Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation

EIN 85-2670541 · IA · NTEE T22

Invitation only Typical grant ~$5K Funds in IA, NY, CA
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Giving Profile

In 2025, Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation based in IA paid 8 grants totaling $79K to 8 organizations across 3 states. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $45K, with a median of $5K. Its largest recipients included GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN, DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS, and DES MOINES ART CENTER. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — giving is by invitation only.

Foundation at a Glance

Total assets
$653,188
Giving (latest yr)
$79,000
Filing year
2025
Itemized grants
8
Median grant
$5K
Recipients
8
States reached
3
Officers/trustees
4
Unsolicited applications
No — invitation only

Where the Money Goes

Top recipients

  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden$45,000
  • Des Moines Performing Arts$12,000
  • Des Moines Art Center$5,000
  • Des Moines Community Playhouse$5,000
  • Fordham University$5,000

Where grants went

  • Iowa$69,000 · 6 grants
  • New York$5,000 · 1 grant
  • California$5,000 · 1 grant

Grants Paid (8)

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Botony IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$45,000
Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Fine Arts IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$12,000
Fordham University
New York, NY
To Support Culture and Humanities for Students of Fordham University
$5,000
Des Moines Art Center
Des Moines, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Fine Arts IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$5,000
Des Moines Community Playhouse
Des Moines, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Fine Arts IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$5,000
Marsha P Johnson Institute
Richmond, CA
To Assist IN Raising Awareness for Issues Surrounding the Lgbqt Community
$5,000
Iowa Public Radio
Des Moines, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Fine Arts IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$1,000
Iowa Public Television
Johnston, IA
To Assist IN Funding Culture and Fine Arts IN the Greater Des Moines Area
$1,000

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

No. Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — its grantmaking is by invitation only. Cultivating a relationship or securing an introduction is typically required.

Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation is classified as a Arts, Culture & Humanities funder. Museums, performing arts, cultural institutions, and the humanities. Its recent grants reached organizations across 3 states.

In its most recent filing, Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation reported 8 itemized grants totaling $79K. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $45K (median $5K).

Recent recipients include GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN, DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS, DES MOINES ART CENTER, among 8 organizations in total. The full grant list is on this page.

Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation is a private foundation based in Iowa, per its IRS 990-PF filing.

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