The Weary Family Foundation concentrates large, targeted gifts to establish endowed chairs and support institutional capacity in higher education and health care, with occasional capital support for facilities. Its giving is highly concentrated in a small number of multi‑million dollar grants, often repeating gifts to the same institutions and funding endowments or renovation/capital projects rather than many small programs.
A defining feature of The Weary Family Foundation’s giving is its use of large, repeated grants to build endowed chairs and other long-term institutional assets. The same pattern appears across higher education and health care, where the foundation has backed named endowments rather than one-off program awards. Its largest recent grants include $1,492,000 to Ohio State University Foundation for the Weary Fdtn Endowed Chair #484070 in both 2024 and 2025, and $1,492,000 to Ohio Health Foundation Janet W Bay Endowed Chair Fund in 2023. Those gifts sit alongside substantial support for Kansas institutions, including Kansas State University-related funds in Manhattan and facilities-oriented support such as the Wareham Hall Renovation Fund. The foundation’s portfolio shows a preference for institutional capacity, academic support, and capital projects over broad, small-dollar grantmaking. Recent awards also reach civic and public-welfare organizations, including the Junction City Family YMCA, The Crisis Center Inc, and The Homecare & Hospice Foundation, indicating that the foundation’s priorities extend beyond universities into community-serving infrastructure and services.
Educational support is a clear theme. The foundation gave $200,000 in 2023 and $160,000 in 2025 to KSU Foundation Excellence - Fund C31491, and it also supported KSU Foundation Mccain Auditorium Endowment - Fund C53375 with $155,000 in 2023 and $150,000 in both 2024 and 2025. Arts and campus heritage appear as well through $155,000 in 2023 and $150,000 in 2024 to KSU Beach Museum of Art Endowment - Fund C53370. Public-welfare support includes $100,000 in 2023 to The Crisis Center Inc and $75,000 in 2023 to The Homecare & Hospice Foundation, both in Manhattan. The foundation also funded community facilities and civic assets, including $240,000 in 2023 to Cl Hoover Opera House and $250,000 in both 2024 and 2025 to Wareham Hall Renovation Fund.
The foundation’s grant sizes are heavily weighted toward larger awards: p25 is $10,000, median is $30,000, and p75 is $100,000. The recent record also shows repeated support to the same recipients across multiple years, especially for endowments and capital projects, which points to recurring institutional funding rather than isolated gifts. Its structure and grantmaking profile align with a family foundation making general-operating and capacity-building awards. The recent grants list does not show an application process, and the giving is highly concentrated in Kansas recipients.
$3M
$9.7M
$2.8M
$3.1M
Most grants fall between $10K and $100K, with a median of $30K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$30K
75th Percentile
$100K
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Very concentrated, few large grants totaling multi‑million dollars; repeat funding to the same institutional grantees; preference for endowments and capital/capacity-building gifts rather than many small or programmatic grants.
Notable grantees: Ohio State University Foundation, OhioHealth Foundation (Janet W Bay Endowed Chair Fund), Wareham Hall Renovation Fund
Grants are overwhelmingly local: 96% of awards go to recipients in Kansas, and the recipient-country data shows all grants stayed in the United States. Manhattan is the main hub, with multiple awards to Kansas State University-related funds, Wareham Hall Renovation Fund, The Crisis Center Inc, The Homecare & Hospice Foundation, and Friends of McCain. Junction City also appears repeatedly through Cl Hoover Opera House and Junction City Family YMCA. Outside Kansas, the recent list includes Columbus, Ohio, through Ohio State University Foundation and Ohio Health Foundation.
The recent grants point to universities, health care institutions, and public-welfare organizations. Examples include Ohio State University Foundation and Ohio Health Foundation for endowed chair funds, plus Kansas-based recipients such as the Junction City Family YMCA, The Crisis Center Inc, and The Homecare & Hospice Foundation.
Typical grants cluster at larger levels: the p25 is $10,000, the median is $30,000, and the p75 is $100,000. The recent grants list also includes several much larger awards in the hundreds of thousands and above.
It shows repeated support to the same institutions across multiple years. Kansas State University-related funds, Wareham Hall Renovation Fund, and Junction City Family YMCA each appear in more than one grant year, often with the same or similar purpose.
Kansas is the main giving location. The data shows 96% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and the recent grants list is centered on Manhattan and Junction City, Kansas.
The pattern emphasizes endowed chairs, endowments, and renovation or capital projects. Recent examples include endowed chair funding at Ohio State University and Ohio Health, along with facility-oriented support such as Wareham Hall Renovation Fund and the Cl Hoover Opera House.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - WEARY FDTN ENDOWED CHAIR #484071 | COLUMBUS, OH | $1,492,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| WAREHAM HALL RENOVATION FUND | MANHATTAN, KS | $250,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE - FUND C31491 | MANHATTAN, KS | $160,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION MCCAIN AUDITORIUM ENDOWMENT - FUND C53375 | MANHATTAN, KS | $150,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU BEACH MUSEUM OF ART ENDOWMENT - FUND C53370 | MANHATTAN, KS | $150,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND D50834 | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| JUNCTION CITY FAMILY YMCA | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE HOMECARE & HOSPICE FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| FRIENDS OF MCCAIN - FUND #F17600 | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND C18010 | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| CL HOOVER OPERA HOUSE | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE CRISIS CENTER INC | MANHATTAN, KS | $35,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE CRISIS CENTER INC - BUILDING FUND | MANHATTAN, KS | $30,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE |
| RILEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY | MANHATTAN, KS | $30,000 | 2026 | ANIMAL WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND F40102 | MANHATTAN, KS | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| NO STONE UNTURNED FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| LITTLE THEATER FOUNDATION INC | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $19,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - BUILDING MAINTENANCE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND K94175 | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND Q38884 | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| KANSAS UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION | LAWRENCE, KS | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND 057594 | SHAWNEE MISSION, KS | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KHC FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| FRIENDS OF ANIMALS INC | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $5,000 | 2026 | TO FREE ANIMALS FROM CRUELTY & INSTITUTIONALIZED EXPLOITATION |
| BIG LAKES FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE |
| JUNCTION CITY GEARY COUNTY UNITED WAY | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $4,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - WEARY FDTN ENDOWED CHAIR #484070 | COLUMBUS, OH | $1,492,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| WAREHAM HALL RENOVATION FUND | MANHATTAN, KS | $250,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE - FUND C31491 | MANHATTAN, KS | $160,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND D50834 | MANHATTAN, KS | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION MCCAIN AUDITORIUM ENDOWMENT - FUND C53375 | MANHATTAN, KS | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU BEACH MUSEUM OF ART ENDOWMENT - FUND C53370 | MANHATTAN, KS | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND C18010 | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| FRIENDS OF MCCAIN - FUND #F17600 | MANHATTAN, KS | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| JUNCTION CITY FAMILY YMCA | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $90,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| CL HOOVER OPERA HOUSE | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE HOMECARE & HOSPICE FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE CRISIS CENTER INC - BUILDING FUND | MANHATTAN, KS | $35,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE |
| THE CRISIS CENTER INC | MANHATTAN, KS | $30,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| RILEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY | MANHATTAN, KS | $30,000 | 2025 | ANIMAL WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND F40102 | MANHATTAN, KS | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| NO STONE UNTURNED FOUNDATION | MANHATTAN, KS | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| LITTLE THEATER FOUNDATION INC | JUNCTION CITY, KS | $19,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - BUILDING MAINTENANCE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND Q38884 | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND K94175 | MANHATTAN, KS | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| KANSAS UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION | LAWRENCE, KS | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
| SYMPHONY IN THE FLINT HILLS | COTTONWOOD FALLS, KS | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE |
| KSU FOUNDATION - FUND N75783 | SHAWNEE MISSION, KS | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL |
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - WEARY FDTN ENDOWED CHAIR #484071
$1,492,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE - FUND C31491
$160,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION MCCAIN AUDITORIUM ENDOWMENT - FUND C53375
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU BEACH MUSEUM OF ART ENDOWMENT - FUND C53370
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND D50834
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
JUNCTION CITY FAMILY YMCA
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
THE HOMECARE & HOSPICE FOUNDATION
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
FRIENDS OF MCCAIN - FUND #F17600
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND C18010
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
CL HOOVER OPERA HOUSE
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE
THE CRISIS CENTER INC
$35,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
THE CRISIS CENTER INC - BUILDING FUND
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE
RILEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
$30,000ANIMAL WELFARE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND F40102
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
LITTLE THEATER FOUNDATION INC
$19,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND K94175
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND Q38884
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND 057594
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KHC FOUNDATION
$5,000SCHOLARSHIPS
FRIENDS OF ANIMALS INC
$5,000TO FREE ANIMALS FROM CRUELTY & INSTITUTIONALIZED EXPLOITATION
BIG LAKES FOUNDATION
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE
JUNCTION CITY GEARY COUNTY UNITED WAY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$4,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION - WEARY FDTN ENDOWED CHAIR #484070
$1,492,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION EXCELLENCE - FUND C31491
$160,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND D50834
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION MCCAIN AUDITORIUM ENDOWMENT - FUND C53375
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU BEACH MUSEUM OF ART ENDOWMENT - FUND C53370
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND C18010
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
FRIENDS OF MCCAIN - FUND #F17600
$100,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
JUNCTION CITY FAMILY YMCA
$90,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
CL HOOVER OPERA HOUSE
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE
THE HOMECARE & HOSPICE FOUNDATION
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
THE CRISIS CENTER INC - BUILDING FUND
$35,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - PUBLIC WELFARE
THE CRISIS CENTER INC
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
RILEY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
$30,000ANIMAL WELFARE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND F40102
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
LITTLE THEATER FOUNDATION INC
$19,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND Q38884
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
FLINT HILLS BREADBASKET
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND K94175
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL
SYMPHONY IN THE FLINT HILLS
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT -PUBLIC WELFARE
KSU FOUNDATION - FUND N75783
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - EDUCATIONAL