Roger L Weston Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information not publicly disclosed (Private Operating Foundation)
• Grant Range: $500 - $10,000
• Grants per Year: Over 50 grants annually
• Geographic Focus: North America (emphasis on Chicago, IL and Naples, FL areas)
• Application Method: Invitation only
• Foundation Type: Private Operating Foundation

Contact Details

Address: 360 West Illinois Street, Suite 11C, Chicago, IL 60654

Website: https://thewestonfoundation.org/

Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=fO7i5M6pjhmzV70fQwio4HtrDpQVUWjY0 (invitation required)

EIN: 88-3562857

Contact: Inquiries through website contact page

Overview

The Roger L. Weston Foundation (operating as "The Weston Foundation") is a Chicago-based private charitable trust established in 2007 by Roger L. Weston, retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of GreatBanc, Inc. The foundation is governed by a small trustee board that personally researches and works on projects, designating over 50 grants annually ranging from $500 to $10,000. With assets exceeding $26 million as of 2024, the foundation operates with an intimate, personalized approach to philanthropy. The foundation's mission is "to promote the greatest good, with a particular emphasis on helping children, animal welfare, and the environment," while focusing on projects that may be overlooked by larger foundations. Roger L. Weston is also a life trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, where the Roger L. and Pamela Weston Wing and Japanese Art Galleries, which opened in 2010, displays East Asian art from the Westons' collection.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with specific application deadlines. Instead, it makes grants by invitation only to select institutions and projects each year. Individual grant amounts typically range from $500 to $10,000.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four key areas:

1. The Arts (performing and visual)

   • Support for theaters, museums, and cultural institutions
   • Notable support for the Art Institute of Chicago

2. Education (academic, vocational, and learning gap enrichment)

   • Programs supporting underserved students
   • Educational access and opportunity initiatives

3. Environmental Conservation (water, wildlife, and fisheries)

   • Conservation projects in Florida and elsewhere
   • Wildlife and habitat protection

4. Social Services for Vulnerable Populations

   • Programs for children and families
   • Services for those with limited resources
   • Support for victims of abuse

Recent Grant Recipients Include:

• Naples Children & Education Foundation (children's services in Collier County, FL)
• Shelter for Abused Women and Children (Naples, FL)
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida
• Family Network Center (Family Focus programs)
• Engineers Without Borders USA
• Village Focus International
• Lurie Children's Research Institute
• OneGoal (supporting underserved students)
• Writers Theatre
• Guitars Over Guns Organization
• JourneyCare Foundation (hospice services)
• Posse Foundation (leadership scholarships)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations involved in sectarian or political advocacy
• Private foundations (Section 509(a) requirement)
• Individuals (no grants or loans to individuals)
• Organizations outside their geographic areas of direct family connection

Governance and Leadership

Founder and Trustee: Roger L. Weston

Roger L. Weston (born 1943) served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of GreatBanc, Inc. from 1986 to 2006, when the Lisle-based company was sold to Citizens Financial Group for $180 million. After retiring from GreatBanc in 2007, Weston established The Weston Foundation. He is an avid fisherman who spends significant time in Naples, Florida, fishing nearly every day when in residence. In 2009, Weston became a life trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago and is a noted collector of East Asian art.

Board Structure: The foundation is governed by a small trustee board. Board members personally spend time researching and working on projects, maintaining a hands-on approach to grant-making.

Guiding Philosophy: The foundation operates under the guiding principle expressed in a Native American proverb: "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave behind."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Weston Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Grant applications are by invitation only.

Organizations that have been invited to apply receive an access code that allows them to submit an application through the foundation's online portal at GrantInterface.com.

Eligibility Requirements for Invited Applicants

• Must be a non-profit organization
• Must be tax-exempt under IRS Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(c)
• Must be classified as "not a private foundation" under Section 509(a)
• Organizations with completed Form 1023 but no IRS determination letter are NOT eligible
• No grants or loans made to individuals

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's grant-making is concentrated in regions with direct family connections, particularly the Chicago area and Naples, Florida. The foundation appears to identify potential grant recipients through:

• Personal connections: Many grants support causes that are personally meaningful to board members
• Board research: The small governing board personally researches and identifies organizations
• Geographic ties: Strong emphasis on organizations in Chicago, IL and Naples/Collier County, FL areas where the Weston family has direct connections

Given Roger Weston's background in banking and role as a life trustee of the Art Institute of Chicago, organizations may come to the foundation's attention through professional networks in the financial sector, arts and cultural circles in Chicago, conservation groups in Southwest Florida, and educational/social service providers in these key geographic areas.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private operating foundation with a small board that personally reviews projects, timing likely varies based on board meeting schedules and the nature of the project.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. With over 50 grants made annually at amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000, the foundation maintains a selective but active grant-making program.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Since applications are by invitation only and the foundation maintains a private, personalized approach to grant-making, success appears to depend on several key factors:

Geographic Connection: The foundation explicitly states that "grant making is primarily concentrated in North America, with emphasis on regions with direct family connections." Organizations in Chicago and Naples, Florida appear to receive priority consideration.

Alignment with Personal Interests: According to the foundation's website, "many [board members] naturally elect to support charities based on a personal connection or interest." Organizations that align with the board's demonstrated interests—East Asian arts, environmental conservation (particularly fishing and marine conservation), children's services, and education—may have advantages.

Smaller, Overlooked Projects: The foundation explicitly states it focuses on "projects that may be overlooked by larger foundations." Organizations seeking smaller grants ($500-$10,000) for specific projects rather than general operating support may be more attractive candidates.

Values Alignment: The foundation emphasizes promoting "the greatest good in a way that is consistent with [their] values" while avoiding "sectarian or political advocacy." Organizations with non-partisan, broadly beneficial missions appear favored.

Vulnerability Focus: For social service grants, the foundation specifically targets "vulnerable populations with limited resources," suggesting that organizations serving the most disadvantaged community members align with priorities.

Hands-On Engagement: With board members personally spending time researching and working on projects, organizations that can facilitate meaningful engagement and demonstrate clear, measurable impact may be more attractive.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only basis: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals; focus on building connections in Chicago and Naples, Florida where the foundation is active
• Small grant amounts: Individual grants range from $500-$10,000, making this foundation appropriate for smaller, specific projects rather than major organizational funding
• Geographic focus is critical: Strong preference for organizations in areas with direct family connections, particularly Chicago and Naples/Collier County, Florida
• Personal connection matters: The small board personally researches projects and supports causes meaningful to family members—relationship-building in relevant circles (arts, conservation, education, finance) may be important
• Niche project fit: The foundation seeks to fund "projects that may be overlooked by larger foundations," suggesting that specific, well-defined projects may be more attractive than general operating requests
• Values-driven selection: Avoid political or sectarian advocacy; focus on broadly beneficial, non-partisan initiatives serving vulnerable populations
• Four key funding areas: Concentrate on arts, education, environmental conservation, or social services for vulnerable populations to align with stated priorities

References

• The Weston Foundation official website - Mission page. https://thewestonfoundation.org/mission/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Weston Foundation official website - Home page. https://thewestonfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Weston Foundation official website - Application page. https://thewestonfoundation.org/application/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Weston Foundation official website - Grants page. https://thewestonfoundation.org/grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Roger L Weston Foundation (EIN: 88-3562857). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/883562857 (Accessed January 2026)
• Conservancy of Southwest Florida - Board of Directors. https://conservancy.org/about/board/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Crain's Chicago Business - "Roger Weston's Hinsdale mansion sells for $3.95 million" (Art Institute donor information)
• Crain's Chicago Business - "Charter One looks to get ahead with GreatBanc deal" (October 30, 2006)