The Weiner-ellman Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Its mission appears to focus on animal welfare, youth development, and addressing food insecurity, as evidenced by its funding to organizations such as animal shelters, job centers for youth, and food banks. The foundation serves a diverse range of populations and sectors, reflecting a commitment to community development and support for vulnerable groups. While it primarily operates in Illinois, it also provides assistance to organizations in other states, indicating a broader philanthropic reach.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small to mid‑sized local nonprofit (especially in Illinois or nearby states) focused on animal welfare, youth services, or community support that can be recommended or introduced through local relationships.
Good Fit
- • Local presence in Illinois or neighboring states (Indiana is a repeated focus).
- • Work in animal shelters/rescue, youth development, food or community services.
- • Project budgets consistent with many small grants (most grants under $5K, occasional larger recurring grant).
- • Existing or potential referral/introduction from a current grantee or local community intermediary.
- • Capacity to handle simple reporting and steward a relationship with a small private foundation.
Geography
Giving in the latest year reached five states, but funding is regionally concentrated: most dollars went to Illinois and Indiana, with one state receiving about 57% of the dollars.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent recipients each year (about 18–26 recipients annually, 25 in the latest year), showing a broad recipient set despite dollar concentration in a few large grants.
New Applicants
Filings state the funder generally supports preselected applicants and no public application route is visible, but the grants history shows new recipients each year (11 new in the latest year), so unfamiliar organizations can enter the portfolio but likely via referral or relationship rather than open solicitation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
