The Wendell And Celia Ellis Family
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily through general contributions to various charitable entities. Its mission appears to focus on aiding religious institutions, as evidenced by significant funding to the Lester Memorial United Methodist Church, alongside support for community service organizations like the United Way of Central Alabama and human services entities such as the Blount County Children's Center. The foundation primarily serves organizations within Alabama, reflecting a commitment to local community needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small, local Alabama organization—often a church or community service provider in Oneonta/Blount County—with an existing relationship or local referral to the foundation or its officers.
Good Fit
- • Based in Oneonta or Blount County, Alabama
- • Strong ties or referral from local community leaders or the foundation’s officers
- • Requesting general operating or broad program support rather than an experimental pilot
- • Religious institution or established local human-services provider
Geography
Observed giving is geographically concentrated in Alabama (latest year entirely in AL) with most activity centered in Oneonta, indicating a local footprint.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the fund made five grants to only two distinct recipients (three recipients across the two-year window), and one recipient received repeated large grants, so the observed recipient set is narrow.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly indicates it funds only preselected applicants and the two-year grant history shows heavy reliance on repeat or invited recipients; while one new recipient appeared in the latest year, direct evidence that unfamiliar applicants can routinely enter the portfolio is lacking.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
