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Carroll And Marguerite Wheeler Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.5M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,500,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
  • Grant Range: No set limits (varies by project)
  • Geographic Focus: McMullen, Atascosa, and surrounding Texas counties
  • Total Assets: $52,722,449 (2024)

Contact Details

Website: thewheelerfoundation.org

Address: 213 Black Wolf Run, Austin, TX 78738

Application Method: Online applications only through website

Overview

The Carroll and Marguerite Wheeler Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to educating, supporting, and strengthening families and communities with an emphasis on McMullen, Atascosa, and surrounding Texas counties. The foundation distributed $4,500,000 across 44 grants in 2024, with assets totaling $52.7 million. Founded to support a broad spectrum of charitable organizations, the foundation focuses on three primary areas: education, family, and community. The foundation operates on a quarterly application review cycle and accepts applications on a rolling basis through their online portal. In addition to organizational grants, the foundation also provides scholarships to students from counties south of San Antonio through partnerships with institutions like UTSA.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with no set dollar limits. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis with quarterly review deadlines.

  • General Grants: No minimum or maximum amounts specified - grant amounts are determined based on project needs and scope
  • Reimbursement-Based: Approved grants are funded through reimbursement of paid invoices
  • Application Method: Online applications only, submitted through thewheelerfoundation.org
  • Review Schedule: Quarterly board meetings (February, May, August, November)

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations that advance one or more of the following focus areas:

Education: Educational programs, institutions, and initiatives that serve communities in the foundation's geographic focus area

Family: Programs that strengthen and support families

Community: Initiatives that build and sustain community infrastructure, services, and quality of life

Geographic Emphasis: While the foundation may consider applications from across Texas, there is a clear emphasis on McMullen, Atascosa, and surrounding counties in South Texas

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Organizations should have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three trustees who also serve as co-executors:

Shelly McTee - Trustee/Co-Executor (Compensation: $66,000)

Donald Haynes - Trustee/Co-Executor (Compensation: $66,000)

Warren Wheeler - Trustee (Compensation: $66,000)

The foundation operates with a lean administrative structure, with charitable disbursements representing 63.7% of total expenses in 2024.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted exclusively online through the foundation's website at thewheelerfoundation.org. The IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) documentation) must be uploaded with the online application.

Organizations can apply as often as they wish, with no restrictions on frequency of applications.

Decision Timeline

The foundation's board meets quarterly to review grant requests:

  • February Meeting (Application deadline: February 1)
  • May Meeting (Application deadline: May 1)
  • August Meeting (Application deadline: August 1)
  • November Meeting (Application deadline: November 1)

Applicants receive a letter of notification after the board meeting regarding the decision.

Grant Disbursement Process

Approved grants operate on a reimbursement basis. Grant recipients must submit paid invoices/receipts and will be reimbursed up to the approved grant amount. The foundation requires follow-up reporting to monitor how awarded funds are utilized.

Success Rates

Specific acceptance rates are not publicly available. However, grant activity shows:

  • 2024: 44 awards
  • 2023: 28 awards
  • 2022: 43 awards
  • 2021: 30 awards
  • 2020: 21 awards

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply as often as they wish. There are no documented waiting periods or restrictions for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated mission and priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Geographic Alignment: Organizations serving McMullen, Atascosa, and surrounding South Texas counties appear to receive priority consideration given the foundation's explicit geographic emphasis.

Mission Alignment: Clear demonstration of how the proposed project supports education, family, or community - the foundation's three focus areas.

Reimbursement Readiness: Since grants operate on a reimbursement basis, organizations must have the capacity to pay expenses upfront and submit documentation. This suggests the foundation values fiscal responsibility and established organizations with operating reserves.

Follow-up Reporting Capability: The foundation requires monitoring reports on fund utilization, indicating they value accountability and measurable outcomes.

Quarterly Planning: With four annual deadlines, applicants should plan submissions to align with their project timelines and cash flow needs, keeping in mind the reimbursement structure.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No dollar limits - the foundation considers projects of varying sizes, with average grants around $102,000 based on 2024 data ($4.5M across 44 awards), though individual grants vary
  • Geographic focus matters - emphasis on McMullen, Atascosa, and surrounding Texas counties; demonstrate local impact
  • Reimbursement model - ensure your organization has cash reserves to pay expenses upfront before receiving grant reimbursement
  • Three simple priorities - education, family, or community; clearly articulate which focus area(s) your project advances
  • Quarterly opportunities - four annual deadlines provide flexibility; plan ahead for the review cycle that best aligns with your project
  • No reapplication penalties - organizations can apply as often as they wish, allowing for revised or new proposals
  • Follow-up reporting required - be prepared to demonstrate accountability and document how funds are used

References

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