The Nelson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Bismarck, North Dakota. In tax year 2025 it gave $415,800 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $110,500. 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$415,800
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$110,500
- Assets$9.3 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2025 was up from $385,050 the year before.
10% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $300,050 | 9 | $7.9 million |
| 2024 | $385,050 | 9 | $8.9 million |
| 2025 | $415,800 | 10 | $9.3 million |
How to apply
The 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 The Nelson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 1 | $110,500 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $110,500 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $40,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $40,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $30,000 |
| New York | 1 | $30,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $30,000 |
| California | 2 | $14,800 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation | General funding | $110,500 |
| The Miami Project | General funding | $110,500 |
| Und Alumni Association and Foundation | Endowment funding | $40,000 |
| University of New Mexico Foundation | General funding | $40,000 |
| Junglekeepers | General funding | $30,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy | General funding | $30,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | General funding | $30,000 |
| Telluride Film Festival | General funding | $14,050 |
| Mountainfilm | General funding | $10,000 |
| Film Noir Foundation | General grant | $750 |
Officers and trustees
- Jeffrey N Nelson
Questions people ask
Does The Nelson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Nelson Family Foundation give?
$415,800 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs The Nelson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jeffrey N Nelson (Trustee).
What does The Nelson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and arts and culture.