Carlson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Carlson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Urbandale, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.5 million in 35 grants; the typical grant was $40,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants35
- Typical grant$40,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$13.0 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.9 million the year before.
21% 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 | $1.7 million | 32 | $12.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.9 million | 32 | $12.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | 35 | $13.0 million |
How to apply
Carlson 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 Carlson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 25 | $1.2 million |
| Missouri | 7 | $155,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $60,000 |
| Kansas | 2 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yss | Youth services | $250,000 |
| Meals From the Heartland | Meals for the poor | $60,000 |
| Dmarc | General fund | $60,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | General fund | $60,000 |
| Iowa Homeless Youth Centers | General fund | $60,000 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | Food | $50,000 |
| Love Inc | Youth services | $50,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General fund | $50,000 |
| Hope Ministries | General fund | $50,000 |
| Ellipsis | Youth services | $50,000 |
| Mind and Spirit | Counseling | $50,000 |
| Everystep | Grief services | $50,000 |
| Fca | General fund | $50,000 |
| Lsi in Iowa | Youth services | $50,000 |
| Colts Youth Organization | General fund | $45,000 |
| Civic Center of Greater Des Moines | Youth services | $40,000 |
| Urbandale Food Pantry | Food pantry | $40,000 |
| Individual | General fund | $40,000 |
| Individual | Youth services | $40,000 |
| Individual | General fund | $35,000 |
| Grand View University | General fund | $30,000 |
| Rehope | General fund | $30,000 |
| The Connection Cafe | Meals for the poor | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross | General fund | $25,000 |
| Newhouse | General fund | $25,000 |
| Boysgirls Club | General fund | $25,000 |
| Dental Connection of Iowa | Gen fund | $25,000 |
| Sunflower House Inc | Youth services | $20,000 |
| Individual | Youth services | $20,000 |
| Individual | Youth services | $15,000 |
| Individual | Youth services | $10,000 |
| Individual | Gen fund | $10,000 |
| Greater KC Community Foundation | Youth services | $5,000 |
| Catholic Charities of NE KS | Gen fund | $5,000 |
| Gigi's | General fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Dean Carlson
- Sandra Carlson
- Timothy A Carlson
- Jody Carlson
Questions people ask
Does Carlson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Carlson Family Foundation give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2025, across 35 grants, with a typical grant of $40,000.
Who runs Carlson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dean Carlson (President), Sandra Carlson (Secretary), Timothy A Carlson (Vice President) and Jody Carlson (Director).
What does Carlson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, food and hunger and housing and homelessness.