Brenton Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Brenton Foundation is a private foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $85,100 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $28,500. 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$85,100
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$28,500
- Assets$1.8 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was down from $101,350 the year before.
47% 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 | $82,701 | 21 | $1.6 million |
| 2024 | $101,350 | 22 | $1.7 million |
| 2025 | $85,100 | 19 | $1.8 million |
How to apply
Brenton 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 Brenton Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 15 | $79,500 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $3,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,500 |
| New York | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brenton Arboretum | General support | $28,500 |
| Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | General support | $11,000 |
| Heritage Carousel Endowment | General support | $11,000 |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | General support | $10,000 |
| Above and Beyond Center | General support | $5,000 |
| The Outreach Program | General support | $5,000 |
| Six Degrees of Separation | General support | $5,000 |
| Nantucket Swim Across America | General support | $2,500 |
| Lake Minnetonka Garden Club | General support | $2,000 |
| Dallas Center Food Pantry | General support | $1,000 |
| Des Moines Public Library Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Mission Animal Hospital | General support | $1,000 |
| Saildc | General support | $500 |
| YMCA of Greater Des Moines | General support | $500 |
| Dallas Center Celebrations Inc | General support | $250 |
| Iowa Public Radio | General support | $250 |
| Iowa Public Television | General support | $250 |
| Salisbury House | General support | $250 |
| Pacem in Terris | General support | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Junius C Brenton
- Sue R Brenton
Questions people ask
Does Brenton Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Brenton Foundation give?
$85,100 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Brenton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Junius C Brenton (President/Treasurer/Director) and Sue R Brenton (Secretary/Director).
What does Brenton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and arts and culture.