Winley Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 52-1230146
• Total Assets: $10.3 million
• Annual Giving: $1,693,500 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $3,000 - $550,000
• Median Grant: $23,000
• Number of Grants: 22 annually
• Geographic Focus: National (U.S.), with some international animal welfare organizations
• Application Method: Rolling basis, no fixed deadlines

Contact Details

Mailing Address: 2517 Route 44, Suite 11-199, Salt Point, NY 12578

Phone: (845) 489-3373

Contact Person: Anna M. Barone

Alternative Contact: Heidi Prescott (President), (585) 429-7759, PO Box 64641, Rochester, NY 14624

Website: No public website

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website. Information is available through IRS Form 990-PF filings and nonprofit databases.

Overview

The Winley Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1962 and tax-exempt since January 1962. Based in New York, the foundation holds total assets of approximately $10.3 million and distributes around $1.7 million annually in grants. The foundation's singular mission is to fund programs and organizations for the benefit of animals. Operating as a 501(c)(3) private foundation, Winley has a consistent history of supporting animal welfare causes, having awarded 102 individual grants totaling $8,671,910 since 2016. The foundation makes grants on a rolling basis with no application deadlines, and accepts typewritten proposals from qualifying animal welfare organizations. Leadership includes President Heidi Prescott, Vice President Cathy Liss, and Secretary Edward J. Walsh Jr. The foundation's grantmaking spans animal protection, prevention of cruelty, wildlife conservation, primate sanctuaries, equine rescue, and animal advocacy organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Winley Foundation operates a single grant program focused exclusively on animal welfare. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Grant Amounts:

• Range: $3,000 - $550,000
• Median: $23,000
• Average annual distribution: $1,693,500 through approximately 22 grants

Priority Areas

The foundation funds programs and organizations that work for the benefit of animals, including:

• Animal Welfare Organizations: National and regional organizations working to protect animals and prevent cruelty
• Wildlife Conservation: Organizations focused on species survival and protection of wildlife
• Animal Sanctuaries: Primate sanctuaries, equine rescue facilities, and other animal refuge organizations
• Animal Advocacy: Policy organizations working on animal welfare legislation and systemic change
• Prevention of Cruelty: Programs specifically focused on preventing animal abuse and cruelty

Recent Grant Recipients (2023)

Major grants awarded include:

• Animal Welfare Institute (Washington, DC): $550,000
• Humane Society of the United States (Washington, DC): $550,000
• HEART (Mamaroneck, NY): $90,000
• Species Survival Network (Highland, MD): $75,000
• Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary: $50,000
• Equine Rescue (Bloomingburg, NY): $50,000
• Friends of Washoe (Ellensburg, WA): $36,000

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated in available documents, the foundation's exclusive focus on animal welfare suggests they do not fund:

• Human services organizations
• Arts and culture programs
• Education (unless directly related to animal welfare)
• Environmental causes not directly related to animal protection
• Organizations whose primary purpose is not animal welfare

Governance and Leadership

Officers and Trustees

President: Heidi Prescott

• Contact: (585) 429-7759
• Address: PO Box 64641, Rochester, NY 14624

Vice President: Cathy Liss

Secretary: Edward J. Walsh Jr.

Contact Person for Applications: Anna M. Barone

• Phone: (845) 489-3373
• Address: 2517 Route 44, Suite 11-199, Salt Point, NY 12578

Foundation Type

The Winley Foundation is a private foundation (not a public charity) and files IRS Form 990-PF annually. It is classified under NTEE code T20 - Private Grantmaking Foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Winley Foundation accepts grant applications on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications should be submitted as a typewritten request that includes:

1. Name of applicant organization
2. Address
3. Telephone number
4. Contact person
5. Reason for request (specific program or purpose for funding)
6. Charitable purpose of organization (mission and tax-exempt status)

Submission Method: Mail typewritten request to: Anna M. Barone Winley Foundation 2517 Route 44, Suite 11-199 Salt Point, NY 12578

Phone: (845) 489-3373

No Online Application Portal: The foundation does not maintain a website or online application system.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation operating on a rolling basis, decisions are likely made by trustees on a case-by-case basis as applications are received and reviewed.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation awards approximately 22 grants annually from the applications received.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are documented. Organizations may presumably reapply, though specific guidance should be confirmed with the foundation directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns and publicly available information:

Strong Alignment with Mission

• Exclusive animal focus: Organizations must work exclusively or primarily for the benefit of animals. The foundation's 100% focus on animal welfare means applications from other sectors will not be considered.
• Diverse animal welfare approaches: The foundation funds both direct services (sanctuaries, rescue) and advocacy/policy organizations, suggesting openness to various approaches to animal welfare.

Grant Size Patterns

• Range of funding levels: The foundation makes grants from $3,000 to $550,000, with a median of $23,000. This suggests they fund both smaller grassroots organizations and major national organizations.
• Large grants to established organizations: The two largest 2023 grants ($550,000 each) went to Animal Welfare Institute and Humane Society of the United States, both well-established national organizations.
• Mid-range grants to specialized organizations: Grants in the $36,000-$90,000 range went to more specialized organizations like primate sanctuaries, equine rescue, and species conservation groups.

Types of Organizations Funded

Recent grantmaking shows support for:

• National policy and advocacy organizations (Animal Welfare Institute, HSUS, Species Survival Network)
• Direct service providers (Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary, Equine Rescue)
• Regional and specialized animal welfare groups (HEART, Friends of Washoe)

Application Quality

• Professional presentation: The requirement for a "typewritten request" suggests the foundation values professional, well-organized applications.
• Clear articulation: Applicants must clearly explain their charitable purpose and the specific reason for the funding request.
• Direct contact: Having a specific contact person named in the application is required, suggesting importance of organizational accountability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Animal welfare only: This foundation exclusively funds animal welfare causes. Do not apply unless your organization's primary mission is for the benefit of animals.

2. Rolling applications: With no deadlines, you can apply at any time of year. Consider timing your application based on your organization's program calendar and funding needs.

3. Simple application process: The foundation uses a straightforward typewritten request rather than a complex online portal. Focus on clarity and completeness in addressing all required elements.

4. Wide grant range: With grants from $3,000 to $550,000, organizations of various sizes can apply. Consider requesting an amount appropriate to your organization's size and the specific project need.

5. Both advocacy and direct service: The foundation funds both direct animal care/rescue organizations and policy/advocacy groups working for systemic change in animal welfare.

6. Established relationships: The largest grants go to well-known national organizations, but the foundation also supports smaller specialized groups, suggesting they value both reach and focus.

7. No website: Without a public website, information about the foundation comes from IRS filings and nonprofit databases. Review recent Form 990-PF filings to understand current grantmaking patterns before applying.

References

• Charity Navigator - Winley Foundation Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/521230146 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Winley Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521230146 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Winley Foundation: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/winley-foundation (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Cause IQ - Winley Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/winley-foundation,521230146/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Winley Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/52-1230146 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Winley Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=WINL001 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io - Winley Foundation Profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/521230146-winley-foundation/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• GrantExec - Winley Foundation: https://grantexec.com/foundations/521230146 (Accessed February 25, 2026)

Note: All financial data is based on most recent publicly available IRS Form 990-PF filings through 2023. The foundation does not maintain a public website, so all information is derived from tax filings and third-party nonprofit databases.