L. E. Phillips Family Foundation

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OVERVIEW: The L. E. Phillips Family Foundation supports Jewish causes, higher education, arts and culture, human services, health, education and youth in Wisconsin.

IP TAKE: This low-key funder focuses on Wisconsin and is open to receiving unsolicited requests for a wide variety of interest areas.

PROFILE: Established in 1942, the L. E. Phillips Family Foundation is a family foundation based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Born in Lithuania and coming to Eau Claire in 1923, Lewis Edward (L.E.) Phillips was the president of the Presto pressure cooker company and a philanthropist. He also established the Presto Foundation as the charitable arm of the National Presto Industries. The L.E. Family Foundation is “devoted exclusively for charitable purposes, legally recognized as such, including such religious, charitable, scientific and educational purposes.” It funds local efforts for Jewish causes, higher education, human services, arts and culture, health, education and youth.

The L. E. Phillips Family Foundation does not have its own website, but is instead only described in a short section of the L.E. Phillips website that details charitable donations. Since the founder’s death, the foundation has continued its grantmaking practices through members of the Phillips family. In its annual giving, the foundation supports a broad range of interests but keeps most of its attention locally focused in Wisconsin. Many grants are for general operating funds.

Grants range between about $500 and $25,000. In a recent year, the foundation awarded over $6 million in grants, gifts and contributions. Grantmaking focuses on Chippewa Valley and Eau Claire in Northwestern Wisconsin. Past local grantees include St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, the Eau Claire Vocational School and the Chippewa Valley Museum. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Grantseekers should call or write to Mary Jo Cohen at the foundation to request the application guidelines. Submissions are typically due in January. Direct general questions to the staff at 715-89-2139.

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