Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation
Accepts applications
Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation is a private foundation in Lone Pine, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $74,650 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $20,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$74,650
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $66,100 the year before.
60% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $71,400 | 7 | $1.7 million |
| 2024 | $66,100 | 10 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $74,650 | 7 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Bruce Branson PO Box 262, Lone Pine, CA 93545 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (760) 873-4100, grants@bransonfoundation.org |
| What to submit | Tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service may submit grant requests to the Foundation. There are no official forms to use in applying for a grant from the Foundation. Organizations interested in funding should submit a cover sheet, a letter of inquiry, and all accompanying documents via email to grants@bransonfoundation.org. |
| Deadlines | Grant inquiries accepted year-round with awards in October. |
| Restrictions | The Foundation provides awards to promote environmental, educational, and social progress. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 4 | $54,150 |
| Indiana | 1 | $11,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $6,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $3,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Sierra Institute | Outdoor STEM program for 3-8 grade | $20,000 |
| Lone Pine Unified School Dist | LP Pool, 8th grade STEM trip to Catalina | $19,150 |
| Stay Indiana Youth Aviation | Youth Building Airplane | $11,000 |
| Individual | Injured wildlife and education program for local schools | $10,000 |
| Individual | Housing Homeless | $6,000 |
| Friends of the LP airport | Youth Building Airplanes | $5,000 |
| Land and Trust of Alabama | Youth Outdoor Education program | $3,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Bruce Branson
- Elizabeth Branson
- Ed Johnson
- Matt Branson
- James Johnson
Questions people ask
Does Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Grant inquiries accepted year-round with awards in October..
How much does Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation give?
$74,650 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bruce Branson (President), Elizabeth Branson (Vice President), Ed Johnson (Secretary) and Matt Branson (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Donald and Ruby Branson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and youth programs.