Lauridsen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lauridsen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Ankeny, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.5 million in 28 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$3.5 million
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$27.3 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.4 million the year before.
44% 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 | $1.4 million | 14 | $12.0 million |
| 2024 | $2.4 million | 20 | $22.6 million |
| 2025 | $3.5 million | 28 | $27.3 million |
How to apply
Lauridsen 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 Lauridsen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 16 | $2.8 million |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $250,000 |
| New York | 6 | $235,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $200,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $50,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $20,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet Des Moines | General support | $1.0 million |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | General support | $400,000 |
| Plymouth Church | General support | $382,000 |
| World Food Program USA | General support | $250,000 |
| Iowa Confluence Water Trails | General support | $200,000 |
| Des Moines Children's Museum | General support | $200,000 |
| Cma Foundation | General support | $200,000 |
| Des Moines Symphony | General support | $100,000 |
| Hope Ministries | General support | $100,000 |
| United Way of Central Iowa | General support | $100,000 |
| Met Opera | General support | $100,000 |
| Civic Des Moines Performing Arts | General support | $75,000 |
| University of Iowa | General support | $50,000 |
| University of Wisconsin | General support | $50,000 |
| Normandy Fund | General support | $50,000 |
| Citizens for School Betterment | General support | $50,000 |
| New York City Ballet | General support | $30,000 |
| American Ballet Theatre | General support | $30,000 |
| Bravo Greater Des Moines | General support | $25,000 |
| Mind and Spirit Counseling | General support | $25,000 |
| Center at Sixth | General support | $25,000 |
| Des Moines Symphony | General support | $25,000 |
| Opera America | General support | $15,000 |
| Northwestern University | General support | $10,000 |
| Opera America Table | General support | $10,000 |
| The Unviersity of Cincinnati Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | General support | $10,000 |
| Wesley Christmas Employee Fund | General support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Nixon E Lauridsen
Questions people ask
Does Lauridsen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lauridsen Family Foundation give?
$3.5 million in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Lauridsen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nixon E Lauridsen (Director).
What does Lauridsen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and education.