The Nelson Foundation | Foundation Profile
GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like The Nelson Foundation. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.
EIN: 42-1207818
Foundation Overview
Based in West Des Moines, IA, The Nelson Foundation has awarded 61 grants totaling $1,533,491 to organizations in Iowa, Kentucky and 3 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $1,500 to $374,991, with a median award of $20,500.
Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot
Foundation Intelligence
Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies
New Applicant Friendliness
4 of 7 recipients (57%) were new grantees. Foundation actively seeks new partnerships to expand impact. Fresh approaches and innovative programs receive serious consideration.
Geographic Focus
84% of all grants are concentrated in Iowa, demonstrating highly focused geographic giving. This foundation prioritizes deep community impact in its primary service area. Within Iowa, funding concentrates in Des Moines (82%), Clive (8%), West Des Moines (6%).
Funding Trajectory
Strong 1340% growth in annual giving over 7 years indicates expanding philanthropic capacity and increasing opportunities for grant seekers. This upward trajectory suggests growing foundation resources and commitment.
Program Areas
Diversified giving across multiple program areas with primary emphasis on community projects (42%). This broad approach suggests openness to various causes and innovative cross-sector solutions.
Where is The Money Going?
Grants & Funding
Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into The Nelson Foundation's funding preferences, organizational priorities, and grant making patterns. This historical data helps potential applicants understand the foundation's strategic focus and identify successful funding approaches.
| Name | Amount | Location | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Degrees Foundation | $30,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2023 |
| Grow & Learn | $15,000 | West Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2023 |
| Easter Seals | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2023 |
| Iowa Healthiest State | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2023 |
| Iowa Safe Schools | $15,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2023 |
| D Squared Homes For The Homeless | $30,000 | Chander, AZ, US | Educational | 2023 |
| Living History Farms | $40,000 | Urbandale, IA, US | Housing | 2023 |
| Iowa Healthiest State | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Anawin Housing | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| First Tee Of Central Iowa | $20,000 | Clive, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Above & Beyond Cancer | $20,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Boys & Girls Club | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Orphan Care Alliance | $10,000 | Louisville, KY, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Catching The Dream | $5,000 | Albuquerque, NM, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Easter Seals | $24,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Des Moines Symphony | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| East High School Alumni Foundation | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Iowa Healthiest State | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Anawin Housing | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| First Tee Of Central Iowa | $20,000 | Clive, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Above & Beyond Cancer | $20,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Boys & Girls Club | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Orphan Care Alliance | $10,000 | Louisville, KY, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Catching The Dream | $5,000 | Albuquerque, NM, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Easter Seals | $24,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Des Moines Symphony | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| East High School Alumni Foundation | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Iowa Healthiest State | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Anawin Housing | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| First Tee Of Central Iowa | $20,000 | Clive, IA, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Above & Beyond Cancer | $20,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2022 |
| Boys & Girls Club | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Orphan Care Alliance | $10,000 | Louisville, KY, US | Housing | 2022 |
| Catching The Dream | $5,000 | Albuquerque, NM, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Easter Seals | $24,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Des Moines Symphony | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| East High School Alumni Foundation | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2022 |
| Anawin Housing | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Housung | 2021 |
| Boys & Girls Club | $20,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2021 |
| Can Play | $20,000 | West Des Moines, IA, US | Educational | 2021 |
| Iowa Healthiest State | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2021 |
| Above & Beyond Cancer | $15,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Health | 2021 |
| Children And Families Of Iowa | $25,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Housing | 2021 |
| First Tee Of Central Iowa | $20,000 | Clive, IA, US | Housing | 2021 |
| Orphan Care Alliance | $15,000 | Louisville, KY, US | Housing | 2021 |
| Food Bank Of Iowa | $50,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Food | 2020 |
| By Degrees Foundation | $35,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Education | 2020 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Iowa | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2018 |
| Living History Farms Foundation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2018 |
| Pursuit Of Innovation | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2018 |
| Guardian Scholars Foundation | $7,000 | West Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2018 |
| Heifer Projects International | $10,000 | Little Rock, AR, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Nativity Academy Louisville | $5,000 | Louisville, KY, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| St Andrew's Episcopal Church | $14,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Habitat For Humanity Of Greater Des Moines | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Iowa Legal Aid | $20,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Des Moines Public Library | $3,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Des Moines Art Center | $1,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | Payments To Charitable Organizations | 2017 |
| Iowa State University | $374,991 | Ames, IA, US | Isu Food Lab | 2017 |
| Youth Emergency Services & Shelter Of Iowa | $10,000 | Des Moines, IA, US | General Assistance | 2016 |
| Primary Health Care Inc | $2,500 | Des Moines, IA, US | General Assistance | 2016 |
Foundations Similar to The Nelson Foundation
Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($3,472,187-$5,368,797), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in IA that may also align with your organization's funding needs and grant seeking strategy.
| Foundation Name | Total Assets | Typical Grant Size | Service Area | Similarity Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sheila June Hewitt Charitable Trust
EIN: 38-7166439 | 54 grants awarded |
$4,343,316
(≈ Similar) |
$25,750
median grant |
Davenport, IA
Same state |
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|
46 1 Fund
EIN: 46-4160748 | 13 grants awarded |
$4,205,245
(≈ Similar) |
$20,000
median grant |
Ames, IA
Same state |
|
|
Murphy Charitable Family Foundation
EIN: 84-2711623 | 89 grants awarded |
$4,876,225
(≈ Similar) |
$30,100
median grant |
Ankeny, IA
Same state |
|
|
Gleeson Family Foundation
EIN: 42-0933162 | 95 grants awarded |
$5,368,797
(↑ Larger) |
$15,000
median grant |
Sioux City, IA
Same state |
|
|
Global Invincibility Foundation
EIN: 26-3418616 | 26 grants awarded |
$3,472,187
(↓ Smaller) |
$40,000
median grant |
Fairfield, IA
Same state |
|
Related Foundation Resources in IA:
Contact Information
Official contact details for The Nelson Foundation as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.
| EIN | 42-1207818 |
| Website | N/A |
| Address | 4105 TIMBERWOOD DR Wdm, IA 50265-5366 |
Key People (4)
Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee The Nelson Foundation's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.
| President | |
|---|---|
| Trasurer/secretary | |
| Vice President | |
| Director |
Forms 990-PF
IRS Form 990-PF filings provide comprehensive financial information, grant details, and operational data. These documents are essential resources for understanding foundation capacity, giving patterns, and strategic priorities.
Form 990-PF Research Tips
- Review Part XV for detailed grant recipient information and funding purposes
- Check Part I for total assets, annual giving amounts, and payout requirements
- Examine Part VIII for key personnel compensation and board structure
- Look for trends across multiple years to understand giving patterns
About This Foundation Profile
This comprehensive foundation profile for The Nelson Foundation is powered by Grant Bay's advanced foundation research platform. Our system analyzes IRS Form 990-PF filings, grant histories, and philanthropic patterns to provide nonprofit organizations with actionable intelligence for grant seeking success.
Data Sources & Accuracy
All information is derived from official IRS filings and public records. Grant Bay processes thousands of Form 990-PF documents to extract grant details, financial data, and organizational information. Data accuracy depends on foundation reporting quality and IRS filing completeness.
Research Applications
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