The Wheeler Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2005 in Rankin, Illinois, following the deaths of Charles and Maxine Wheeler. The foundation was created to continue the legacy of the Wheelers, who dedicated their lives to enriching and empowering students with learning and behavioral challenges. From 1964 to 2002, Charles and Maxine Wheeler operated the Wheeler Home Farm School in Rankin, Illinois, a residential facility serving students with special needs. Maxine was a special education teacher and Charles was a psychologist. The foundation carries forward their vision of supporting individuals with disabilities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$22.7M
-1.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.3M
+68.9% YoY
Grant Count
19
+35.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$121K
+24.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is to fund educational initiatives and support for individuals with special needs and learning challenges. Key funding areas include:
- Special education programs and services
- Educational scholarships and student support
- Charitable education purposes
- Support for organizations serving individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$10,000–$748,000
Average Grant
amount: approximately $97,518
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in east central Illinois and west central Indiana.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total assets: $23,109,345
- Total revenue: $13,546,542
- Total expenses: $1,797,186
- Total liabilities: $0
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $22,690,389
- Total giving: $2,306,542
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $22,690,389 | $23,109,345 | $20,010,920 |
| Revenue | $2,244,406 | $13,546,542 | $12,904,443 |
| Expenses | $2,662,766 | $1,797,186 | $1,073,435 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,334,048 | $1,373,719 | $598,592 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,879,919 | $1,819,617 | $12,429,600 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,652,492 | $1,484,380 | $833,388 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
56 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISTINE MCTAGGERT | DIRECTOR | 1 | $200 |
| LYNN MAGERS | TREASURER | 2 | $1,300 |
| DENNIS WEBER | DIRECTOR | 1 | $300 |
| HEATHER LANE | SECRETARY | 2 | $1,800 |
| BOB SWIRES | PRESIDENT | 5 | $1,300 |
| SARAH WILSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | $300 |
| JERRY MCGLAUGHLIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $250 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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