Filkins Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Filkins Family Foundation is a private foundation in Omaha, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $34.6 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $1.1 million and the largest $20.7 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$34.6 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$1.1 million
- Largest grant$20.7 million
- Assets$167 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $33.4 million the year before.
40% 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 | $128,795 | 6 | $2.9 million |
| 2024 | $33.4 million | 4 | $183 million |
| 2025 | $34.6 million | 5 | $167 million |
How to apply
Filkins 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 Filkins Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Vermont.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 1 | $20.7 million |
| New York | 1 | $12.8 million |
| Nebraska | 3 | $1.2 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Cataract Project Inc DBA Cure Blindness Project | Surgeries & equipment | $20.7 million |
| Orbis | Treatment & prevention of blindness | $12.8 million |
| Nancy LF Davis Family Foundation | General operations | $1.1 million |
| Westside Foundation | Cal bentz natatorium | $60,000 |
| Metropolitan Omaha Medical Society | General operations | $31,349 |
Officers and trustees
- John W Filkins Sr
- Nancy Davis
- Cathryn Abernathy
- John W Filkins Jr
Questions people ask
Does Filkins Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Filkins Family Foundation give?
$34.6 million in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $1.1 million.
Who runs Filkins Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John W Filkins Sr (Chairman/Treasurer), Nancy Davis (Trustee), Cathryn Abernathy (Trustee) and John W Filkins Jr (Secretary).
What does Filkins Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly disability.