The Chesterman Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Chesterman Family Foundation is a private foundation in Sioux City, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $563,500 in 56 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 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$563,500
- Number of grants56
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$10.7 million
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was up from $438,085 the year before.
55% 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 | $714,389 | 26 | $6.6 million |
| 2024 | $438,085 | 31 | $8.9 million |
| 2025 | $563,500 | 56 | $10.7 million |
How to apply
The Chesterman 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 Chesterman Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 18 | $285,500 |
| Nebraska | 26 | $185,500 |
| South Dakota | 10 | $62,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $25,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Art Center Association of Sioux City | To further programs of the organization | $50,000 |
| Siouxland Sports Academy | To further programs of the organization | $50,000 |
| Sioux City Parks and Recreation Foundation | To further programs of the organization | $40,000 |
| Warming Shelter | To further programs of the organization | $25,000 |
| Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City Iowa | To further programs of the organization | $25,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of North Central States | To further programs of the organization | $25,000 |
| Agape Community Service Inc | To further programs of the organization | $25,000 |
| Pga Reach Nebraska | To further programs of the organization | $18,000 |
| Lake Cunningham Development Trust | To further the programs of the organization | $15,000 |
| Sioux City Public School Foundation | To further the programs of the organization | $15,000 |
| Morningside College | To further programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Teammates | To further programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Siouxland Expo Center | To further the programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Cedars Youth Center | To further the programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Foodbank of Lincoln | To further the purposes of the organization | $10,000 |
| Sioux Empire United Way | To further the programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| United Way of the Midlands | To further the programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster Co | To further the programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Casa de la Cultura | To further programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Great Plains Zoo | To further programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Omaha Parks Foundation | To further programs of the organization | $10,000 |
| Free Bikes 4 Kidz Omaha | To further programs of the organization | $7,500 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Lincoln | To further programs of the organization | $7,500 |
| Dakotabilities | To further programs of the organization | $7,500 |
| Make-A-Wish Nebraska | To further programs of the organization | $7,500 |
| Salvation Army | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Siouxland | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Siouxland | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Girls Incorporated of Sioux City | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| McKenna's Rae of Hope Foundation | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Safeplace | To further the programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Beacon Center | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Center for People in Need | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Embe | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Emily's Hope Inc | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Friendship Home of Lincoln Inc | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Gravel Worlds Foundation | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Heartland United Way Inc | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Hungry Hearts Inc | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
| Kearney Therapeutic Horseback | To further programs of the organization | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Cy W Chesterman Sr
- Nancy C Smith
- Susan C Bergeson
Questions people ask
Does The Chesterman Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Chesterman Family Foundation give?
$563,500 in tax year 2025, across 56 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Chesterman Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cy W Chesterman Sr (Director - Time as needed), Nancy C Smith (Director - Time as needed) and Susan C Bergeson (Director - Time as needed).
What does The Chesterman Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and youth programs.