Steele Family Foundation
The Steele Family Foundation (EIN 27-1690679) is a private family foundation based in Barrington, IL focused on education (WISE Scholarship), hospice/homeless services, and grassroots programs. The site includes a board/staff section, ‘Who We Fund’ information, and contact details, and indicates ongoing activity with recent content and a 2026 copyright. It states it does not accept unsolicited grant applications.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations or individuals connected to the foundation's scholarship work or existing relationships—scholarship administrators, nominated students, or community partners known to the board.
Good Fit
- • Direct alignment with college scholarship programs or nomination-based awards.
- • An existing relationship or referral from board members, advisers, or prior grantees.
- • Service in the geographic areas where recent grants were made (notably Iowa and nearby states).
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year were distributed across four states (IA, WI, NE, CO), with a strong concentration of dollars to Iowa (about two-thirds of 2024 giving).
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows five distinct recipients (all scholarship recipients or individual awards), with a mix of new (3) and returning (2) grantees over the two-year record; the portfolio is modest in size and focused in purpose, so variety is moderate.
New Applicants
The website and application information explicitly indicate the foundation makes only preselected awards and does not accept unsolicited applications; while new grantees did appear in 2024, the public record shows the entry route is invitation or internal selection rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
