Wheeler Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,365,247 (2024)
• Success Rate: 12% (for new applicants)
• Decision Time: Quarterly review (February, May, August, November)
• Grant Range: Varies widely - $341,000 (major scholarship program) to smaller equipment grants
• Average Grant: $97,518
• Geographic Focus: East central Illinois and west central Indiana
• Total Assets: $23,109,345
• Application Status: Invitation Only (as of recent change)

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Wheeler Foundation
PO Box 305
Rankin, IL 60960

Phone: 217-397-2901
Alternative Contact (Bob Swires, President): 217-474-8981
Website: www.wheelerfoundation.org
Email for Grant Questions: grantadministration@wellsfargo.com
Grant Program Support: 1-888-235-4351

Note: The foundation is managed through Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services.

Overview

The Wheeler Foundation was established in 2005 following the deaths of Charles and Maxine Wheeler, who dedicated their lives to enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges. From 1964 to 2002, the Wheelers operated the Wheeler Home Farm School in Rankin, Illinois, a residential facility where students with special needs lived and benefited from their educational expertise. Maxine was a special education teacher and Charles was a psychologist. The foundation emerged from their vision to continue supporting individuals with disabilities beyond their lifetimes.

With total assets exceeding $23 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $1.4 million, the Wheeler Foundation represents one of the significant private foundations focused on disability services in Illinois and Indiana. The foundation recently received recognition through its transformational $924,000 gift to Illinois State University in 2023, which was highlighted at the university's Gratitude Gala. The foundation's board includes educators who bring practical insights to addressing critical challenges such as the severe shortage of special education teachers in the region.

Funding Priorities

Mission Statement

"To provide financial support to institutions, private or public organizations to educate, train and support children and adults that are mentally and/or physically handicapped."

Grant Programs

General Grant Program (Invitation Only)

• No set dollar limit
• Grant amounts range from equipment purchases to major multi-year commitments
• Funding provided as reimbursement of paid invoices
• 14 grants awarded in 2024 totaling $1,365,247

University Scholarship Programs

• Illinois State University: Multi-year commitments including $924,000 for the PULSE program and ongoing Wheeler Foundation Scholarships for special education students
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Four annual scholarships of $11,250 each ($45,000 total) for special education students

Priority Areas

The foundation actively funds projects and organizations that:

• Educational Resources: Classroom manipulatives, educational equipment, SmartBoards, and technology for special education programs
• Special Education Teacher Training: Scholarships and program support for individuals preparing to teach students with disabilities
• Vocational Training: Buildings, facilities, and equipment for developmental vocational training programs
• Transportation: Vans and vehicles for transporting individuals with disabilities
• Residential and Day Programs: Support for facilities serving developmentally disabled individuals
• Organizations Serving People with Disabilities: Both mental and physical disabilities across all age groups

Geographic Focus: Primarily east central Illinois and west central Indiana, with particular attention to communities including Chicago, Champaign, Urbana, and Danville.

Recent Grant Examples (2023-2024)

• Illinois State University Foundation: $341,000 for scholarships and the PULSE (Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education) program
• WorkSource Enterprises: $563,000 for charitable education purposes (non-cash donation)
• Iroquois Special Education Association: $123,654 for program support
• Human Resources Center: $71,990 for furniture, SmartBoard, and van
• Developmental Services Center: $44,500 for mini van

What They Don't Fund

• Routine operating needs - The foundation explicitly states it will not fund ongoing operational expenses
• Ongoing commitments - Will not fund any project on a continuous, indefinite basis
• Organizations outside their geographic focus - Primarily limited to east central Illinois and west central Indiana
• Programs unrelated to disabilities - Must align with mission to support individuals with mental or physical disabilities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Bob Swires - President
• Heather Lane - Secretary
• Lynn Magers - Treasurer
• Christine McTaggert - Director
• Dennis Weber - Director
• Sarah Wilson - Director
• Jerry McGlaughlin - Director

The board includes at least two educators who bring direct experience with special education challenges. According to Bob Swires, the foundation board president: "We have two educators on our board, and they wanted to find solutions to help alleviate the severe shortage of special education teachers."

Foundation Management

The Wheeler Foundation is managed through Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services, which provides administrative support for the foundation's grant-making activities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Wheeler Foundation has converted to an invitation-only process. Public applications are no longer accepted.

Organizations interested in Wheeler Foundation funding should:

1. Contact the foundation at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com with questions
2. Contact Grant Program Support at 1-888-235-4351
3. Reach out to Bob Swires (President) at 217-474-8981 for inquiries

The foundation previously accepted rolling applications reviewed quarterly, but this process has been replaced with an invitation-based approach.

Getting on Their Radar

The Wheeler Foundation's shift to invitation-only grants suggests they proactively identify organizations aligned with their mission. Based on their funding patterns and history, organizations can position themselves favorably by:

Building Relationships in the Special Education Community

• The foundation has strong ties to Illinois State University and University of Illinois special education departments
• Board members include educators familiar with special education landscape
• The foundation was highlighted at Illinois State University's Gratitude Gala (2024), indicating active engagement with university advancement activities

Demonstrating Impact in Shared Geographic Area

• Organizations operating in east central Illinois and west central Indiana are clearly prioritized
• Cities like Champaign, Urbana, Danville, and Chicago have received funding
• The foundation has deep roots in Rankin and Vermilion County

Addressing Priority Needs

• The foundation actively seeks solutions to special education teacher shortages
• Projects serving individuals with both mental and physical disabilities
• Innovative programs that continue the Wheelers' legacy of supporting students with learning and behavioral challenges

Connecting Through Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services

• Since the foundation is managed through Wells Fargo's philanthropic division, organizations working with Wells Fargo on other foundations may have enhanced visibility
• Contact grantadministration@wellsfargo.com to express interest and learn about potential fit

Strategic Networking

• Attending special education conferences and events in Illinois and Indiana
• Engaging with organizations that have received Wheeler Foundation grants (like WorkSource Enterprises, which has a particularly close relationship)
• Participating in disability services coalitions in the foundation's geographic focus area

Decision Timeline

Historical Process (for reference):

• Board meetings held quarterly: February, May, August, November
• Written notification sent after each board meeting
• Grants processed as reimbursement of paid invoices after approval

Current Timeline: Unknown for invitation-only process; likely still follows quarterly board meeting schedule.

Success Rates

• New Applicants: 12% success rate (based on historical data)
• Total Grants Awarded: 14 grants in 2024
• This low success rate for new applicants emphasizes the competitive nature and reinforces the strategic shift to invitation-only

Reapplication Policy

Historically, the foundation stated "You can apply as often as you wish" with no restrictions on reapplication frequency. Under the invitation-only model, this policy may no longer apply, though organizations remain welcome to maintain contact and express ongoing interest.

Application Success Factors

Understanding the Foundation's Roots

The Wheeler Foundation emerged directly from Charles and Maxine Wheeler's 38-year operation of the Wheeler Home Farm School (1964-2002). Successful applicants demonstrate understanding and alignment with this legacy:

• Student-Centered Approach: The Wheelers wanted students to "feel special" - they even added a farm component so students could work with animals
• Practical Solutions: The foundation values hands-on, tangible support (equipment, facilities, transportation) over abstract programs
• Long-Term Impact: While they won't fund ongoing operations, they support capital investments and training that create lasting change

Strategic Priorities Demonstrated Through Grants

Teacher Pipeline Development
The foundation's $924,000 investment in Illinois State's PULSE program reveals a strategic interest in solving systemic problems. Bob Swires noted: "We wanted to find solutions to help alleviate the severe shortage of special education teachers." Projects that address workforce development in special education are highly valued.

Reimbursement Model Readiness
The foundation requires grant recipients to purchase items first, submit paid invoices, and receive reimbursement. Successful applicants must have:

• Cash flow capacity to front expenses
• Strong financial management and documentation practices
• Ability to provide detailed invoicing and reporting

Equipment and Capital Requests
Looking at recent grants (SmartBoards, vans, furniture, buildings), the foundation favors tangible assets over program expenses. Strong applications likely include:

• Specific equipment with clear pricing
• Direct connection between equipment and service to individuals with disabilities
• Sustainable usage plans

Geographic and Organizational Fit

Primary Geographic Focus:

• East central Illinois (Champaign-Urbana area, Vermilion County including Rankin)
• West central Indiana
• Some support for Chicago-area organizations

Organizational Types Funded:

• Universities and educational institutions
• Specialized education cooperatives (like Iroquois Special Education Association)
• Disability service organizations (WorkSource Enterprises, Developmental Services Center)
• Organizations with established track records in disability services

Follow-Up and Accountability

The foundation "will require follow-up reporting to monitor the way in which any funds which it awards are utilized by the recipient." Demonstrating strong evaluation and reporting practices enhances credibility.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Invitation-Only Status is Critical: The foundation no longer accepts unsolicited applications. Focus on relationship-building and getting on their radar through strategic networking in the special education community rather than formal applications.

2. Legacy Alignment Matters: Understanding Charles and Maxine Wheeler's 38-year commitment to students with special needs provides crucial context. Emphasize how your work continues their vision of enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges.

3. Think Capital, Not Operating: With explicit exclusions of routine operating needs and ongoing commitments, successful requests focus on equipment, facilities, vehicles, and training programs that create lasting infrastructure.

4. Teacher Shortage Solutions Are Priority: The board's significant investment in the PULSE program demonstrates strong interest in addressing the special education teacher shortage. Projects that train, support, or retain special education professionals align with current strategic thinking.

5. Geographic Focus is Clear: Organizations in east central Illinois and west central Indiana have distinct advantages. While some Chicago grants appear, the foundation's heart remains in the Rankin/Champaign-Urbana region.

6. Financial Capacity Required: The reimbursement-only funding model means organizations must have sufficient cash flow to purchase items before receiving grant funds. Smaller organizations without financial reserves may struggle with this requirement.

7. Relationship with WorkSource Enterprises: WorkSource received the largest single grant ($563,000) and appears connected to the foundation's original mission (the Wheeler Home Farm property was donated to WorkSource). Organizations partnering with or similar to WorkSource may have enhanced credibility.

8. Board Includes Educators: With at least two educators on the board who understand special education challenges firsthand, applications demonstrating educational expertise and practical classroom/program knowledge will resonate.

References

1. Wheeler Foundation Profile - Grantable.co
   https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/wheeler-foundation-us-foundation-611445596
   Accessed February 4, 2026

2. Wheeler Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer, ProPublica
   https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/611445596
   Accessed February 4, 2026

3. Wheeler Foundation - CauseIQ
   https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/wheeler-foundation,611445596/
   Accessed February 4, 2026

4. "Transformational gift from the Wheeler Foundation to support future special educators," Illinois State University News
   https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2023/02/transformational-gift-from-the-wheeler-foundation-to-support-future-special-educators/
   Published February 2023, Accessed February 4, 2026
   Quote from Bob Swires: "We wanted to find solutions to help alleviate the severe shortage of special education teachers"

5. Wheeler Foundation Award - University of Illinois College of Education
   https://education.illinois.edu/sped/funding-opportunities/wheeler-foundation-award
   Accessed February 4, 2026

6. Wheeler Foundation Fund for Special Education Students - Illinois State University Giving
   https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/wheeler-foundation-fund-for-special-education-students/
   Accessed February 4, 2026

7. Wheeler Foundation - Wells Fargo Private Foundations
   https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/wheeler-foundation/
   Accessed February 4, 2026

8. Wheeler Foundation - GrantStation
   https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/wheeler-foundation
   Accessed February 4, 2026

9. "Nonprofit ecstatic over farm donation," News-Gazette
   https://www.news-gazette.com/news/nonprofit-ecstatic-over-farm-donation/article_c8eea7a3-cc26-5998-8e16-248026cd6d4d.html
   Information about Wheeler Home Farm School history and donation to WorkSource Enterprises
   Accessed February 4, 2026