The Wilbur C and Betty Lea
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea is a private foundation based in Media, Pennsylvania. Its 2025 filing states that it funds research, education, and training in real estate and nursing, and provides funding to community, civic, educational, environmental, religious, and veterans organizations in Pennsylvania.
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea at a glance
In short: The Wilbur C and Betty Lea gave $1.1M across 18 grants in 2025 (avg $60K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 20% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,072,333
- +14.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 18
- +5.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $59,574
- +7.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $22,500
- Total assets
- $1,570,294
- -22.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (3 of 15, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (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 Wilbur C and Betty Lea
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 327 W Front Street, Media, PA 19063-2340
Phone: (610) 308-1032
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Wilbur C and Betty Lea funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Drexel University ($333K). Together the top 10 received $1.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 44 grants of 75 (59%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that it provides funding to organizations in Pennsylvania. In 2025, 84% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania; other recipient states listed were Tennessee (9%), Florida (3%), and North Carolina (2%), with 1% going to the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Wilbur C and Betty Lea open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 15 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $19K; repeat grants $85K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $33K repeat.
- 80% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 51% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above 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 $652K (2021) to $1.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 18 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University Philadelphia, PA | Educational Support | $333,333 |
| Penn State University - Brandywine Media, PA | Educational Support | $250,000 |
| Muscular Dystrophy Association Broomall, PA | Summer Camp, Eq. Loan Prog, Research | $100,000 |
| Hope & Healing at Hillenglade Nashville, TN | Equine Asst'd Therapy-PTSD Healing | $100,000 |
| Fulton County Medical Center McConnellsburg, PA | Education & Wellness Center | $50,000 |
| Franklin Mint Credit Union Fdtn Broomall, PA | Support Academic Competition | $50,000 |
| The Community's Foundation Ridley Park, PA | Nursing Scholarships | $35,000 |
| Homer Hoyt Institute North Palm Beach, FL | Training Disabled | $30,000 |
| Fulton County Medical Center McConnellsburg, PA | Medical Student Housing | $25,000 |
| Sim USA Charlotte, NC | Missionary Support | $20,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Wilbur C and Betty Lea?
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 | $1,570,294 | $745,535 | $479,705 | $1,072,333 | 18 | $1,169,392 | $203,403 | $111,829 |
| 2024 | $2,016,998 | $644,880 | $1,840,231 | $938,833 | 17 | $1,026,187 | $122,304 | $135,253 |
| 2023 | $2,431,045 | $626,262 | $1,335,645 | $943,667 | 14 | $1,039,872 | $102,904 | $142,087 |
| 2022 | $2,869,940 | $548,024 | $197,422 | $709,500 | 13 | $808,524 | $64,078 | $158,085 |
| 2021 | $3,156,955 | $775,835 | $1,741,656 | $652,000 | 13 | $706,810 | $235,821 | $180,161 |
| 2020 | $3,129,508 | $629,688 | $136,387 | $701,500 | 12 | — | $108,285 | $166,644 |
| 2019 | $3,269,800 | $588,196 | $1,178,369 | $702,000 | 13 | — | $66,232 | $171,019 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Wilbur C and Betty Lea reported a distributable amount of $112K 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’s stated charitable activities include research, education, and training in real estate and nursing, as well as support for community, civic, educational, environmental, religious, and veterans organizations in Pennsylvania.
Its 2025 grants include educational support, nursing scholarships, medical student housing, healthcare education and wellness, and community resources for women. Among its grantees, The Community’s Foundation describes its mission as connecting volunteers and donors with grants, programs, and scholarships in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Fulton County Medical Center says its mission is to improve community health through quality, compassionate healthcare. Women’s Resource Center says it helps women and girls navigate life’s transitions by providing resources, tools, and support.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 18 grants totaling $1,072,333. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $333,333, with a median grant of $22,500.
The largest reported grants included $333,333 to Drexel University and $250,000 to Penn State University–Brandywine, both for educational support. Other notable grants were $100,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for summer camp, an equipment loan program, and research; $100,000 to Hope & Healing at Hillenglade for equine-assisted therapy and PTSD healing; and $50,000 to Fulton County Medical Center for an education and wellness center. The foundation also awarded $35,000 to The Community’s Foundation for nursing scholarships and $15,000 to Women’s Resource Center for community resources for women.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing:
- Steven Buxton — President
- William Taylor — Vice President
- David Henderson Jr — Treasurer
- Walter J Timby III — Secretary
- Steven K Henderson — Director
- Christina Henderson Sotherden — Director
- David A Washabaugh III — Director
- John J Coyle 3rd — Director
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea is led by Steven Buxton, President & Executive since 2022 (on filings since 2019); 1 of 8 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Steven Buxton
President & Executive
Director → Executive Di, 2021
Executive Di → President & Executive, 2022
On filings since 2019
$90K (2022) → $90K (2025)
Christina Henderson Sotherden
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
David A. Washabaugh III
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
John J. Coyle III
Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Steven K. Henderson
Director
Vice President → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
William R. Taylor
Vice President
Executive Di → Vice President, 2022
On filings since 2019
$90K (2019) → $0 (2025)
David Henderson Jr.
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Walter J. Timby III
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
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 $90K, to Steven Buxton (President/Ex).
Frequently asked questions about The Wilbur C and Betty Lea
How much does The Wilbur C and Betty Lea give each year?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea gave $1.1M across 18 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $939K across 17 grants.
What is The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's typical grant size?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's median grant in 2025 was $22,500, and its average grant was $59,574, across 18 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Wilbur C and Betty Lea that year got $19K on average.
Where does The Wilbur C and Betty Lea give grants?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Tennessee (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were McConnellsburg, PA (4 grants), Philadelphia, PA (2 grants) and Broomall, PA (2 grants).
Does The Wilbur C and Betty Lea give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 18 grants with a stated purpose on The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's largest grantees?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's largest 2025 grantees include Drexel University ($333,333), Penn State University - Brandywine ($250,000) and Muscular Dystrophy Association ($100,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 64% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Wilbur C and Betty Lea?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea reported $1.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $112K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Wilbur C and Betty Lea fund?
The foundation’s stated charitable activities include research, education, and training in real estate and nursing, as well as support for community, civic, educational, environmental, religious, and veterans organizations in Pennsylvania. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Wilbur C and Betty Lea?
The foundation states that it 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 Wilbur C and Betty Lea's EIN?
The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-1445136. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The Wilbur C and Betty Lea 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
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS June 24, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 10, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 6, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 19, 2024)
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Wilbur C and Betty Lea's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Foundation supports economic mobility and other community needs through grants to nonprofits, including workforce development, direct services, and initiatives addressing urgent regional challenges. In 2024, its median grant was $25,500, and its primary service area is Greater Philadelphia; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$704.6M
Grants
715
Total Given
$39.1M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Lindback CR & MF Foundation TW Main
Saint Louis, MO
The foundation funds education and assistance for distressed individuals through charitable organizations, with discretionary grants focused on Greater Philadelphia, including South Jersey. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $360,500, with a median of $2,500. It makes contributions only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.6M
Grants
174
Total Given
$946K
The William Penn Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The William Penn Foundation funds arts and culture, children and families, civic participation, the environment and public spaces, and workforce training, primarily in the Philadelphia region. Its 2024 median grant was $50,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests through limited open applications and invites letters of inquiry from public charities.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
1,027
Total Given
$148.8M
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds nonprofits working in basic needs, equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, with most opportunities for organizations in Allegheny County or primarily serving its residents. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of about $18,600, though awards varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation
Coraopolis, PA
DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation primarily funds youth sports participation in under-resourced communities, including equipment, registration costs and facilities, and also supports outdoor access and education. Its 2025 grants ranged from $626 to $2.5 million, with a median of $5,000, and Sports Matter funding has reached all 50 states. Sports Matter opportunities are by invitation only; the foundation says 501(c)(3) grant requests should be submitted in writing.
Assets
$34.5M
Grants
964
Total Given
$18.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Wilbur C and Betty Lea funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-wilbur-c-and-betty-lea-morg_d650f00208944f999c896ac5df590cac
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_271445136_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Wilbur C and Betty Lea funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-wilbur-c-and-betty-lea-morg_d650f00208944f999c896ac5df590cac},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Wilbur C and Betty Lea'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 Wilbur C and Betty Lea down — hundreds of funders to go?