Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation | Foundation Profile

GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.

EIN: 20-0260049

Foundation Overview

Based in Antioch, IL, Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation has awarded 159 grants totaling $540,152 to organizations in Illinois, Wisconsin and 1 other state, plus international recipients. Individual grants range from $1,200 to $25,000, with a median award of $3,000.

Latest Tax Year
2024
Total Giving (all years)
$540,152
Total Assets
$1,408,783
Median Grant (all grants)
$3,000

Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot

Total Grants
16
Median Grant
$1,500
% Median Grant Decline
-63% (vs previous year)
Data extracted from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Last filing year: May 2026

Foundation Intelligence

Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies

New Applicant Friendliness
Closed Network: 13%

2 of 16 recipients (13%) were new grantees. Foundation maintains tight relationships with established partners. New applicants rarely succeed without insider connections.

Geographic Focus
Illinois

77% of all grants are concentrated in Illinois, demonstrating highly focused geographic giving. This foundation prioritizes deep community impact in its primary service area. Within Illinois, funding concentrates in Antioch (16%), Spring Grove (16%), Mchenry (16%).

Funding Trajectory
+103%

Strong 103% growth in annual giving over 9 years indicates expanding philanthropic capacity and increasing opportunities for grant seekers. This upward trajectory suggests growing foundation resources and commitment.

Program Areas
Community Projects + 3 others

Diversified giving across multiple program areas with primary emphasis on community projects (43%). This broad approach suggests openness to various causes and innovative cross-sector solutions.

Where is The Money Going?

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Grants & Funding

Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation's funding preferences, organizational priorities, and grant making patterns. This historical data helps potential applicants understand the foundation's strategic focus and identify successful funding approaches.

Name Amount Location Purpose Year
Fish Of Mchenry $1,500 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Community Food Pantry $1,500 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
St Francis De Sales $1,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $1,500 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2024
Grant Township $1,500 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Loaves & Fishes $1,500 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2024
Open Arms Mission $1,500 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Sharing Center $2,200 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2024
Warren Township Food Pantry $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Helping Hands $1,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $1,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2024
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility $1,500 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2024
St Vincent De Paul Society $1,500 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2024
The Chappel Community Care Center $1,500 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2024
Pm&l Theatre $1,500 Antioch, IL, US Community Care 2024
Ronald Mcdonald House Eastern Wi $22,500 Wauwatosa, WI, US Care Center 2024
Fish Of Mchenry $4,100 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Community Food Pantry $4,100 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
St Francis De Sales $4,100 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $4,100 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2023
Grant Township $4,100 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Loaves & Fishes $4,100 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2023
Open Arms Mission $4,100 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Sharing Center $4,100 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2023
Warren Township Food Pantry $4,100 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Helping Hands $4,100 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $4,100 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2023
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility $4,100 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2023
St Vincent De Paul Society $4,100 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2023
The Chappel Community Care Center $4,100 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2023
Fish Of Mchenry $1,200 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Community Food Pantry $1,200 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
St Francis De Sales $1,200 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $1,200 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Grant Township $1,200 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Loaves Fishes $1,200 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Open Arms Mission $1,200 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Sharing Center $6,200 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Warren Township Food Pantry $1,200 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Helping Hands $1,200 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $1,200 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $1,200 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2022
St Vincent De Paul Society $1,200 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2022
The Chappel Community Care Center $1,200 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2022
Us Pain Foundation Inc $25,000 West Hartford, CT, US Health Care Research 2022
Fish Of Mchenry $1,200 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Community Food Pantry $1,200 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
St Francis De Sales $1,200 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $1,200 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Grant Township $1,200 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Loaves Fishes $1,200 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Open Arms Mission $1,200 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Sharing Center $6,200 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2022
Warren Township Food Pantry $1,200 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Helping Hands $1,200 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $1,200 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2022
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $1,200 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2022
St Vincent De Paul Society $1,200 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2022
The Chappel Community Care Center $1,200 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2022
Us Pain Foundation Inc $25,000 West Hartford, CT, US Health Care Research 2022
Fish Of Mchenry $3,500 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Community Food Pantry $3,500 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
St Francis De Sales $3,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $3,500 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Grant Township $4,057 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Loaves Fishes $3,500 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Open Arms Mission $3,500 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Sharing Center $3,500 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Warren Township Food Pantry $3,500 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Helping Hands $3,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $3,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $3,500 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2021
St Vincent De Paul Society $3,500 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2021
The Chappel Community Care Center $3,500 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2021
Fish Of Mchenry $3,500 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Community Food Pantry $3,500 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
St Francis De Sales $3,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $3,500 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Grant Township $4,057 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Loaves Fishes $3,500 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Open Arms Mission $3,500 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Sharing Center $3,500 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2021
Warren Township Food Pantry $3,500 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Helping Hands $3,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $3,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2021
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $3,500 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2021
St Vincent De Paul Society $3,500 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2021
The Chappel Community Care Center $3,500 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2021
Fish Of Mchenry $4,500 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Community Food Pantry $4,500 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
St Francis De Sales $4,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $4,500 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2020
Grant Township $4,500 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Loaves Fishes $4,500 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2020
Open Arms Mission $4,500 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Sharing Center $4,500 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2020
Warren Township Food Pantry $4,500 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Helping Hands $4,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $4,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2020
Alzheimer's Association Greater Il $4,500 Chicago, IL, US Medial Research 2020
St Vincent De Paul Society $4,500 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2020
The Chappel Community Care Center $4,500 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2020
Fish Of Mchenry $4,000 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Community Food Pantry $4,000 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $4,000 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2019
Grant Township $4,000 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Loaves Fishes $4,000 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2019
Open Arms Mission $4,000 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Sharing Center $4,000 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2019
Warren Township Food Pantry $4,000 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Helping Hands $4,000 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $4,000 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
St Francis De Sales Food Pantry $4,000 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2019
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $4,000 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2019
St Vincent De Paul Society $4,000 Libertyville, IL, US Food Pantry 2019
The Chappel Community Care Center $4,000 Mchenry, IL, US Care Center 2019
American Brain Tumor Association $25,000 Chicago, IL, US Brain Tumor Research 2019
Fish Of Mchenry $2,700 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Community Food Pantry $2,700 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Cool Food Pantry $2,700 Waukegan, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
St Francis De Sales $2,700 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $2,700 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2017
Grant Township $2,700 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Loaves Fishes $2,700 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2017
Open Arms Mission $2,700 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Sharing Center $2,700 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2017
Warren Township Food Pantry $2,700 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Helping Hands $2,700 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
St Peters St Vincent Depaul $2,700 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
St Francis De Sales Food Pantry $2,700 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2017
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibili $1,500 Antioch, IL, US Healthcare Assistance 2017
Blessing In A Backpack $2,238 Chicago, IL, US Food For Childhood Hunger 2017
Fish Of Mchenry $3,000 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Community Food Pantry $3,000 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Cool Food Pantry $3,000 Waukegan, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
St Francis De Sales $3,000 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
St Peters Food Basket $3,000 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $3,000 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2016
Grant Township $3,000 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Loaves Fishes $3,000 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2016
Open Arms Mission $3,000 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Sharing Center $3,000 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2016
Warren Township Food Pantry $3,000 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Helping Hands $3,000 Fox Lake, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
St Vincent De Paul $3,000 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2016
Fish Of Mchenry $1,500 Mchenry, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Community Food Pantry $1,500 Richmond, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Cool Food Pantry $1,500 Waukegan, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
St Francis De Sales $1,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
St Peters Food Basket $1,500 Spring Grove, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Twin Lakes Area Food Pantry $1,500 Twin Lakes, WI, US Food For Poor 2015
Grant Township $1,500 Ingleside, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Loaves Fishes $1,500 Genoa City, WI, US Food For Poor 2015
Open Arms Mission $1,500 Antioch, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Sharing Center $1,500 Trevor, WI, US Food For Poor 2015
Warren Township Food Pantry $1,500 Gurnee, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Helping Hands $1,500 Fox Lake, IL, US Food For Poor 2015
Junta De Educacion Escula Nazario $3,000 Puriscal, PIEDADES DE BARBA, CS Education 2015
St Vincent De Paul $1,500 Lake Zurich, IL, US Food For Poor 2015

Foundations Similar to Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation

Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($1,392,501-$1,426,405), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in IL that may also align with your organization's funding needs and grant seeking strategy.

Foundation Name Total Assets Typical Grant Size Service Area Similarity Match

EIN: 37-1989171 | 28 grants awarded
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median grant
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Same state
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EIN: 36-1970628 | 70 grants awarded
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$2,840
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EIN: 20-6093255 | 44 grants awarded
$1,416,933
(≈ Similar)
$2,750
median grant
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Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 82-3031451 | 63 grants awarded
$1,392,501
(≈ Similar)
$5,000
median grant
Rock Island, IL
Same state
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EIN: 20-2061966 | 132 grants awarded
$1,426,405
(≈ Similar)
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median grant
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Contact Information

Official contact details for Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.

EIN 20-0260049
Website http://thelenfoundation.org
Address 28955 W IL ROUTE 173 Antioch, IL 60002-9101

Key People (5)

Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.

President Jacob Miles
Treasurer Matt Thelen
Secretary Peggy Miles
Board Member Peggy Volpe
Board Member John Thelen

Forms 990-PF

IRS Form 990-PF filings provide comprehensive financial information, grant details, and operational data. These documents are essential resources for understanding foundation capacity, giving patterns, and strategic priorities.

Form 990-PF Research Tips
  • Review Part XV for detailed grant recipient information and funding purposes
  • Check Part I for total assets, annual giving amounts, and payout requirements
  • Examine Part VIII for key personnel compensation and board structure
  • Look for trends across multiple years to understand giving patterns

About This Foundation Profile

This comprehensive foundation profile for Vern & Bunny Thelen Family Foundation is powered by Grant Bay's advanced foundation research platform. Our system analyzes IRS Form 990-PF filings, grant histories, and philanthropic patterns to provide nonprofit organizations with actionable intelligence for grant seeking success.

Data Sources & Accuracy

All information is derived from official IRS filings and public records. Grant Bay processes thousands of Form 990-PF documents to extract grant details, financial data, and organizational information. Data accuracy depends on foundation reporting quality and IRS filing completeness.

Research Applications

Use this profile for prospect research, grant strategy development, application preparation, and relationship building. Combine this data with additional research on foundation priorities, application processes, and board member backgrounds for comprehensive grant seeking strategies.

Data Currency: Last updated May 2026 based on IRS Form 990-PF filings. Foundation information reflects most recent available tax year data.