Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust
Accepts applications
Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Aurora, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $273,063 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $13,000 and the largest $100,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$273,063
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$13,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$5.4 million
- New grantees67%
Giving in 2025 was up from $187,000 the year before.
67% 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 | $64,337 | 5 | $4.7 million |
| 2024 | $187,000 | 5 | $5.4 million |
| 2025 | $273,063 | 9 | $5.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Scott Grafton Trustee 1228 L Street, PO Box 228, Aurora, NE 68818 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (402) 694-3161 |
| What to submit | Grant application is available at the above address. |
| Deadlines | No specific deadlines; applications reviewed periodically. |
| Restrictions | All grant distributions shall be exclusively for charitable and public purposes within hamilton county, Nebraska. |
What Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 9 | $273,063 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Community Foundation | Aurora adopt a pet project | $100,000 |
| Hamilton County Foundation | Inclusive playground | $90,000 |
| Giltner Public Schools Foundation | Little stingers day care | $20,000 |
| Prairie Plains Resource Institute | 30' x 60' greenhouse | $20,000 |
| Hamilton County Historical Society | Dist 66 schoolhouse renovation | $13,000 |
| Hamilton Community Foundation | Columbarium project at cemetary | $10,000 |
| Edgerton Center | Illumination station | $8,063 |
| Hamilton County Historical Society | Pole banners for america's 250th | $7,000 |
| Hamilton County Foundation | Donor advised funds | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William L Mersch
- Scott D Grafton
Questions people ask
Does Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: No specific deadlines; applications reviewed periodically.
How much does Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust give?
$273,063 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $13,000.
Who runs Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists William L Mersch (Co-Trustee) and Scott D Grafton (Co-Trustee).
What does Robert & Bethel Kolar Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly community development and arts and culture.