Brownell Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Brownell Family Foundation is a private foundation in Grinnell, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $426,981 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $102,309. 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$426,981
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$102,309
- Assets$2.5 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was down from $456,792 the year before.
38% 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 | $438,090 | 19 | $2.4 million |
| 2024 | $456,792 | 19 | $2.3 million |
| 2025 | $426,981 | 21 | $2.5 million |
How to apply
Brownell Family 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 Brownell Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 12 | $247,987 |
| Virginia | 1 | $102,309 |
| Washington | 1 | $25,335 |
| Montana | 1 | $20,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $10,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $5,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $4,350 |
| Colorado | 1 | $4,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $4,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Owners of America Inc | Charitable | $102,309 |
| Soww | Charitable | $82,502 |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Claude W & Dolly Ahrens Foundation | Charitable | $27,500 |
| Second Amendment Foundation | Charitable | $25,335 |
| Iowa Firearms Coalition | Charitable | $25,335 |
| Boone and Crockett Club Foundation Inc | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Linn County Izaak Walton League | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Crime Prevention Research | Chariable | $10,000 |
| Command and General Staff College Foundation Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Greater Powesehiek Community Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Iowa College Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| GRinnell-Newburg Community School District | Charitable | $5,000 |
| USA Clay Target League Inc | Charitable | $4,350 |
| Trinidad State College Foundation | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Murray State College Foundation | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Montogomery Community College Foundation | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Pheasants Forever Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Iowa Law Enforcement Intelligence Network | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Grinnell Sure Shots Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Link | Charitable | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- Peter R Brownell
Questions people ask
Does Brownell Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Brownell Family Foundation give?
$426,981 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Brownell Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Peter R Brownell (Trustee).
What does Brownell Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.