Nelson Foundation

EIN 42-1207818 · IA · NTEE T20

Invitation only Typical grant ~$60K Funds in IA, CA
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Giving Profile

In 2025, Nelson Foundation based in IA paid 5 grants totaling $300K to 5 organizations across 2 states. Individual grants ranged from $30K to $100K, with a median of $60K. Its largest recipients included DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, BY DEGREES FOUNDATION, and LIVING HISTORY FARMS FOUNDATION. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — giving is by invitation only.

Foundation at a Glance

Total assets
$4,078,178
Giving (latest yr)
$300,000
Filing year
2025
Itemized grants
5
Median grant
$60K
Recipients
5
States reached
2
Officers/trustees
5
Unsolicited applications
No — invitation only

Where the Money Goes

Top recipients

  • Dowling Catholic High School$100,000
  • By Degrees Foundation$75,000
  • Living History Farms Foundation$60,000
  • Easter Seals of Iowa$35,000
  • University of California San Francisco Foundation$30,000

Where grants went

  • Iowa$270,000 · 4 grants
  • California$30,000 · 1 grant

Grants Paid (5)

Dowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines, IA
Science Equipment Purchase Support
$100,000
By Degrees Foundation
Des Moines, IA
Project Support
$75,000
Living History Farms Foundation
Urbandale, IA
Capital Campaign Support
$60,000
Easter Seals of Iowa
Des Moines, IA
General Support
$35,000
University of California San Francisco Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Research Support
$30,000

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

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

In its most recent filing, Nelson Foundation reported 5 itemized grants totaling $300K. Individual grants ranged from $30K to $100K (median $60K).

Recent recipients include DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, BY DEGREES FOUNDATION, LIVING HISTORY FARMS FOUNDATION, among 5 organizations in total. The full grant list is on this page.

Nelson Foundation is a private foundation based in Iowa, per its IRS 990-PF filing.

Nelson Foundation gives by invitation only, so there is no open application. Officer and address details from its 990-PF are the best starting point for an introduction.

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