Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation is a private foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $79,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $45,000. 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$79,000
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was up from $47,000 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $15,000 | 2 | $473,776 |
| 2024 | $47,000 | 8 | $493,495 |
| 2025 | $79,000 | 8 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
Melinda and Charles Ruperto 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 Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 6 | $69,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| New York | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden | To assist in funding culture and botony in the greater des moines area | $45,000 |
| Des Moines Performing Arts | To assist in funding culture and fine arts in the greater des moines area | $12,000 |
| Des Moines Art Center | To assist in funding culture and fine arts in the greater des moines area | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Community Playhouse | To assist in funding culture and fine arts in the greater des moines area | $5,000 |
| Fordham University | To support culture and humanities for students of fordham university | $5,000 |
| Marsha P Johnson Institute | To assist in raising awareness for issues surrounding the lgbqt community | $5,000 |
| Iowa Public Radio | To assist in funding culture and fine arts in the greater des moines area | $1,000 |
| Iowa Public Television | To assist in funding culture and fine arts in the greater des moines area | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Melinda Ruperto
- Charles Ruperto
- Anthony Ruperto
- Jacob Ruperto
Questions people ask
Does Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation give?
$79,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Melinda Ruperto (President, Treasurer), Charles Ruperto (Vice President), Anthony Ruperto (Director) and Jacob Ruperto (Director).
What does Melinda and Charles Ruperto Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.