The Whitaker Foundation was established in memory of Lyndon Whittaker by Mrs. Mae Meissner Whitaker in 1975. It is a private, independent foundation focusing on supporting charitable and public purpose projects specifically within the St. Louis, Missouri area.
The Whitaker Foundation Grant program is directed towards two main areas: Arts and Parks within the St. Louis area. For the Arts, the grants aim to support art forms and institutions that offer excellence, challenge audiences, entertain, and enhance the community's quality of life. In terms of Parks, the grants focus on encouraging the preservation and use of park spaces, offering St. Louisans places for relaxation, tranquility, and community engagement, thus fostering moments of joy, beauty, and neighborhood solidarity.