Messer Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Messer Family Foundation is a private foundation in Watertown, South Dakota. In tax year 2025 it gave $15,519 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $3,000. 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$15,519
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$3,000
- Assets$358,554
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $15,000 the year before.
38% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $15,279 | 7 | $316,085 |
| 2024 | $15,000 | 7 | $331,837 |
| 2025 | $15,519 | 8 | $358,554 |
How to apply
Messer 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 Messer Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to South Dakota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 7 | $14,519 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Techical College | Nursing scholarships | $3,000 |
| Jenkins Living Center Foundation | Scholarship program | $3,000 |
| Arrow Educational Foundation | Scholarships | $2,219 |
| Senior Companions of South Dakota | Administration & senior care | $2,000 |
| Watertown Regional Library | Children's reading program | $2,000 |
| Bramble Park Zoo | Program services | $1,500 |
| Mndak Kiwanis Ed Foundation | Program services | $1,000 |
| Codington County Historical Society | Program services | $800 |
Officers and trustees
- Dr Joseph V Messer
- Joseph S Messer
- Patricia K Weber
- Kari McAdams Copelin
- Stephen P McAdams
- Ann H Messer
- Elizabeth R Messer Diehl
- Megan N Stoltz
- Logan J Diehl
- Makayla J van Der Heiden
- Bailley VM Olson
- Kathleen P Vandezande Little
Questions people ask
Does Messer Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Messer Family Foundation give?
$15,519 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Messer Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dr Joseph V Messer (President), Joseph S Messer (Vice Preside), Patricia K Weber (Secretary) and Kari McAdams Copelin (Treasurer) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Messer Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.