Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation is a private foundation in West Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $603,600 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$603,600
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$11.6 million
- New grantees100%
Giving in 2025 was up from $18,705 the year before.
100% 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 | $0 | 0 | $2.7 million |
| 2024 | $18,705 | 2 | $5.2 million |
| 2025 | $603,600 | 15 | $11.6 million |
How to apply
Dan and Joanie Houston 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 Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 13 | $503,600 |
| Colorado | 1 | $50,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Above Beyond Cancer | Community | $50,000 |
| Childserve | Community | $50,000 |
| Drake University - College of Business | Community | $50,000 |
| Iowa Confluence Water Trails | Community | $50,000 |
| Iowa State Fair Blue | Community | $50,000 |
| Iowa State University | Community | $50,000 |
| Iowa State University | Community | $50,000 |
| Legacy Woods | Community | $50,000 |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | Community | $50,000 |
| Principal Charity Classic | Community | $50,000 |
| Starts Right Here | Community | $50,000 |
| United Way of Central | Community | $50,000 |
| Ia Legal Aid | Community | $2,500 |
| West Des Moines Historical Society | Community | $800 |
| Jay Byers Memorial Fund | Community | $300 |
Officers and trustees
- Daniel J Houston
- Joan M Houston
Questions people ask
Does Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation give?
$603,600 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Daniel J Houston (President/Treasurer) and Joan M Houston (Vice Pres/Secretary).
What does Dan and Joanie Houston Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.