Thomson Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Thomson Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Cresco, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $181,344 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $50,750. 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$181,344
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$50,750
- Assets$4.4 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was up from $132,443 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 | $165,576 | 22 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $132,443 | 33 | $3.7 million |
| 2025 | $181,344 | 30 | $4.4 million |
How to apply
Thomson 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 Thomson Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 18 | $163,039 |
| West Virginia | 1 | $5,250 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $5,000 |
| New York | 2 | $1,250 |
| Missouri | 1 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $250 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $225 |
| Georgia | 1 | $225 |
| Illinois | 1 | $150 |
| Maryland | 1 | $150 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| City of Cresco | Scene Shop | $50,750 |
| Norman-Borlaug Heritage Foundation | General Operations | $35,000 |
| Floyd County Fair Society | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Northeast Iowa Food Bank | General Operations | $6,000 |
| Shriners Childrens Hospital | General Operations | $5,250 |
| Wartburg College | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Notre Dame Catholic Parish | Alumni Appeal | $5,000 |
| St Jude Children Research Hospital | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Cresco Elm Street Rentals | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Howard County Agrl Society | General Operations | $4,100 |
| Howard County Business and Tourism | Prairie Springs Recreation Trail | $1,500 |
| Howard County Community Schools Foundation | General Operations | $1,400 |
| Oaklawn Cemetery Association Of Cresco IA | General Operations | $1,000 |
| Opportunity Homes Inc | General Operations | $1,000 |
| Midwest Mission Teens MBTC | General Operations | $1,000 |
| Covenant House International | General Operations | $1,000 |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes | General Operations | $1,000 |
| Special Needs Assocaition | General Operations | $500 |
| National Child Safety Council | General Operations | $425 |
| Make-A-Wish | General Operations | $300 |
| SPCA | General Operations | $250 |
| Care | General Operations | $250 |
| National Parks Conservation Association | General Operations | $225 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General Operations | $225 |
| Disabled Veteran National Foundation | General Operations | $150 |
| Scouting America National Council | General Operations | $150 |
| Ronald McDonald House | General Operations | $150 |
| Paws for Purple Hearts | General Operations | $100 |
| Northeast Iowa Communty Action Corp | General Operations | $64 |
Officers and trustees
- John S Thomson
- Stephanie C Thomson
Questions people ask
Does Thomson Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Thomson Charitable Foundation give?
$181,344 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Thomson Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John S Thomson (Director/President/Treasurer) and Stephanie C Thomson (Director/Secretary).
What does Thomson Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.