Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Wheeler Foundation
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Wheeler Foundation is a private charitable foundation based in Illinois that provides grants to schools, nonprofits, government agencies and vocational programs serving children and adults with physical or mental disabilities in Vermilion County and surrounding areas. Funding supports educational, therapeutic, and recreational projects and equipment. View Wheeler Foundation's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 6, 2026
About Wheeler Foundation
What is the mission of Wheeler Foundation?
The Wheeler Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support to institutions and organizations that educate, train and support children and adults who are mentally and/or physically disabled, particularly in Vermilion County, Illinois and adjacent areas.
What type of organization is Wheeler Foundation?
Wheeler Foundation is a Foundation.
What is Wheeler Foundation's official website?
Wheeler Foundation's official website is http://wheelerfoundation.org/.
What else should I know about Wheeler Foundation?
Role of the Wheeler Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Wheeler Foundation is a family-founded charitable foundation that focuses its grantmaking on improving the lives of children and adults with physical or mental disabilities. Rooted in the legacy of Charles and Maxine Wheeler and their former special education school and farm program in Illinois, the foundation now channels its resources into organizations that provide education, training, therapeutic support and inclusive recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.
The foundation primarily serves Vermilion County, Illinois, and contiguous areas. It supports both public and private institutions, including schools and classrooms, 501(c)(3) charities, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies and vocational programs working directly with disabled individuals. The foundation explicitly does not fund individuals and does not cover routine operating expenses or ongoing program costs.
Types of projects and funding priorities
The Wheeler Foundation funds concrete projects and equipment that enhance learning, accessibility, independence and quality of life. Examples highlighted on its site include:
- Technology for classrooms and therapy, such as robots for autism, computers, tablets and educational software or apps.
- Curriculum resources, including specialized reading programs, social–emotional learning tools and books.
- Adaptive and specialized equipment such as stand-up and pedal desks, exercise balls, wobble chairs, alternative seating and other tools that support focus, mobility and inclusion.
- Collaboration with other organizations on larger vocational or recreational projects designed to better serve people with disabilities.
Funding is typically provided on a reimbursement basis. Approved grantees purchase the items or implement the project, then submit paid invoices and receipts to receive reimbursement up to the approved grant amount.
Application process and general criteria
The Wheeler Foundation operates a structured, board-driven application process. The board meets quarterly, generally in February, May, August and November. Each meeting has a corresponding application deadline several weeks earlier. Applications received after the due date are automatically carried forward to the next board meeting.
Applicants must submit a written application by mail, using the foundation’s application form and including required documentation such as IRS determination letters (for private entities), governing board lists, project budgets, recent financial statements and, for schools, a letter of support from the district superintendent. After submission, the foundation sends an acknowledgment letter, reviews the request at a board meeting and notifies applicants of funding decisions in writing.
There is no fixed maximum grant amount, and organizations may apply as often as they wish. However, projects are expected to be time-limited, and the foundation does not commit to ongoing or operating funding. Follow-up reporting is required so the foundation can monitor how awarded funds are used and assess their impact on the disabled communities served.
Publics served and impact
Through its targeted funding, the Wheeler Foundation aims to continue the Wheelers’ original vision of making students and adults with disabilities feel valued, capable and included. By supporting adaptive classrooms, specialized curricula, vocational initiatives and accessible recreation, the foundation helps local organizations deliver practical, high-impact services to disabled individuals in and around Vermilion County.