McMillen Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,858,800 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not specified; rolling review process
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $150,000+ (average ~$71,000)
• Geographic Focus: Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana
• Total Assets: $29.2 million

Contact Details

Website: https://mcmillenfoundationfortwayne.org

Phone: 260-399-5698

Email: Katy@McMillenFoundationFW.org

Grant Administrator: Katy Silliman

Overview

The McMillen Foundation Inc is a private charitable foundation established in 1947 by Dale W. and Agnes S. McMillen, founder of Wayne Feeds and Central Soya Company. With total assets of $29.2 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $1.9 million, the foundation has been serving Fort Wayne and Allen County for over 75 years. The foundation focuses on capital expenditures that benefit the greatest number of individuals over the longest period of time, emphasizing recreation associations and youth agencies, with additional support for education and health associations. Dale McMillen's philanthropic legacy continues through the foundation's work, guided by his philosophy: "We must pay some rent for the blessings and opportunities we enjoy while we're on this earth."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Grants Program: Rolling basis

• Focus on capital expenditures only (not annual operating support)
• Two-stage process: concept letter followed by full proposal invitation
• Average grant approximately $71,000
• Projects must have lasting impact with life expectancy of 3+ years

Priority Areas

• Recreation associations and facilities
• Youth programs and agencies
• Educational facilities and equipment
• Health associations and healthcare facilities

Eligible Capital Expenditures:

• Land and buildings (capital campaigns)
• Building renovation and construction
• Equipment purchases
• Items with life expectancy of 3+ years

What They Don't Fund

• Annual operating support (except Wildcat Athletic Association)
• Private foundations
• Churches
• State-funded colleges and universities
• Individuals, including scholarships
• Schools (rarely funded at any level)
• Organizations outside Fort Wayne and Allen County
• Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) for at least 5 years

Governance and Leadership

John F. McMillen, President (Compensation: $60,000)

Kristin Giant, JD, Secretary/Treasurer (Compensation: $55,006) - Attorney who leads grant administration through consulting firm Hyper Local

Founding Legacy: Dale W. McMillen (1880-1971) founded the foundation with his wife Agnes after building a successful business empire. His most famous quote about the Wildcat Baseball League was: "the greatest thing I ever did," reflecting his commitment to youth development.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Concept Letter Submission

• Submit initial concept letter via email to: Katy@McMillenFoundationFW.org
• Letter should outline the proposed capital project
• Foundation reviews on rolling basis

Step 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)

• Only organizations whose concept letters are favorably received will be invited to submit full proposals

Full Proposal Requirements:

• 6-section narrative covering organization history, project purpose, community benefit, cost/timeline, funding request, and funds raised
• 6 required exhibits including board list, budgets, audit reports, 3-year income/expense statement, and donor history

Decision Timeline

Rolling review process without fixed deadlines. Expect several weeks to months for concept letter review and additional time for full proposal review if invited.

Success Rates

Made 26 awards in 2023 from approximately $1.9 million in annual giving. Total applications received not disclosed; two-stage process suggests many organizations declined at concept letter stage.

Reapplication Policy

Consecutive year concept letters are normally NOT approved. However, approved grants may be structured for multi-year payment.

Application Success Factors

• Capital expenditure focus: Proposal must clearly demonstrate capital expenditure with lasting value (3+ years minimum)
• Long-term community benefit: Quantify how many community members will benefit and for how long
• Youth and recreation emphasis: Projects serving young people in Fort Wayne align most closely with founder's legacy
• Geographic specificity: Must be located in and primarily serve Fort Wayne/Allen County
• Five-year track record: Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status for at least 5 years
• Strong financial documentation: Extensive requirements suggest thorough due diligence
• Recent examples: Foundation has supported substantial projects like McMillen Pavilion at Franke Park

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Capital only, no operating support: Ensure request is for genuine capital expenditure, not operational costs
• No consecutive year applications: Plan one major capital project rather than phased requests
• Youth and recreation alignment strongest: Projects serving young people through recreational programming align best with mission
• Five-year 501(c)(3) minimum: Newer organizations should wait to meet this requirement
• Concept letter is critical screening: Must compellingly demonstrate project alignment to receive full proposal invitation
• Local focus is non-negotiable: Fort Wayne and Allen County organizations only
• Substantial financial documentation required: Begin gathering 3-year histories and audit reports early

References

1. McMillen Foundation Inc Official Website - https://mcmillenfoundationfortwayne.org/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
2. McMillen Foundation Application Process - https://mcmillenfoundationfortwayne.org/funding-info/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
3. McMillen Foundation Full Proposal Requirements - https://mcmillenfoundationfortwayne.org/full-proposal/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - McMillen Foundation Inc (EIN: 35-6021003) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/356021003 (Accessed February 10, 2026)
5. Cause IQ - Mcmillen Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/mcmillen-foundation,356021003/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
6. Foundation Directory Online (Candid) - Mcmillen Foundation Inc - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=MCMI003 (Accessed February 10, 2026)
7. Dale W. McMillen - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_W._McMillen (Accessed February 10, 2026)
8. Wildcat Baseball History - https://www.wildcatbaseball.us/history (Accessed February 10, 2026)
9. History of Central Soya - SoyInfo Center - https://www.soyinfocenter.com/books/233 (Accessed February 10, 2026)