The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation is a private foundation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In tax year 2024 it gave $4.4 million in 57 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $960,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$4.4 million
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$960,000
- Assets$123 million
- New grantees49%
Giving in 2024 was up from $3.5 million the year before.
49% of its 2024 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 | $3.5 million | 35 | $97.8 million |
| 2024 | $4.4 million | 57 | $123 million |
How to apply
The Robert and Rita Elmen 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 Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to South Dakota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 51 | $3.9 million |
| California | 1 | $150,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $150,000 |
| New York | 1 | $150,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SD Parks and Wildlife Fdn | Building project | $960,000 |
| Great Plains Zoo | New exhibits | $750,000 |
| Augustana College | Building | $721,707 |
| Alzheimer's Disease Res Fdn | Reserach | $150,000 |
| Brain & Behavior Reserach Council | Reserach | $150,000 |
| Sansum Diabetes Reserach | Reserach | $150,000 |
| SD Symphony Orchestra | Operating | $101,000 |
| Levitt Foundation | Operating | $100,000 |
| Abbott House | Foster care | $100,000 |
| Fall Area Single Track | Building new trails | $100,000 |
| Feeding South Dakota | Food for the needy | $90,000 |
| SD Parks and Wildlife Fdn | Palisades stateparkcapital camp. | $75,000 |
| Lutheran Social Services | Multi culuralcenter | $50,000 |
| Red Cross | Disaster relief | $50,000 |
| SF YMCA Leif Ericson Camp | Day camp for ages 6-9 | $50,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club | New building fund | $50,000 |
| Volunteers of Am | Capital campaign | $50,000 |
| Teach for America | Provide teachersfor lakota nationsindian tribes | $50,000 |
| Shift Garage | Operating | $45,000 |
| Call to Freedom | To stop sextrafficing | $40,000 |
| Active Generations | Special project library addn | $35,000 |
| Midwest Street Medicine | Health and medicalcare forvulnerable population | $30,000 |
| Sioux Falls Care | Operating | $25,000 |
| The Banquet | Feeding meals | $25,000 |
| St Francis House | Shelter trainingfor those in need | $25,000 |
| Face It Together | Operating | $25,000 |
| Bishop Dudley House | Shelter forhomeless | $25,000 |
| Childrens Home Society | Operations | $25,000 |
| Compass Center | Abuse counseling | $25,000 |
| Boys Scouts of America | Operating | $25,000 |
| Washington Pavilion | Operating | $25,000 |
| The Glory House | Long term housing | $20,000 |
| Lunch Is Served | Operating | $20,000 |
| Tall Grass | Alcohol and drugaddiction treatment | $20,000 |
| Promising Future | Operating | $20,000 |
| Help Line | Sucide prevention | $20,000 |
| Great Plains Zoo | Zoo for everyone | $15,000 |
| ST VINCENT de PAUL (DIAPER MINISTRY | Diapers | $15,000 |
| United Way | Operating | $10,000 |
| Augustana Uninvesity | Operating forthe library | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Julie D Elmen
- Thomas J Whalen
- Vance Goldammer
- Sarah Kopp
- Alex Kopp
- Sadie Keuning
Questions people ask
Does The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation give?
$4.4 million in tax year 2024, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Julie D Elmen (President), Thomas J Whalen (Treasurer), Vance Goldammer (Secretary) and Sarah Kopp (Vice President) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and animals.