John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $126,250 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$126,250
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$1.2 million
- New grantees72%
Giving in 2025 was up from $96,000 the year before.
72% 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 | $113,000 | 18 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $96,000 | 15 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $126,250 | 29 | $1.2 million |
How to apply
John and Judith Nelson Family 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 John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 17 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 4 | $56,500 |
| New York | 5 | $17,750 |
| New Hampshire | 3 | $13,000 |
| California | 2 | $12,250 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $5,750 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $4,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $3,750 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $2,500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $1,250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress | General purpose | $20,000 |
| The Small World | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Lahey Clinic | General purpose | $15,000 |
| Wildlife Conservation Network | General purpose | $11,250 |
| Belknap House | General purpose | $10,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | General purpose | $7,500 |
| International Rescue Committee | General purpose | $6,500 |
| Pledge the Pink Foundation | General purpose | $4,000 |
| Heifer International Foundation | General purpose | $3,750 |
| Cheetah Conservation Fund | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Manna Food Bank | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Panthera Corporation | General purpose | $2,500 |
| World Central Kitchen | General purpose | $2,500 |
| New England Disabled Sports | General purpose | $2,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy | General purpose | $2,000 |
| Dana Farber Cancer Institute | General purpose | $1,500 |
| Children of Heros Ukraine Foundation | General purpose | $1,250 |
| World Wildlife Fund | General purpose | $1,250 |
| Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Mara Elephant Project | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | General purpose | $1,000 |
| National Wildlife Foundation | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Polar Bears International | General purpose | $1,000 |
| St Jude's Hospital | General purpose | $1,000 |
| The B Foundation | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Winnisquam Watershed Network | General purpose | $1,000 |
| National Audubon Society | General purpose | $750 |
| National Resources Defense Council | General purpose | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Christopher Nelson
- Scott Nelson
- Michael Nelson
Questions people ask
Does John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation give?
$126,250 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Christopher Nelson (Trustee), Scott Nelson (Trustee) and Michael Nelson (Trustee).
What does John and Judith Nelson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly disability, international and environment and conservation.