Building Stronger Communities Together

Empowering Futures, Enriching Lives

Every family deserves a chance to thrive. Every young person deserves someone who believes in them. Every community deserves the resources to grow.

The Westall Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting youth, supporting small businesses, and providing a lifeline to families in need across Illinois and Wisconsin.

β€œIn the garden of humanity, every hand that nurtures, every heart that cares, and every act of kindness plants the seed of a brighter tomorrow.”

Who We Are

A Beacon of Hope and a Catalyst for Change

At the Westall Family Foundation, we are dedicated to uplifting communities across the nation. Founded on the principles of compassion, empowerment, and innovation, our mission is to uplift the lives of youth, support burgeoning small businesses, and provide a lifeline to underprivileged families.

We believe in the power of collective action and the profound impact it can have on creating sustainable, positive change. Through strategic partnerships, thoughtful investments, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, we strive to dismantle barriers and unlock potential.

Explore our mission pillars

Our Approach

Transformative change comes from a thoughtful, inclusive, and collaborative approach. We listen to communities, understand their unique challenges, and respond with innovative, sustainable solutions.

  • Co-create programs with local leaders and organizations
  • Strategic investments that catalyze growth
  • Emphasis on capacity building and education
  • Transparency, accountability, and continuous learning

Youth & Families

Mentoring young people and supporting families through critical moments

Small Business

Helping entrepreneurs build enterprises that strengthen local economies

IL & WI Communities

Focused impact in the communities where we live and serve

Our Focus Areas

Building Blocks for a Better World

Six interconnected pillars guide our work and ensure our impact reaches every corner of the communities we serve.

πŸŽ“

Youth Empowerment

Investing in the next generation through mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities that help young people discover their potential and build the skills to succeed.

🀝

Community Collaboration

Fostering partnerships between organizations, leaders, and community members to create collective solutions that address shared challenges and amplify impact.

πŸ“š

Educational Initiatives

Supporting access to quality education and learning resources that open doors, broaden horizons, and create pathways to opportunity for underserved populations.

🏠

Family Assistance

Providing critical support to underprivileged families through programs that address immediate needs while building long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

🌱

Sustainable Development

Championing initiatives that create lasting, positive change in communities β€” building infrastructure, capacity, and resilience for generations to come.

πŸ’Ό

Small Business Support

Empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources, knowledge, and funding they need to build thriving enterprises that strengthen local economies.

Leadership

Meet Our Founder

Chris Westall β€” Founder of the Westall Family Foundation

Chris Westall

Founder & President

A pillar of both the business and philanthropic communities, Chris brings over 25 years of driving success in various leadership roles β€” from strategy and products to operations and finance. Beyond accolades and achievements, Chris is deeply motivated by the power of giving back.

Active Volunteer

Dedicated countless hours to the Primo Center for Women & Children, the Ronald McDonald House, and other organizations close to his heart.

Generous Giving

Understands the transformative power of financial support, making a difference through donations to many organizations.

Passionate Advocate

Champions causes through board of director roles and continued efforts to bring community leaders and members into the foundation's work.

β€œChris envisions the foundation as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential.”

Grants Program

Empowering Change, One Grant at a Time

We invite nonprofit organizations aligned with our mission to apply for funding through our annual grants program. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Next application period opens December 1

Application Timeline

December 1

Applications Open

Submit your proposal online

February 28

Applications Close

Deadline at midnight

March – April

Review Period

Thorough evaluation of all proposals

May

Awards Announced

Grant recipients notified

Eligibility & Details

Who Can Apply

Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations only. Individual requests are not eligible.

Areas of Focus

Education, youth programs, small businesses, and underprivileged families.

Funding Range

$1,000 to $5,000 per grant. Requests beyond the upper limit will not be considered.

Geographic Focus

Currently focused in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Application Frequency

Previous recipients welcome to apply each year. One proposal per cycle per organization.

Questions?

Reach out to grant-info@westallfamilyfoundation.org for guidance.

Get In Touch

We'd Love to Hear From You

Questions, comments, or requests? Whether you're interested in our grants program, want to make a donation, or simply want to learn more about our work, feel free to reach out.

Focus Area

Illinois & Wisconsin

Send a Message

With collective effort and strategic vision, we are actively building a better future.

One impactful step at a time.