The Gerdin Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Gerdin Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in North Liberty, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $6.9 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $500,000 and the largest $3.0 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$6.9 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$500,000
- Largest grant$3.0 million
- Assets$141 million
- New grantees71%
Giving in 2025 was up from $5.2 million the year before.
71% 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 | $3.5 million | 3 | $125 million |
| 2024 | $5.2 million | 7 | $134 million |
| 2025 | $6.9 million | 9 | $141 million |
How to apply
The Gerdin Charitable 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 Gerdin Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 8 | $6.3 million |
| Washington | 1 | $550,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Luther College | Regents center renovation project | $3.0 million |
| University of Iowa Center for Advancement | U of i health care catalyst fund support | $1.3 million |
| University of Iowa Center for Advancement | Support for womens athletics scholarships | $1.3 million |
| Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | Naive t cell depletion research support | $550,000 |
| Iowa State University | General operating fund | $500,000 |
| Unitypoint Health St Luke's Foundation | Support for the abbe center for community mental health | $250,000 |
| Iowa State University | Tahira k. Hira professorship fund support | $50,000 |
| Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter | General operating fund | $2,500 |
| Community Foundation of Johnson County | Coralville asian festival support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ann S Gerdin
- Michael J Gerdin
- Julie J Durr
- Angela K Janssen
Questions people ask
Does The Gerdin Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Gerdin Charitable Foundation give?
$6.9 million in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $500,000.
Who runs The Gerdin Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ann S Gerdin (President/Sec/Treas), Michael J Gerdin (Vice President), Julie J Durr (Vice President) and Angela K Janssen (Vice President).
What does The Gerdin Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.