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Widen Family Foundation Inc. is a private corporation based in COTTAGE GROVE, WI. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2022. It holds total assets of $9.5M. Annual income is reported at $2.4M. The foundation is governed by 7 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2021 to 2024. Grantmaking is concentrated in Wisconsin. According to available records, Widen Family Foundation Inc. has made 102 grants totaling $1.7M, with a median grant of $10K. Annual giving has grown from $154K in 2021 to $550K in 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $1M distributed across 54 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $100K, with an average award of $17K. The foundation has supported 66 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Wisconsin, Arizona, Minnesota, which account for 96% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 5 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
The Widen Family Foundation is a family-led private grantmaking foundation (IRS NTEE T20) founded in October 2021, based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin (PO Box 163, 53527). It is governed by a board of family members and close advisors: Leanne Widen (President), Reed Widen (Founder), Jenna Vial (Vice President), Ali Widen (Secretary), Jesse Widen and Cody Vial (Co-Treasurers), with Steve Vial and Barb Beckett as Advisors. Mission per the foundation's own website: "Supporting Our Community through charitable giving" via three explicit program pillars — (1) Education: scholarships and programs that promote educational advancement for disadvantaged groups, (2) Small Business Support: reducing barriers of opportunity by working with nonprofits that create and support entrepreneurship, (3) Community Advocacy: safe and affordable housing, child welfare, basic needs, human services, and neighborhood vibrancy. Geographic focus is "our local community" — the Madison / Cottage Grove / Dane County WI area. Unlike most family foundations in its asset-size peer group, Widen operates an OPEN public grant application process with published timelines, making it one of the more accessible small Wisconsin foundations for Dane County nonprofits.
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and the foundation's own site, Widen filed its first 990 series returns covering 2021, 2022, and 2023 — it is a relatively young foundation (IRS ruling May 2022, though first-seeded October 2021). Year-end net assets: $9.97M (2021), $8.60M (2022), $9.20M (2023), $9.53M (YE 2024). FY2024 revenue of $2.37M indicates the foundation is either receiving ongoing contributions from the Widen family (likely, given Reed Widen is listed as Founder and the foundation is only ~4 years old) or experienced strong investment gains. Stated program pillars are three clear buckets (Education, Small Business Support, Community Advocacy). The foundation has publicly stated it gives "lower priority" to capital campaigns and staff salaries — a preference for programmatic, project-based grants rather than general operating / infrastructure support. Grant sizes and specific recipient information are not extracted into ProPublica's summary; the 990-PF PDF will contain the grantee schedule. Payment is by check, issued after grantee confirmation of receipt of the award notification.
| Foundation | State | Net Assets (2024) | Founded | Open Application | Board Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widen Family Foundation | WI | $9.53M | 2021 | Yes — annual cycle | 8 (family + advisors) |
| Suskin Foundation | WA | $12.08M | 2000 | No | 3 (family only) |
| Jumping Mouse Foundation | CO | $9.99M | 2011 | No | 2 (couple) |
| Hawkins Foundation Inc | GA | $9.72M | 1998 | No | 1 (director) |
| Luminate Foundation Inc | NY | $11.03M | 2019 | Yes — accelerator cohort | Cohort-based |
Widen is the only traditional philanthropic grantmaker in this peer group with a public open application process. Among similar-size Dane County / south-central Wisconsin family foundations it is one of the newer (founded 2021) and more transparent vehicles. Its three-pillar structure and larger advisory board (8 members, not just immediate family) make governance somewhat more diversified than pure family-trust peers.
2026 Grant Cycle is currently OPEN as of January 1, 2026 and closes June 15, 2026 (the foundation reserves the right to close the window early if application volume exceeds capacity). Period 1 award notifications sent by June 30, 2026. The foundation also operates a later Period 2 with notifications by November 30, suggesting a two-round annual calendar. Payments are made by check after grantee confirmation. FY2024 ended with net assets of $9.53M. Board composition (Leanne Widen Pres, Reed Widen Founder, Jenna Vial VP, Ali Widen Sec, Jesse Widen / Cody Vial Co-Treasurers, plus advisors Steve Vial and Barb Beckett) is publicly listed on the foundation's About page. The foundation is listed in Wisconsin's nonprofit registry and runs a live News page. The foundation has an info@widenfamilyfoundation.org contact address and maintains a straightforward Squarespace-hosted website.
This is one of the more applicant-friendly family foundations of its size — use the public process. (1) Map your proposal explicitly to one of the three stated pillars: Education (scholarships / education for disadvantaged groups), Small Business Support (nonprofits supporting entrepreneurship), or Community Advocacy (housing, child welfare, basic needs, neighborhood quality). Proposals that straddle categories without fitting one cleanly are at a disadvantage. (2) Avoid framing the request as capital campaign support or staff salaries — the foundation explicitly states these receive lower priority. Frame for specific project deliverables instead. (3) Geographic fit: prioritize Dane County / Cottage Grove / Madison WI — the mission repeatedly emphasizes "our local community." National or out-of-state requests are unlikely to succeed. (4) Apply early in the 2026 cycle — the foundation can close the window early if volume exceeds capacity, so do not wait until June 15. (5) Have your 501(c)(3) determination letter ready — it must be emailed prior to funding. (6) Expect a 6–8 week notification window (June 30 or November 30 depending on round). (7) Be ready to confirm receipt of notification within 30 days; failure to confirm will cause the grant to be reassigned to another applicant. (8) Do NOT use funds for anything outside the approved project description — material deviations trigger repayment obligations.
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Smallest Grant
$1K
Median Grant
$10K
Average Grant
$15K
Largest Grant
$58K
Based on 10 grants from the most recent 990-PF filing.
No program descriptions are available for this foundation. Many private foundations report program activities in their annual 990-PF filings — check the Tax Filings section below for the most recent filing.
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and the foundation's own site, Widen filed its first 990 series returns covering 2021, 2022, and 2023 — it is a relatively young foundation (IRS ruling May 2022, though first-seeded October 2021). Year-end net assets: $9.97M (2021), $8.60M (2022), $9.20M (2023), $9.53M (YE 2024). FY2024 revenue of $2.37M indicates the foundation is either receiving ongoing contributions from the Widen family (likely, given Reed Widen is listed as Founder and the foundation is on.
Widen Family Foundation Inc. has distributed a total of $1.7M across 102 grants. The median grant size is $10K, with an average of $17K. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $100K.
The Widen Family Foundation is a family-led private grantmaking foundation (IRS NTEE T20) founded in October 2021, based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin (PO Box 163, 53527). It is governed by a board of family members and close advisors: Leanne Widen (President), Reed Widen (Founder), Jenna Vial (Vice President), Ali Widen (Secretary), Jesse Widen and Cody Vial (Co-Treasurers), with Steve Vial and Barb Beckett as Advisors. Mission per the foundation's own website: "Supporting Our Community through c.
Widen Family Foundation Inc. is headquartered in COTTAGE GROVE, WI. While based in WI, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 5 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Baxter | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jenna Vial | VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Reed Widen | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Cody Vial | TREASURER/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Leanne Widen | PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Allison Widen | SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jesse Widen | TREASURER/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
N/A
Total Assets
$9.5M
Fair Market Value
N/A
Net Worth
$9.5M
Grants Paid
N/A
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
N/A
Distribution Amount
N/A
Total Grants
102
Total Giving
$1.7M
Average Grant
$17K
Median Grant
$10K
Unique Recipients
66
Most Common Grant
$10K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Home Dane CountySUPPORT FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN IN MADISON | Madison, WI | $80K | 2023 |
| Aly Wolff Foundation IncNEUROENDOCRINE CANCER RESEARCH | Cottage Grove, WI | $50K | 2023 |
| Wayforward ResourcesFOOD AND HOUSING SECURITY | Middleton, WI | $50K | 2023 |
| Goodman Community CenterCOMMUNITY RESOURCES | Madison, WI | $25K | 2023 |
| Ywca MadisonCOMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR UNHOUSED PEOPLE | Madison, WI | $25K | 2023 |
| Logan'S Heart And SmilesHOME MODIFICATIONS FOR ACCESSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN IN WISCONSIN | Madison, WI | $25K | 2023 |
| Time On The WaterFISHING TRIPS FOR VETERANS AND OTHER HEROES | St Paul, MN | $20K | 2023 |
| Operation Fresh StartEMPOWERING EMERGING ADULTS TOWARD SELF-SUFFICIENCY | Madison, WI | $20K | 2023 |
| Specialty Care Free ClinicSPECIALTY MEDICAL CARE FOR UNINSURED PATIENTS | Madison, WI | $17K | 2023 |
| Cornerstones Of Grace IncSUPPORT FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN CRISIS | Cottage Grove, WI | $16K | 2023 |
| Black Girl Magic Educational Services IncOPPORTUNITIES FOR BLACK GIRLS | Madison, WI | $15K | 2023 |
| St Luke'S Lutheran Church - Luke'S ClosetCLOTHING FOR FOSTER CHILDREN AND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES | Middleton, WI | $12K | 2023 |
| Musically FedFOOD DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION SUPPORT | Scottsdale, AZ | $10K | 2023 |
| Lassid Ministries Inc (Aka Convergence Resource Center)REBUILDING LIFE AFTER TRAUMA FOR FEMALE TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS | Milwaukee, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Lov IncINCLUSIVENESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Salvation Army Of Dane CountySOCIAL SERVICES FOR HUNGRY AND HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Madison Reading Project IncLITERACY RESOURCES | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Playing Field IncBREAKING BARRIERS FOR HIGH QUALITY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Bikes For Kids Wisconsin IncACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Mentoring PositivesYOUTH DEVELOPMENT | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Easter Seals Wisconsin IncCOMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Expo Of Wisconsin Inc (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing)CHALLENGE INJUSTICES IN WISCONSIN'S PENAL SYSTEM | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Common Threads Family Resource CenterNEURODIVERSITY RESPECT | Madison, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Monona Grove Education FoundationWEEKEND SNACK PACK | Monona, WI | $10K | 2023 |
| Dogs In VestsSERVICE DOGS FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IN WISCONSIN | Palmyra, WI | $9K | 2023 |
| Extended Hands Food PantryFOOD DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT | Madison, WI | $8K | 2023 |
| Girls On The RunTEACH CRITICAL LIFE SKILLS | Madison, WI | $8K | 2023 |
| Madison Public Schools Foundation IncEDUCATIONAL SUPPORT | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Second Harvest Food BankCOMMUNITY FOOD BANK | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Community Action Coalition For South Central Wisconsin IncEND POVERTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL WISCONSIN | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Community Support NetworkDAY-TIME SERIVCES TO INDIVIDUAL WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Wisconsin Women'S NetworkADVANCEMENT FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS IN WISCONSIN | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Maydm IncYOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR STEM CAREERS FOR GIRLS AND YOUTH OF COLOR | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Family Works Programs IncLICENSE, TRAIN AND SUPPORT FOSTER PARENTS | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Center For Deaf-Blind PersonsSERVICES FOR DEAF-BLIND PERSONS | West Allis, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Gigi'S Playhouse MadisonDOWN SYNDROME SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES | Madison, WI | $5K | 2023 |
| Center For Community Stewardship IncGET KIDS OUTSIDE | Madison, WI | $4K | 2023 |
| Ymca Of Dane CountyCOMMUNITY SUPPORT - EAST YMCA | Madison, WI | $3K | 2023 |
| Centro HispanoCAPITAL PROJECT SUPPORT | Madison, WI | $100K | 2022 |
| Madison-Area Urban Ministry Inc (Dba Just Dane)RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS RETURNING TO THE COMMUNITY AFTER INCARCERATION | Madison, WI | $70K | 2022 |
| Urban League Of Greater MadisonFAMILY SUPPORT BUILDING ROADS TO ECONOMIC SUCCESS | Madison, WI | $70K | 2022 |
| Middleton Outreach MinistryCOMMUNITY SUPPORT | Middleton, WI | $50K | 2022 |
| Fort Littlegreen Gardens IncYOUTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONAL DAY CAMPS | Stoughton, WI | $30K | 2022 |
| Living Our Visions IncSUPPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES | Madison, WI | $25K | 2022 |
MILWAUKEE, WI
WAUKESHA, WI
MILWAUKEE, WI