants of 308 (87%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2025 grant dollars were distributed among recipients in multiple states: Maryland received 45%, the District of Columbia 23%, New York 10%, Virginia 6%, and Massachusetts 4%. The foundation also states that it makes international assistance grants only to U.S.-based charities.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 70 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The W O'Neil Foundation open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 30 of 70 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $20K; repeat grants $47K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 49% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−18%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 138% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.8M (2019) to $3.1M (2021). In 2025 it made 70 grants totaling $2.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Relief Services Baltimore, MD | Program Support | $1,000,000 |
| Catholic Charities USA Alexandria, VA | Program Support | $100,000 |
| Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Washington Inc Washington, DC | Program Support | $65,000 |
| Catholic Charities Community Services Archdiocese of New York New York, NY | Program Support | $60,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Inc Washington, DC | Program Support | $50,000 |
| Association of Volunteers in International Service USA Inc Silver Spring, MD | Program Support | $45,000 |
| Friendship Place Washington, DC | Program Support | $45,000 |
| Washington School for Girls Washington, DC | Program Support | $45,000 |
| Haitian Health Foundation Inc Norwich, CT | Program Support | $40,000 |
| Jesuit Refugee Service USA Washington, DC | Program Support | $40,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The W O'Neil 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 | $38,657,869 | $3,727,000 | $3,064,393 | $2,491,250 | 70 | $2,887,817 | $3,574,125 | $2,091,973 |
| 2024 | $37,995,262 | $2,422,436 | $2,378,030 | $1,837,750 | 56 | $2,202,498 | $2,270,599 | $2,011,831 |
| 2023 | $37,950,856 | $1,645,390 | $3,013,806 | $2,501,428 | 62 | $2,829,116 | $1,427,608 | $1,885,720 |
| 2022 | $39,321,972 | $1,294,961 | $3,518,809 | $3,039,300 | 64 | $3,250,975 | $1,133,258 | $1,987,875 |
| 2021 | $41,543,120 | $4,963,143 | $3,328,825 | $3,061,750 | 56 | $3,177,465 | $4,843,287 | $2,337,716 |
| 2020 | $39,908,802 | $2,194,042 | $3,321,430 | $3,006,293 | 66 | — | $2,065,735 | $2,029,801 |
| 2019 | $41,036,190 | $1,806,559 | $2,180,771 | $1,796,750 | 34 | — | $1,687,614 | $2,031,548 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The W O'Neil Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.1M 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 states that it is primarily interested in programs providing food, clothing, shelter, basic medical care, and basic education to people experiencing poverty worldwide, particularly those needing emergency relief. International assistance grants are made only to U.S.-based charities.
Its 2025 grantees illustrate a range of activities. World Central Kitchen describes its work as providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Friendship Place says it works to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness attain stable housing. Washington School for Girls describes its mission as educating girls in underserved areas and supporting their learning, families, and development. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 70 grants totaling $2,491,250. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $1,000,000, with a median of $20,000.
The largest reported award was $1,000,000 to Catholic Relief Services for program support. Other notable awards included $100,000 to Catholic Charities USA, $65,000 to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Washington Inc., $60,000 to Catholic Charities Community Services Archdiocese of New York, and $50,000 to World Central Kitchen Inc.; each was listed for program support.
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It says an application form is not required: an initial approach should be a letter of inquiry outlining the project, amount requested, and evidence of 501(c)(3) status. If the project coincides with the foundation’s interests, it will request a proposal. It does not make loans or grants to individuals, or grants for endowments, capital campaigns, church and school renovations, research, special events, conferences, or seminars.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Helene O'Neil Shere as chair, president, and trustee; Jane O'Neil Wieder as vice president, treasurer, and trustee; Molly Herrera as vice president and senior program officer; Ann O'Neil Gradowski as vice chair, assistant secretary, and trustee; Mary Regan as secretary and trustee; and John O'Neil and Jane Regan as trustees.
The W O'Neil Foundation is led by Helene O'Neil Shere, Chair, President & Trustee on every filing since 2019; 2 of 7 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Helene O'Neil Shere
Chair, President & Trustee
On filings since 2019
38 hrs/week
$108K (2019) → $205K (2025)
Ann O'Neil Gradowski
Vice Chair, Assistant Secretary & Trustee
Vice Chair, Secretary & Trustee → Vice Chair, Assistant Secretary & Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jane O'Neil Wieder
Vice President, Treasurer & Trustee
On filings since 2019
7 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jane Regan
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John O'Neil
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Regan
Secretary & Trustee
Assistant Secretary & Trustee → Secretary & Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Molly Herrera
Vice President & Senior Program Officer
On filings since 2023
38 hrs/week
$90K (2023) → $99K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Ann Regan (2019–2023) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $205K, to Helene O'Neil Shere (Chair, President, Trustee). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The W O'Neil Foundation
How much does The W O'Neil Foundation give each year?
The W O'Neil Foundation gave $2.5M across 70 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.8M across 56 grants.
What is The W O'Neil Foundation's typical grant size?
The W O'Neil Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $35,589, across 70 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The W O'Neil Foundation that year got $20K on average.
Where does The W O'Neil Foundation give grants?
The W O'Neil Foundation's top state is Maryland, with 45% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were District of Columbia (23%) and New York (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (24 grants), New York, NY (8 grants), Boston, MA (4 grants) and Alexandria, VA (2 grants).
Does The W O'Neil Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 70 grants with a stated purpose on The W O'Neil Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (67 grants).
Who are The W O'Neil Foundation's largest grantees?
The W O'Neil Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Catholic Relief Services ($1,000,000), Catholic Charities USA ($100,000) and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese Washington Inc ($65,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 47% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The W O'Neil Foundation?
The W O'Neil Foundation reported $38.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The W O'Neil Foundation fund?
The foundation states that it is primarily interested in programs providing food, clothing, shelter, basic medical care, and basic education to people experiencing poverty worldwide, particularly those needing emergency relief. International assistance grants are made only to U.S.-based charities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The W O'Neil Foundation?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The W O'Neil Foundation's EIN?
The W O'Neil Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 34-6516969. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The W O'Neil Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, 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
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 30, 2026)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 30, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 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 April 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 28, 2025)
Other open foundation grants in Maryland
Maryland Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The W O'Neil Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Maryland
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
The Keith Campbell Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Keith Campbell Foundation funds nonprofits working for equitable, livable communities, especially on watershed health, clean water, agriculture, and related community needs, with a focus on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and California’s San Francisco Bay watershed. Giving varies widely: 2024 grants ranged from $40 to $1.5 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts unsolicited requests, with two application cycles per year.
Assets
$420.2M
Grants
688
Total Given
$27.9M
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds cystic fibrosis research, drug development, specialized care, and related training and clinical programs. In 2024, its grants had a median of about $150,000, with awards ranging from $2,800 to nearly $12.9 million; it supports work nationwide. Applications are submitted through specific funding opportunities, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$5.0B
Grants
624
Total Given
$189.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The W O'Neil Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-w-o-neil-foundation-morg_f06fdea7d1f444cea3af331562eee7a6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_346516969_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The W O'Neil Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-w-o-neil-foundation-morg_f06fdea7d1f444cea3af331562eee7a6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 W O'Neil 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 W O'Neil Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?