Samuel B O'Brien Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Samuel B O'Brien Foundation is a private foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $40,821 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $278 and the largest $30,000. 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$40,821
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$278
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$1.2 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was down from $42,436 the year before.
14% 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 | $39,166 | 11 | $702,153 |
| 2024 | $42,436 | 16 | $959,558 |
| 2025 | $40,821 | 14 | $1.2 million |
How to apply
Samuel B O'Brien 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 Samuel B O'Brien Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 11 | $39,221 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $1,050 |
| Michigan | 1 | $500 |
| Oregon | 1 | $50 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Arnolds Park | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Iowa Great Lakes Foundation | Charitable | $6,000 |
| Shattuck St Mary's School | Charitable | $1,050 |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Heritage Carousel of Des Moines | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Mill Reef Fund | Charitable | $500 |
| U of Okoboji Junior Tennis | Charitable | $300 |
| Brenton Arboretum | Charitable | $256 |
| Animal Rescue League | Charitable | $225 |
| Des Moines Art Center | Charitable | $140 |
| Des Moines Botanical Center | Charitable | $125 |
| Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation | Charitable | $100 |
| Pearson Lakes Art Center | Charitable | $75 |
| Lewis and Clark College | Educational | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- Samuel B O'Brien
Questions people ask
Does Samuel B O'Brien Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Samuel B O'Brien Foundation give?
$40,821 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $278.
Who runs Samuel B O'Brien Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Samuel B O'Brien (President, VP, Secretary,).
What does Samuel B O'Brien Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and education.