The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation is a private foundation in Ankeny, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $725,800 in 72 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $75,000. 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$725,800
- Number of grants72
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$75,000
- Assets$27.7 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was up from $291,700 the year before.
53% 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 | $178,000 | 40 | $4.8 million |
| 2024 | $291,700 | 44 | $7.7 million |
| 2025 | $725,800 | 72 | $27.7 million |
How to apply
The Denny and Candy Elwell 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 Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 61 | $581,300 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $50,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $26,500 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $15,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $8,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie Ridge Church | General fund | $75,000 |
| Des Moines Children Museum | General fund | $50,000 |
| Iowa Health Foundation | General fund | $50,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | Alzheimer's disease research | $50,000 |
| Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc | General fund | $35,000 |
| Alzheimers Assocation | General fund | $26,500 |
| Blank Children's Hospital | General fund | $25,000 |
| On With Life | General fund | $25,000 |
| The Easter Seal Society Foundation | General fund | $25,000 |
| Little White Schoolhouse Foundation | General fund | $15,300 |
| Childserve Foundation Inc | General fund | $15,000 |
| Dental Connections | General fund | $15,000 |
| Garden Gate Ranch | General fund | $15,000 |
| The World Food Prize Foundation | General fund | $12,500 |
| North Polk Cummunity School Foundation | General fund | $12,000 |
| Wings of Hope International | General fund | $11,000 |
| Ankeny Service Center | General fund | $10,000 |
| Blank Park Zoo Foundation Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| Children and Family Urban Movement | General fund | $10,000 |
| Community Champions | General fund | $10,000 |
| Dorothy's House | General fund | $10,000 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | General fund | $10,000 |
| Grand View University | General fund | $10,000 |
| Impact Community Action | General fund | $10,000 |
| National Alliance of Mental Illness - Iowa Chapter | General fund | $10,000 |
| North High School | General fund | $10,000 |
| Samaritan's Purse | General fund | $10,000 |
| Shriner's Hospital for Children | General fund | $10,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | General fund | $10,000 |
| The Ankeny Klothing Exchange | General fund | $10,000 |
| The Salvation Army | General fund | $10,000 |
| Scottsdale Bible Church | General fund | $8,000 |
| American Heart Association - Iowa Chapter | General fund | $5,000 |
| Ballet Theatre of Des Moines | General fund | $5,000 |
| Billy Graham Evangelistic Association | General fund | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Performing Arts | General fund | $5,000 |
| Furry Friends Refuge | General fund | $5,000 |
| Hope Ministeries | General fund | $5,000 |
| Oakridge Neighborhood Services | General fund | $5,000 |
| Salem United Church of Christ | General fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Dennis L Elwell
- Candy Elwell
- Brianna Elwell Kinsley
- Christian M Murray
Questions people ask
Does The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation give?
$725,800 in tax year 2025, across 72 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dennis L Elwell (Pres, Treas & Director), Candy Elwell (VP, Sec & Director), Brianna Elwell Kinsley (Director) and Christian M Murray (Director).
What does The Denny and Candy Elwell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and faith communities.