The Winnings Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Winnings Foundation is a private foundation in Lincoln, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $125,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 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$125,000
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$677,909
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was up from $100,000 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,000 | 5 | $48,652 |
| 2023 | $0 | 0 | $157,263 |
| 2024 | $100,000 | 7 | $534,366 |
| 2025 | $125,000 | 8 | $677,909 |
How to apply
The Winnings 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 Winnings Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 8 | $125,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Calvary Lutheran | To help fund their charitable work. | $20,000 |
| Pius X Foundation | To help fund their charitable work. | $20,000 |
| Bravebe Child Advocacy Center | To help fund their charitable work. | $15,000 |
| Food Bank of Lincoln | To help fund their charitable work. | $15,000 |
| Friendship Home | To help fund their charitable work. | $15,000 |
| Matt Talbot Food Kitchen | To help fund their charitable work. | $15,000 |
| People's City Mission of Lincoln | To help fund their charitable work. | $15,000 |
| Lincoln Literacy | To help fund their charitable work. | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David Gehle
- James Hoppe
- Mary Hoppe
- Tricia Burt
Questions people ask
Does The Winnings Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Winnings Foundation give?
$125,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Winnings Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David Gehle (President/Director), James Hoppe (Treasurer/Director), Mary Hoppe (Director) and Tricia Burt (Secretary/Director).
What does The Winnings Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and food and hunger.