The Growmark Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Growmark Foundation is a private foundation in Bloomington, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 171 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $132,950. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants171
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$132,950
- Assets$2.3 million
- New grantees61%
Giving in 2025 was up from $854,906 the year before.
61% 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 | $2.5 million | 180 | $3.9 million |
| 2024 | $854,906 | 188 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 171 | $2.3 million |
How to apply
The Growmark 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 Growmark Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 27 states, the most to Illinois. It also paid $10,000 in 5 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 70 | $517,433 |
| Iowa | 34 | $137,627 |
| Indiana | 2 | $102,800 |
| Wisconsin | 16 | $76,100 |
| Missouri | 4 | $57,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $28,630 |
| Maryland | 3 | $26,083 |
| Alabama | 1 | $20,000 |
| Ohio | 5 | $11,500 |
| Georgia | 2 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Foundation | For student scholarships | $132,950 |
| Iaa Foundation | For support of agricultural activities | $120,000 |
| National FFA Foundation | For support of agricultural leadership activities | $100,800 |
| Midwest Food Bank | For support of community charitable activities | $55,150 |
| Agriculture Future of America | For support of agricultural activities | $55,000 |
| Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation | For support of agricultural leadership activities | $42,800 |
| Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation | For support of agricultural activities | $42,500 |
| Iowa Agriculture Literacy | For support of agricultural activities | $29,500 |
| Iowa State University Foundation | For support of education | $26,527 |
| Childrens Discovery Museum | For support of community charitable activities | $25,500 |
| Global Farmer Network | For support of education | $25,000 |
| Midatlantic 4R Nutrient | For support of agricultural activities | $25,000 |
| Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture | For support of agricultural activities | $24,000 |
| Progressive Agriculture Foundation | For support of agricultural education | $20,000 |
| McLean County Habitat for Humanity | For support of community charitable activities | $15,000 |
| Necas | For support of agricultural education | $13,000 |
| Living History Farms Foundation | For support of agricultural activities | $10,000 |
| The Baby Fold | For support of community charitable activities | $6,500 |
| Council for Agricultural Science | For support of agricultural activities | $6,000 |
| Lake Land College | For support of education | $6,000 |
| University of Georgia Foundation | For student scholarships | $6,000 |
| Bloomington Normal Community | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Child Protection Network | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Christian County Farm Bureau | For support of agricultural activities | $5,000 |
| Gateway FS Charitable | For support of cooperative development activities | $5,000 |
| Ia Nutrient Research Educ Council | For support of agricultural activities | $5,000 |
| Sangamon County Farm Bureau Foundat | For support of agricultural activities | $5,000 |
| Selcas | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Southern FS Charitable Foundation | For support of agricultural activities | $5,000 |
| Special Olympics | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Spoon River College Foundation | For student scholarships | $5,000 |
| United Way of Ashland County | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| UW Foundation | For student scholarships | $5,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project Inc | For support of community charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Highland Community College | For student scholarships | $5,000 |
| University of Wimadison | For support of education | $4,500 |
| University Of WisconsinPlatteville | For student scholarships | $4,500 |
| Des Moines Area Community | For student scholarships | $4,000 |
| Salvation Army | For support of community charitable activities | $3,575 |
Officers and trustees
- Bradley Drake
- Karmy Kays
- Matthew Lurkins
- Jeff Lynch
- Mark Weilbacher
- Mark Orr
- Ashley McClintock
- Mark Hansen
Questions people ask
Does The Growmark Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Growmark Foundation give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 171 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Growmark Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bradley Drake (Director), Karmy Kays (Director), Matthew Lurkins (Director) and Jeff Lynch (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Growmark Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, food and hunger and youth programs.