J J Keller Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.5 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Monthly for small grants; quarterly for large grants
• Grant Range: Small grants (monthly) to large grants (quarterly) - specific amounts not disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Five Wisconsin counties (Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.jjkellerfoundation.org
• Phone: (920) 720-7872
• Email: jjkellerfoundation@jjkeller.com
• Address: 3003 Breezewood Ln., PO Box 368, Neenah, WI 54957-0368

Overview

The J. J. Keller Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1991 by John J. "Jack" and Ethel Keller, founders of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. With total assets of approximately $64 million and annual charitable disbursements of $4.5 million, the foundation has provided over $90 million in charitable giving over its 35-year history. The foundation is committed to "building capacity, compassion, and care" by supporting nonprofit organizations that serve the most vulnerable members of Northeastern Wisconsin communities, specifically focusing on the area from Oshkosh to Green Bay.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Small Grants: Monthly review cycle (applications due by the 10th of each month)
• Large Grants: Quarterly review cycle with specific deadlines

Priority Areas

The foundation supports nonprofit organizations in five key focus areas:

1. Food - Programs addressing food insecurity
2. Physical & Mental Health - Healthcare and wellness initiatives
3. Shelter & Housing - Housing assistance and homeless services
4. Clothing - Basic clothing needs
5. Life & Literary Skills - Education and skill development programs

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated on website; contact foundation for specific exclusions

Governance and Leadership

• Executive Director: Monica N Stage (Compensation: $183,700)
• Director/President: Marne L Keller Krikava
• Director/VP/Treasurer/Secretary: James J Keller
• Founded by: John J. "Jack" and Ethel Keller

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the GoApply online portal at https://www.jjkellerfoundation.org/how-to-apply/

Important Requirements:

• New applicants must contact the foundation before applying
• Previous grantees must complete a Grant Summary Report before reapplying
• Create an account on GoApply to submit application
• Funds are wired directly to organization's financial institution upon approval

Decision Timeline

• Small Grants: Monthly review (applications due by 10th of each month)
• Large Grants (2026 deadlines):
  • March 24
  • July 21
  • October 27

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Previous grantees can reapply but must first complete a Grant Summary Report documenting the impact of their previous grant before submitting a new application.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and requirements:

• Organizations must be located in or serving one of the five eligible Wisconsin counties
• Foundation values established community relationships
• Focus on addressing complex social issues like poverty
• Emphasis on removing barriers for vulnerable populations
• Support for collaborative and innovative approaches
• Clear alignment with one or more of the five focus areas
• New organizations should establish contact before applying to understand foundation priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restrictions are strict - must serve Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, or Brown counties in Wisconsin
• Foundation prioritizes basic human needs: food, health, shelter, clothing, and education
• Two distinct grant tracks (small monthly and large quarterly) allow for different funding needs
• Previous grantees have accountability requirements through Grant Summary Reports
• Foundation encourages innovation and collaboration in addressing poverty and social issues
• New applicants should make initial contact before applying to establish relationship
• Online application system (GoApply) streamlines the process but requires account creation

References

• J. J. Keller Foundation Official Website: https://www.jjkellerfoundation.org (Accessed January 2026)
• J. J. Keller Foundation How to Apply Page: https://www.jjkellerfoundation.org/how-to-apply/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - J J Keller Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/391683437 (Accessed January 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - J J Keller Foundation Inc: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/39-1683437 (Accessed January 2026)
• CauseIQ - J J Keller Foundation Inc: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/j-j-keller-foundation-inc,391683437/ (Accessed January 2026)