About Us
May Family Foundation
We are dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.
Vision, Mission & Values
Local impact. Lasting effect.
Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.
Our Vision
We believe that improving educational opportunities is the key to lifelong success.
Our Mission
We support programs that enrich the lives of under-resourced youth.
Our Values
We advocate for education and growth, prioritize a strong work ethic, and value efficiency and effectiveness in our pursuit of positive change.
Our History
Achieving Success. Staying Grounded.
Eleanor Jean May devoted her life to advocating for under-resourced youth.
Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life.
Eleanor Jean, better known as EJ, grew up in a small Midwest farming community, Red Oak, Iowa. While she lost her mother at age five, she was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family that raised her with solid principals. EJ learned that even in difficult circumstances a person can be successful through education, a supportive network, personal responsibility, and hard work. These principles that she learned at an early age stayed with her for the rest of her life.
During her sophomore year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, EJ met Ed May from Shenandoah, Iowa. They married in 1942, and after serving three years abroad in several U.S. Embassies, they moved to Shenandoah to raise their family. EJ and Ed spent their summers in Mercer, Wisconsin, and continued to enjoy Wisconsin during their retirement years. EJ’s and Ed’s values were influenced greatly by growing up in the depression. They saw a lot of people lose farms, businesses, and homes. It had lasting impact on how they viewed the world and those from challenged backgrounds.
Eleanor Jean, better known as EJ, grew up in a small Midwest farming community, Red Oak, Iowa. While she lost her mother at age five, she was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family that raised her with solid principals. EJ learned that even in difficult circumstances a person can be successful through education, a supportive network, personal responsibility, and hard work. These principles that she learned at an early age stayed with her for the rest of her life.
During her sophomore year at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, EJ met Ed May from Shenandoah, Iowa. They married in 1942, and after serving three years abroad in several U.S. Embassies, they moved to Shenandoah to raise their family. EJ and Ed spent their summers in Mercer, Wisconsin, and continued to enjoy Wisconsin during their retirement years. EJ’s and Ed’s values were influenced greatly by growing up in the depression. They saw a lot of people lose farms, businesses, and homes. It had lasting impact on how they viewed the world and those from challenged backgrounds.
Later in life, EJ wanted to have a positive impact on people with challenging backgrounds and situations. She was particularly interested in helping under-resourced youth.
She believed if you reach people in the formative stage of their lives and provide support and encouragement, their chances of leading a productive and successful life can be greatly enhanced. EJ decided that the May Family Foundation was the perfect vehicle to provide opportunity and support and took great pride with the impact it can have on people’s lives.
EJ passed away in 2019 at the age of 98. Today, her daughter and son, Karen Sislo and Ed May Jr. – as well as her grandchildren – manage the foundation and preserve EJ's legacy.
She believed if you reach people in the formative stage of their lives and provide support and encouragement, their chances of leading a productive and successful life can be greatly enhanced. EJ decided that the May Family Foundation was the perfect vehicle to provide opportunity and support and took great pride with the impact it can have on people’s lives.
EJ passed away in 2019 at the age of 98. Today, her daughter and son, Karen Sislo and Ed May Jr. – as well as her grandchildren – manage the foundation and preserve EJ's legacy.
Do You Qualify for Our Funding?
If you would like to know if your organization may qualify for a grant before submitting a full application, please review what we support and program focus areas.