Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust
Accepts applications
Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Indianapolis, Indiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $16.9 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $1.3 million and the largest $10.5 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$16.9 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$1.3 million
- Largest grant$10.5 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $13.4 million the year before.
20% 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 | $950,801 | 8 | $28.2 million |
| 2024 | $13.4 million | 6 | $16.9 million |
| 2025 | $16.9 million | 5 | $0 |
How to apply
| Contact | Michael A Rasor 450 E 96th Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (317) 566-1000 |
What Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Indiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 5 | $16.9 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Conner Prairie | Charitable | $10.5 million |
| Purdue Research Foundation | Charitable | $5.0 million |
| Central Indiana Land Trust | Charitable | $1.3 million |
| Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Midwest Food Bank | Charitable | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert W Elzer
- Michael A Rasor
Questions people ask
Does Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust give?
$16.9 million in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $1.3 million.
Who runs Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert W Elzer (Trustee) and Michael A Rasor (Trustee).
What does Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger.