Julius W Hegeler II Foundation
At a glance
Key takeaways
- The foundation's recorded grants go mainly to Illinois public bodies and non-profit organisations in fields such as the arts, colleges and schools, libraries, museums and community development, so an organisation working in those areas and in Illinois is the best fit to check, although the filing states no geographic focus.
- Half of its 40 grants to organisations were $30,000 or less, and about 8 in 10 fell between $5,000 and $305,000, with a median of $30,000; that band is typical rather than a ceiling, since the largest grant was about $2,400,000, but a request in or near the typical range is the most realistic size.
- Applicants complete an application form describing the proposed use in detail and include proof of 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation gives no deadlines, so the timing is open.
- Because 96% of grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in the two earlier filings, a first approach is likely to be competitive, so make a clear case for need and charitable purpose.
- Organisations that cannot provide proof of 501(c)(3) status should not apply, as the filing asks for it.
Overview
Julius W Hegeler II Foundation is a US private foundation based in Danville, IL.
What they fund
Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and web pages about the foundation (vermilioncountyfirst.com), with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
The foundation’s recorded grants went to Illinois public bodies and non-profit organisations across several fields: athletic and arena organisations, a hospital foundation, colleges and schools, a library, a museum, community-development organisations, and arts and event groups. Recorded uses include a lighting project, hospital support, educational programmes, local community development, arena and landscaping projects, community events, and support for people experiencing homelessness. Its stated approach is to award grants to worthy causes in the community. Applicants are asked to complete a form describing the proposed use in detail and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status; the use must support a non-profit charitable purpose, and financial information should demonstrate need.
Geographic Focus
No geographic focus is stated; the filings show grants mainly in Illinois.
How to apply
Applicants complete an application form describing in detail the proposed use of the funds and include proof of the grantee’s 501(c)(3) status.
Application success factors
- Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 96% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
- Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 40 grants to organisations were $30,000 or less.
What the foundation says:
- The requested use must support the nonprofit charitable purpose, and financial information should demonstrate need.
Where grants go
From grants to organisations in the foundation’s filings for tax years 2022–2024.
Grant dollars by state
- The largest single recipient received 44% of grant dollars to organisations.
- In tax year 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to organisations Julius W Hegeler II Foundation had funded in earlier filings.
- No grants were paid directly to organisations outside the US.
- 2% of grant dollars went to intermediaries that regrant to other organisations.
Grants
How much do they typically give?
Share of 15 grants in tax year 2024 by size
Median $30,000 (tax year 2024)
The largest grants to organisations in the foundation’s latest filing:
- East Central Illinois Athletic Association · Support for light project$2,400,2002024 tax year
- David S. Palmer Arena · Support for local arena$304,2002024 tax year
- OSF Healthcare Foundation · Support local hospital$255,0002024 tax year
- Danville Area Community College Foundation · Support educational programs$87,5742024 tax year
- Danville Foundation for Industrial Growth · Support for local community development$52,8002024 tax year
- United Way of Danville · Support for local community development$50,0002024 tax year
- Balloons Over Vermilion · Support of community event$45,0002024 tax year
- AMBUCS · Support for local community development$30,0002024 tax year
Grants to organisations listed in the foundation’s Form 990-PF filings. Grants to individuals are not shown.
Officers and directors
- Gilbert Saikley — Director
- Lois Wise — Executive Director
- Mary Norenberg — Secretary
- Philip Muehl — President / Director
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
3 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 tax year | $2,083,304 | $1,363,110 | $60,470,026 | Filing for 2022 tax year |
| 2023 tax year | $3,166,530 | $2,448,543 | $63,906,834 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $4,152,661 | $3,342,675 | $65,926,368 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
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At a glance
Applying to Julius W Hegeler II Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (217) 442-1521
- Danville, IL
Applying to Julius W Hegeler II Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (217) 442-1521
- Danville, IL