Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Edwardsville, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $410,000 in 34 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$410,000
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$5.1 million
- New grantees59%
Giving in 2025 was up from $287,000 the year before.
59% 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 | $257,000 | 23 | $5.1 million |
| 2024 | $287,000 | 25 | $5.0 million |
| 2025 | $410,000 | 34 | $5.1 million |
How to apply
Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc 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 Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 14 | $199,500 |
| Illinois | 5 | $82,500 |
| Missouri | 8 | $71,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $15,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $15,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $7,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The River Food Pantry | Food bank | $100,000 |
| Timothy's Ministry | General operations | $40,000 |
| Angel's Wish | Animal rescue | $15,000 |
| Courage Connection | For support of women in crisis | $15,000 |
| Eastern Illinois Food Bank | Food bank | $15,000 |
| Health by All Means | General operations | $15,000 |
| Heroes and Helpers | General operations | $15,000 |
| International Institute of Metro St Louis | Immigrant services support | $15,000 |
| St Louis Public Radio | General operations | $15,000 |
| Agape Ranch | Services for foster children | $13,000 |
| Blood Cancer United | Research and support services | $10,000 |
| Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Research and support services | $10,000 |
| Gio's Garden | Support of family programs | $10,000 |
| Glen-Ed Pantry | Food pantry | $10,000 |
| Good Shepard Lutheran Church Food Pantry | Food pantry | $10,000 |
| Saint Louis Area Food Bank | Food bank | $10,000 |
| St Louis PBS | General operations | $10,000 |
| Tenth Life Cat Rescue | Animal rescue | $10,000 |
| Inspiring Hope Ministries | Social services | $7,000 |
| St Jude Children's Hospital | Research and support services | $7,000 |
| Community Food Pantry of Spring Green | Food pantry | $6,000 |
| New Beginings | General operations | $6,000 |
| Action STL | General operations | $5,000 |
| ASPCA | Animal rescue | $5,000 |
| California Community Foundation | General operations | $5,000 |
| Ruby's Pantry | Food pantry | $5,000 |
| UW Foundation | General operation | $5,000 |
| Wayforward Food Pantry | Food pantry | $5,000 |
| Welcome Neighbor STL | Social services | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin Youth | Social services | $5,000 |
| Gateway Pet Guardians | Animal shelter | $2,500 |
| Madison Dugout Club | Youth sports | $1,500 |
| Black Earth Historical Society | Summer program | $1,000 |
| Contemporary Art Museum | General operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Graham L Johnson
- Erik S Johnson
- Kyle P Johnson
- Courtney McCarthy
- Ann Meyer
Questions people ask
Does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc give?
$410,000 in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Graham L Johnson (President), Erik S Johnson (Secretary), Kyle P Johnson (Vice President) and Courtney McCarthy (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, environment and conservation and human services.