Gardner Foundation
Accepts applications
Gardner Foundation is a private foundation in Wakefield, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.4 million in 21 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $764,194. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.4 million
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$764,194
- Assets$33.0 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
60% 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 | $1.4 million | 19 | $26.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 20 | $29.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.4 million | 21 | $33.0 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Board of Trustees Gardner Foundatio P O Box 629, Wakefield, NE 68784 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (402) 287-2538 |
| What to submit | Use gardner foundation grant application. |
| Restrictions | As outlined in gardner foundation policy statement; cannot resubmit if rejected within 1 year. |
What Gardner Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 20 | $1.3 million |
| South Carolina | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne State Foundation | Scholarships | $764,194 |
| Wayne State Foundation | Scholarships | $171,946 |
| St Peter's Catholic Church | Tuition assistance | $100,000 |
| Little Red Hen Theatre | Outreach | $75,000 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | Scholarships | $75,000 |
| City of Ponca | Playground equipment | $38,210 |
| Wisner Police Department | Radio systems | $35,000 |
| Stanton County Emergency Management Agency | Drone | $27,595 |
| Homer Volunteer Fire Department | Lucas device | $19,550 |
| Dixon County | Drone | $17,104 |
| Project Pinkd Inc | Assistance | $15,000 |
| Emerson Veterans Memorialpost 60 | Veterans memorial | $10,250 |
| Harrison's Playmakers | Sports camps | $10,000 |
| Lindsay Area Development | Education | $10,000 |
| Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Middle School | Learning | $8,294 |
| Pioneer Senior Citizens | New furnace | $7,000 |
| Epic Youth Ministry | Ministry | $5,000 |
| Omaha Pacesetter | Baseball program | $4,500 |
| Hillrise Elementary PTO | General funding | $2,000 |
| Emerson Hubbard School | One book, one school program | $795 |
| Wakefield Community School | School fundraising | $750 |
Officers and trustees
- Leslie A Bebee
- David J Gardner
- Kirk N Gardner
Questions people ask
Does Gardner Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Gardner Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Gardner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Leslie A Bebee (Executive Director), David J Gardner (Trustee) and Kirk N Gardner (Trustee).
What does Gardner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and community development.