The Noble Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Noble Foundation is a private foundation in West Des Moines, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $23,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$23,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$31.3 million
- New grantees58%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
58% 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 | $1.1 million | 29 | $28.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 30 | $30.5 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 31 | $31.3 million |
How to apply
The Noble 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 Noble Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 13 | $625,000 |
| Alabama | 12 | $494,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $35,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $25,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $15,000 |
| New York | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ellipsis | General purpose | $250,000 |
| Greater Birmingham Humane Society | General purpose | $250,000 |
| Variety the Children's Charity of Iowa | General purpose | $175,000 |
| Lakeside Hospice | General purpose | $50,000 |
| On With Life | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Community Food Bank of Central Alabama | General purpose | $40,000 |
| Humane World for Animals | General purpose | $35,000 |
| St Clair Community Health Clinic | General purpose | $30,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Family Promise of Baldwin County | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Eastview Community Center | General purpose | $25,000 |
| St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral | General purpose | $25,000 |
| United Way of Central Alabama | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Samaritan's Purse | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Anawim Housing Inc | General purpose | $25,000 |
| St Simon Peter Episcopal Church | General purpose | $23,000 |
| Aspci - Pell City Al | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Des Moines Area Religious Council | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research | Gneral purpose | $15,000 |
| Jasper County Community Foundation | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Animal Rescue League of Iowa | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Hunger House International | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Can Do Cancer | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Pell City Museum | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Perdido Beach Volunteer Fire Department | General purpose | $10,000 |
| St Clair Children's Advocacy | General purpose | $6,000 |
| Des Moines Art Center Edmundson Art Foundation | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Angie's Dog House | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Dental Connections Inc | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Houston Project | General purpose | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Cynthia L Noble
- Jeffery D Noble
- Jonine L Noble
Questions people ask
Does The Noble Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Noble Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $23,000.
Who runs The Noble Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cynthia L Noble (Director), Jeffery D Noble (Director) and Jonine L Noble (Director).
What does The Noble Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals, youth programs and health.