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E.L. Wiegand Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.7M
Grant Range
$5K - $1.0M

E.L. Wiegand Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,671,450 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $154 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,007,500
  • Geographic Focus: Nevada (primary), plus Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
  • Founded: 1982
  • EIN: 94-2839372

Contact Details

Address: 165 West Liberty Street, Suite 200, Reno, NV 89501-1915

Phone: 775-333-0310

Contact: Applications should be submitted via mail to the President and Executive Director

Note: The Foundation does not have a website

Overview

The E.L. Wiegand Foundation, established in 1982, is a private Nevada irrevocable trust created to implement the charitable objectives of founder Edwin L. Wiegand, a pioneer in the electrical heating industry who developed revolutionary resistance heating elements. With total assets of $154 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $5.7 million, the Foundation supports qualified charitable organizations across the western United States. The Foundation places particular emphasis on developing and strengthening institutional programs at educational and health institutions, with priority given to projects benefiting children. A portion of annual grants is dedicated to Roman Catholic charitable institutions to honor the founder's religious beliefs. Edwin L. Wiegand moved to Reno in 1971 and was a major benefactor of Saint Mary's Medical Center, the Diocese of Nevada, and the University of Nevada before his death in 1980. Former President Kristen Avansino stated, "Since 1982, the E.L. Wiegand Foundation has sought to pursue demonstrated excellence."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates on a rolling basis, accepting letters of inquiry throughout the year with no fixed deadlines.

General Grant Program: $5,000 - $1,007,500

  • Rolling application basis
  • Two-stage process: Letter of Inquiry followed by formal application if invited
  • Typical grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, though larger grants are awarded for major institutional projects

Priority Areas

Education

  • Science programs
  • Business education
  • Fine arts
  • Law schools
  • Medical education
  • Focus on developing and strengthening academic programs at established institutions

Health and Medical Research

  • Heart surgery, treatment, and research
  • Eye surgery, treatment, and research
  • Cancer surgery, treatment, and research
  • Programs benefiting children receive priority
  • Medical equipment and facilities

Catholic Organizations

  • Roman Catholic educational institutions
  • Diocese programs
  • Catholic healthcare facilities
  • Church facilities and programs

Arts and Cultural Affairs

  • Museum collections and programs
  • Cultural preservation
  • Arts education
  • The Foundation formerly operated Arte Italia, an Italian cultural center in Reno (2008-2025)

Civic and Community Affairs

  • Youth programs
  • Community development
  • Transportation for nonprofit services

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation explicitly excludes:

  • Endowment funds
  • Debt reduction
  • Ordinary operating expenses
  • General fundraising campaigns
  • Emergency funding
  • Multi-year funding commitments
  • Documentary, film, or media productions
  • Direct or indirect loans
  • Benefits for specific individuals
  • Organizations receiving significant United Way or public tax support
  • Organizations with beneficiaries of their own choosing
  • Federal, state, or local government agencies
  • Organizations in existence for less than five years

Governance and Leadership

Raymond C. Avansino Jr. - Chair, CEO, and Chief Investment Officer (since 1982)

  • Also known as "Skip" Avansino
  • Has led the Foundation since its establishment
  • Compensation: $390,000 (2024)

Marisa Avansino - Vice-Chair, President, and Executive Director

  • Compensation: $220,000 (2024)

Calgary A. Avansino - Vice-Chair, President, and Executive Director

  • Compensation: $220,000 (2024)

Former Leadership: Kristen Avansino - President & Executive Director (deceased May 2022)

  • Stated the Foundation's mission: "Since 1982, the E.L. Wiegand Foundation has sought to pursue demonstrated excellence"
  • Also served as Executive Director of the Edwin L. Wiegand Trust
  • Noted that the Foundation had donated $50 million to causes around Nevada

The Foundation is governed by the Avansino family, who have stewarded Edwin L. Wiegand's philanthropic legacy for over four decades.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The E.L. Wiegand Foundation uses a two-stage application process:

Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry

Submit a letter of inquiry via mail to the President and Executive Director. The letter should briefly describe your organization and proposed request, including:

  • Brief history of organization and description of mission
  • Detailed description of project and amount of funding requested
  • Copy of IRS Determination Letter
  • Timetable for implementation and evaluation of project
  • Copy of current year's organizational budget and/or project budget
  • Copy of most recent annual report/audited financial statement/990

Stage 2: Formal Application (if invited)

If staff determines the proposal warrants further review, a numbered Application for Grant form will be forwarded to the applicant. Complete the application according to instructions provided in the accompanying informational booklet and return to the Foundation for detailed consideration.

Submission: Letters of inquiry are accepted throughout the year with no specific deadlines. Applicants will be notified of submission deadlines if they receive an Application for Grant form.

Decision Timeline

The Foundation uses a rolling review process. Specific timelines are not publicly disclosed, but the process involves:

  1. Staff review of initial letter of inquiry
  2. Invitation to submit formal application (if warranted)
  3. Detailed consideration of full application
  4. Board decision

Applicants should allow adequate time for this multi-stage review process.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Foundation distributed $5.7 million across grants in 2023, with recent data showing selective grantmaking. The Foundation's emphasis on "demonstrated excellence" and the two-stage application process suggests competitive selection.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation accepts inquiries on a rolling basis throughout the year. Information about reapplication waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly specified. Organizations may submit new letters of inquiry as appropriate for different projects.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Founder's Values The Foundation honors Edwin L. Wiegand's legacy and beliefs, particularly support for Roman Catholic institutions. Understanding the founder's history as a self-taught engineer and inventor who valued the "work ethic in American art" provides context for the Foundation's priorities.

Institutional Excellence and Stability The Foundation requires organizations to be in existence for at least five years, demonstrating a preference for established institutions. President Kristen Avansino's statement about "pursuing demonstrated excellence" indicates high standards for organizational quality and program outcomes.

Focus on Children and Education Priority is given to programs benefiting children, particularly in healthcare and education. Recent grants include:

  • $1,007,500 to Carroll College for the E.L. Wiegand Nursing Simulation Center
  • $169,000 to Gonzaga University School of Nursing for training equipment
  • $70,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada for transportation vans
  • $500,000 to UNR Medicine and Renown Health for pediatric programs

Capital and Equipment Needs The Foundation has funded major capital projects and equipment purchases rather than operating expenses. Examples include:

  • $8 million for the E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center at University of Nevada, Reno
  • Medical simulation equipment for nursing programs
  • Transportation vehicles for youth programs

Geographic Proximity to Reno While the Foundation supports organizations across seven western states, there is particular accessibility for Reno-area grant seekers. As one source noted, "Even though this foundation does not have a big online presence, it is actually quite accessible for Reno-area grant seekers, especially ones affiliated with the Catholic faith."

Strong Institutional Partnerships The Foundation has provided sustained support to select institutions over time. Carroll College received over $2.8 million across 30 years for science, engineering, and nursing initiatives, demonstrating the value of developing long-term relationships.

Clear Project Definition Successful applications clearly articulate project scope, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. The Foundation seeks proposals for specific programs and projects rather than general support.

Catholic Affiliation Advantage Organizations with Catholic affiliation or those serving Catholic communities align with the founder's directive to "foster the religious beliefs of E.L. Wiegand." Historical major gifts include the Chapel and Pediatric Wing at Saint Mary's Medical Center and facilities for the Diocese of Nevada.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Five-year minimum: Only organizations in existence for at least five years are eligible—newer organizations should not apply
  • Project-specific funding: Focus on discrete projects with clear outcomes, equipment needs, or capital improvements rather than general operating support
  • Geographic strategy: Nevada organizations, particularly those in Reno, have strategic advantage; organizations in other eligible states (Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington) should demonstrate strong alignment with priorities
  • Children as beneficiaries: Programs serving children, especially in education and healthcare, receive priority consideration
  • Catholic connections: Organizations with Catholic affiliation or serving Catholic communities should highlight this connection
  • Two-stage patience: Be prepared for a multi-stage process beginning with a letter of inquiry; not all inquiries will be invited to submit full applications
  • Excellence matters: The Foundation seeks "demonstrated excellence"—emphasize track record, outcomes, institutional quality, and leadership strength
  • Build relationships: With no website and emphasis on personal relationships, consider phone contact (775-333-0310) to discuss project fit before submitting formal inquiry
  • Capital over operating: Focus on transformational projects, equipment, facilities, and capacity-building rather than ongoing operational needs
  • Western focus: Multi-state organizations should emphasize programs and beneficiaries in the seven-state western region

References

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