The Wheeler Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2005 in Rankin, Illinois, following the deaths of Charles and Maxine Wheeler. The foundation was created to continue the legacy of the Wheelers, who dedicated their lives to enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges. From 1964 to 2002, Charles and Maxine Wheeler operated the Wheeler Home Farm School in Rankin, Illinois, a residential facility serving students with special needs. Maxine was a special education teacher and Charles was a psychologist. The foundation carries forward their vision of supporting individuals with disabilities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$22.7M
-1.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.3M
+68.9% YoY
Grant Count
19
+35.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$121K
+24.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Wheeler Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is to fund educational initiatives and support for individuals with special needs and learning challenges. Key funding areas include:
- Special education programs and services
- Educational scholarships and student support
- Charitable education purposes
- Support for organizations serving individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$10,000–$748,000
Average Grant
amount: approximately $97,518
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in east central Illinois and west central Indiana.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total assets: $23,109,345
- Total revenue: $13,546,542
- Total expenses: $1,797,186
- Total liabilities: $0
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $22,690,389
- Total giving: $2,306,542
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $22,690,389 | $23,109,345 | $20,010,920 |
| Revenue | $2,244,406 | $13,546,542 | $12,904,443 |
| Expenses | $2,662,766 | $1,797,186 | $1,073,435 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,334,048 | $1,373,719 | $598,592 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,879,919 | $1,819,617 | $12,429,600 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,652,492 | $1,484,380 | $833,388 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
56 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Illinois State University Foundation ($748,000), Carle Health Center for Philanthropy ($462,874), Vermilion Association for Special Education ($377,964).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| COVINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION COVINGTON, IN | CLASSROOM MATERIALS | $8,631 |
| GEORGETOWN RIDGE FARM CUSD #4 GEORGETOWN, IL | CHARITABLE EDUCATION PURPOSES | $25,559 |
| HOOPESTON AREA COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT #11 HOOPESTON, IL | MAPLE SCHOOL GRANT | $3,551 |
| ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION NORMAL, IL | SCHOLARSHIPS AND PULSE PROGRAM | $748,000 |
| IROQUOIS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #9 WATSEKA, IL | HANDICAPPED BUS | $16,741 |
| IROQUOIS SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION GILMAN, IL | PROGRAM GRANT | $73,592 |
| OAKWOOD CUSD #76 OAKWOOD, IL | FURNITURE AND SUPPLIES | $14,073 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION CHICAGO, IL | ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GRANT | $45,000 |
| VERMILION ASSOCIATION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION DANVILLE, IL | GREENHOUSE GRANT | $377,964 |
| ARMSTRONG-ELLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT ARMSTRONG, IL | CHARITABLE EDUCATION PURPOSES | $3,832 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISTINE MCTAGGERT | DIRECTOR | 1 | $200 |
| LYNN MAGERS | TREASURER | 2 | $1,300 |
| DENNIS WEBER | DIRECTOR | 1 | $300 |
| HEATHER LANE | SECRETARY | 2 | $1,800 |
| BOB SWIRES | PRESIDENT | 5 | $1,300 |
| SARAH WILSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | $300 |
| JERRY MCGLAUGHLIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $250 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wheeler Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary purpose is to fund educational initiatives and support for individuals with special needs and learning challenges. Key funding areas include: • Special education programs and services • Educational scholarships and student support • Charitable education purposes • Support for organizations serving individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges
How do I apply for a grant from Wheeler Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Annual giving: approximately $1.4M–$2.3M • Grant range: $10,000–$748,000 • Average grant amount: approximately $97,518 • Recent grants (2023) included: • $563,000 to WorkSource Enterprises (noncash donation of vehicle, farm house, and land in Rankin, IL) • $341,000 to Illinois State University Foundation (scholarships and Pulse Program) • $44,500 to Developmental Services Center (mini van) **Application Process:** • Applications are invitation-only as of recent changes • D…
Where does Wheeler Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in east central Illinois and west central Indiana.
What size grants does Wheeler Foundation award?
In 2024, Wheeler Foundation awarded 19 grants totaling $2.3M — an average of about $121K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Wheeler Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Wheeler Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.7M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Wheeler Foundation's EIN?
Wheeler Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-1445596. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Wheeler Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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