The Butler Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Butler Family Foundation is a private foundation in Dubuque, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.4 million in 69 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $1.1 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$2.4 million
- Number of grants69
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$66.1 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was down from $16.5 million the year before.
22% 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 | $1.8 million | 66 | $65.1 million |
| 2024 | $16.5 million | 65 | $57.5 million |
| 2025 | $2.4 million | 69 | $66.1 million |
How to apply
The Butler 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 The Butler Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 43 | $1.6 million |
| Illinois | 7 | $568,875 |
| District of Columbia | 4 | $105,000 |
| Virginia | 4 | $50,600 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $35,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $25,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $5,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dubuque Museum of Art | Visual arts matching pledge | $1.1 million |
| Lyric Opera of Chicago | Sponsor ship of maestro enrique mazzola | $500,000 |
| Dubuque Community YMCA | Capital campaign | $355,866 |
| American Enterprise Institute | Community and economic development | $50,000 |
| Illinois Network of Charter Schools | Charter school education | $50,000 |
| Dubuque Dream Center | Sustaining services for seven students | $26,000 |
| Babson College | John e and alice l butler launch pad | $25,000 |
| Clarke University | Clarke fund | $25,000 |
| Institute for Justice | Support their continuing defense of the constitution and the liberties it guarantees for all americans | $25,000 |
| Judicial Watch | Fight government corruption | $25,000 |
| Liberty Justice Center | Support attorneys as they work to fight government overreach and protect americans' rights | $25,000 |
| Mayo Foundation | Patient care, research and education | $25,000 |
| National Trust for Historic Preservation | Preserve, protect, and celebrate historic places | $25,000 |
| The Leadership Institute | Identify, recruit, train, and place the next generation of conservative leaders | $25,000 |
| Friends of Homacho | Provide water, floors for schools, and medical assistance around the village of homacho, ethiopia | $15,000 |
| Dubuque Museum of Art | Visual arts | $12,000 |
| Hillsdale College | University education | $10,000 |
| Little Heroes League | Provide free, life-changing care coordination for medically complex babies, ensuring better outcomes and assisting with the transition from hospital to home | $10,000 |
| University of Dubuque | Momentum campaign | $10,000 |
| Wellesley College | The wellesley fund | $10,000 |
| Dubuque Symphony Orchestra | Sponsor classics 1 concert and guest artist | $6,956 |
| The Grand Opera House | Performing arts | $6,500 |
| Union League Boys & Girls Clubs | Youth services across chicago | $6,000 |
| Scouting America - Northeast Iowa Council #178 | Friends of scouting annual campaign | $5,500 |
| Camp Albrecht Acres | Special population support | $5,000 |
| Cato Institute | To leave future generations a freer and more prosperous world | $5,000 |
| Centrally Rooted Mission Inc | Provide a safe and nourished space for creative expression that is available to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. | $5,000 |
| Dubuque Community YMCA | Domestic violence program | $5,000 |
| Dubuque Rescue Mission | Homeless shelter | $5,000 |
| Finley Health Foundation | Family birthing suites c-section suite project | $5,000 |
| Hillcrest Family Services | Brain health campaign | $5,000 |
| Hills and Dale's Child Development Center | Efforts to build a new community home for children with autism and complex behavioral or medical needs | $5,000 |
| Laurel School | Elementary and secondary education | $5,000 |
| Mercyone Dubuque Foundation | For ongoing program costs and equipment needs | $5,000 |
| Two by Two Character Development | Teaching children social emotional skills to succeed in work | $5,000 |
| Dubuque City Youth Ballet | Scholarship for five dancers | $4,375 |
| Area Residential Care | Provide the highest quality of care for their patients | $2,500 |
| Bethany Home | Provide nursing home care to residents | $2,500 |
| Bryn Mawr College | The bryn mawr fund | $2,500 |
| Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association | Enriching, inspiring and transforming lives through music | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- John E Butler
- Alice L Butler
- Timothy L Berns
- Jean McMahon
Questions people ask
Does The Butler Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Butler Family Foundation give?
$2.4 million in tax year 2025, across 69 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Butler Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John E Butler (Chairperson), Alice L Butler (Vice-Chairperson), Timothy L Berns (Treasurer) and Jean McMahon (Secretary).
What does The Butler Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and health.