The Nelson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Nelson Foundation is a private foundation in Shreveport, Louisiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $39,232 in 34 grants; the typical grant was $400 and the largest $10,100. 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$39,232
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$400
- Largest grant$10,100
- Assets$1.0 million
- New grantees68%
Giving in 2025 was up from $32,484 the year before.
68% 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 | $32,619 | 13 | $703,717 |
| 2024 | $32,484 | 19 | $871,028 |
| 2025 | $39,232 | 34 | $1.0 million |
How to apply
The Nelson 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 Nelson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Louisiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 27 | $33,400 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $3,332 |
| California | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $500 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $200 |
| Virginia | 1 | $200 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Way of Northwest Louisiana | To further community enhancement | $10,100 |
| St Mark's Episcopal Cathedral | To further church ministries | $9,300 |
| Ronald McDonald House | To reduce financial burden for families with sick children | $3,332 |
| Centenary College | To further higher education | $3,300 |
| Community Renewal International | To create safe communities | $1,000 |
| Community Foundation of North Louisiana | To create positive change | $1,000 |
| Holy Angels | To provide housing and support for developmental disabled | $1,000 |
| The Arc of Caddo Bossier Foundation | To provide funding for developmentally disabled | $1,000 |
| Shreveport Symphony Orchestra | To further community enhancementto provide artistic community programs and education | $1,000 |
| Sea Crest School | To further childhood education | $1,000 |
| Shriners Hospital for Children | To provide support for pediatric care for orthopedics, burns and other conditions | $1,000 |
| St Lukes Episcopal Mobile Medical | To further church ministries | $800 |
| Georgetown University | To further higher education | $500 |
| Gingerbread House | To provide care to abused children | $500 |
| Harvard Business School | To further higher education | $500 |
| Robinson Film Center | To promote the arts | $500 |
| LSU Health Sciences Foundation | To further cancer research | $450 |
| Wideman Internation Piano Competition Inc | To promote classical music education | $350 |
| Children & Arthritis Inc | To reduce financial burden for families with sick children | $350 |
| Junior Achievement | To further community enhancement | $300 |
| Robinson Rescue | To provide low-cost spay/neuter services | $300 |
| Jackson Academy | To further childhood education | $200 |
| Loyola College Prep | To further high school education | $200 |
| The Foundation to Eradicate Duchenne | To provide research support for duchenne muscular dystrophy | $200 |
| St Mark's Cathedral School | To further childhood education | $200 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | To provide support for research for pediatric cancer | $100 |
| American Rose Center | To further community enhancement | $100 |
| Louisiana Methodisth Childrens Home | To provide housing and support for developmental disabled | $100 |
| Lsus Foundation | To further higher education | $100 |
| McDade Family Foundation | To provide support for families traveling for medical care | $100 |
| St Joseph Catholic School | To further church ministries | $100 |
| Rotary Club of Shreveport | To fund local and civic charitable projects | $100 |
| Shrevport Opera | To further community enhancement | $100 |
| Catholic Charities of North Louisiana | To further church ministries | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- George D Nelson Jr
- Clare M Nelson
Questions people ask
Does The Nelson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Nelson Foundation give?
$39,232 in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $400.
Who runs The Nelson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists George D Nelson Jr (President/Treasurer) and Clare M Nelson (V.p./Secretary).
What does The Nelson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, faith communities and education.