The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $802,500 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $250,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$802,500
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$41.4 million
- New grantees64%
Giving in 2025 was up from $544,300 the year before.
64% 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 | $471,900 | 25 | $14.6 million |
| 2024 | $544,300 | 13 | $25.1 million |
| 2025 | $802,500 | 14 | $41.4 million |
How to apply
The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 1 | $250,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $225,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $175,000 |
| Wisconsin | 4 | $87,500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $25,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $20,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund | Steven E. and Elizabeth T. Nielsen Gift Fund | $250,000 |
| Williams College | Alumni Fund | $150,000 |
| Urban Youth Impact Inc | Complete the Campus | $125,000 |
| Intervarsity Christian Fellowship- USA | Forming Faithful Leaders Campaign | $65,000 |
| Lever Inc | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Urban Youth Impact Inc | Carver Christian Academy of Urban Youth Impact | $50,000 |
| Sim USA Incorporated | Support for the African Strategic Discipleship Movement | $25,000 |
| Southwick Civic Fund Inc | Richard Atkinson Fund | $25,000 |
| Youth Volunteer Corps | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Intervarsity Christian Fellowship- USA | Intravarsity Christian Fellowship's Donor engagement function | $15,000 |
| Heifer Project International | Women's Giving Circle | $10,000 |
| Huckleberry Springs Church | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| International Fellowship of Evangelical Students U | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Intervarsity Christian Fellowship- USA | Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Program at Valencia College | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Elizabeth Nielsen
- Steven Nielsen
Questions people ask
Does The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation give?
$802,500 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Elizabeth Nielsen (Dir, Sec, Treas) and Steven Nielsen (Pres, Dir).
What does The Margaret Ellen Nielsen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and faith communities.