M G Nelson Family Foundation
Accepts applications
M G Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Springfield, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $972,100 in 31 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $380,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$972,100
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$380,000
- Assets$21.4 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $818,918 the year before.
29% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $837,500 | 21 | $18.6 million |
| 2024 | $818,918 | 32 | $19.8 million |
| 2025 | $972,100 | 31 | $21.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Marion G Nelson Jr 2225 Greenside Dr, Springfield, IL 62704 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (217) 494-9593 |
| What to submit | Letter indicating needs, planned uses and exempt status |
| Restrictions | Charitable organization exempt under irc section 501(c)(3) |
What M G Nelson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 23 | $708,600 |
| Florida | 6 | $253,500 |
| Missouri | 1 | $5,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Foundation | To advance the interests and welfare of the university of illinois. | $380,000 |
| Naples Botanical Garden | To help support garden and plant exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives. | $125,000 |
| Compass for Kids | To provide after-school and summer programs to underserved children in springfield public schools. | $100,000 |
| Kidzeum of Health & Science | To assist in the creation of experiences of learning and discovery through play for children. | $100,000 |
| Memorial Medical Center Foundation | Public hospital | $60,500 |
| Artis Naples | Support art community in naples fl area | $50,000 |
| NCH Center for Philanthropy | To ensure the healthcare system provides high quality and comprehensive care to everyone in need. | $50,000 |
| Hole in the Wall Wildlife Fund | To protect the environment while providing a setting for members to golf and socialize. | $20,000 |
| Capitol Illini Angel Fund | To provide university of illinois' exciting new startups with an initial investment and support. | $10,000 |
| Springfield Public School District 186 | To support and enhance educational, extra-curricular, and inter-scholastic programs, and to strengthen the relationship between the public schools and the springfield community. | $8,100 |
| Contact Ministries | To provide free, on-site program services and community resources to poverty-level families and individuals with the sole intent to increase their economica self-sufficiency and reduce their dependency on public assistance. | $6,000 |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes | To fund the development of christian athletes through engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes. | $5,000 |
| Folds of Honor Foundation | To provide educational scholarships for qualifying spouses and/or dependent children of military service men and women. | $5,000 |
| Operation Healing Forces | To provide support to the special operations service members, veterans, and their families across every branch of the sof community. | $5,000 |
| Our Saviors Lutheran | To support the teaching of the lutheran church-missouri synod in the church and classroom. | $5,000 |
| Southern Illinois University Foundation | To maximize private support for southern illinois university carbondale to assist the university in achieving its long-range goals | $5,000 |
| St Aloysius Catholic School | To support students becoming faithful disciples of christ through spirtitual and academic formation based on the gospel of jesus christ. | $5,000 |
| The Rees Carillon Society | To assist in the promotion and improvement of the thomas rees memorial carillon. | $5,000 |
| King's Daughters Organization | To help support and care for the well-being of the seniors in the springfield community. | $4,500 |
| The League Club | To strengthen communities through fellowship, education, volunteerism, and philanthropy | $3,500 |
| Springfield Celts Rugby Football Club | To provide the springfield community with the opportunity to compete in rugby matches regardless of previous experience. | $3,000 |
| Susan Shigemura Memorial Golf Fund | To provide scholarships to college-bound female athletes. | $3,000 |
| Chatham Jaycees | To provide young people the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through local community services and organizational involvement. | $2,500 |
| Springfield Pickleball Club | To provide members the opportunity to play pickleball with one another and to promote the sport within the community. | $2,500 |
| Gonzo's Legacy the Zack Defreitas Project | To bring the sport of hockey to young athletes through providing equipment, ice time, coaching, and mentorship. | $2,000 |
| Sertoma Club of Springfield Il | To improve the quality of life today for those at risk or impacted by hearing loss through education and support. | $2,000 |
| Kiwanis Club of Springfield Downtown Foundation | To improve the local community through service projects and sponsored youth programs. | $1,500 |
| 4 the Kids Fund | To provide a more tolerable hospital experience for the youth. | $1,000 |
| Chatham Friends of the Parks | To improve, maintain, promote appreciation of, and provide other beneficial services to the parks, green spaces, and recreation facilities in and around the village of chatham, il. | $1,000 |
| Fishing Has No Boundaries | To provide fishing opportunities for all anglers with disabilities regardless of their age, race, gender, or disability. | $500 |
| The James Project | To support sangamon county foster families by providing houses, parental support, children's provisions, and a community of supporters, and to recruit additional foster families. | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Marion G Nelson Jr
Questions people ask
Does M G Nelson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does M G Nelson Family Foundation give?
$972,100 in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs M G Nelson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marion G Nelson Jr (Trustee).
What does M G Nelson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.