Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation is a private foundation in Seattle, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $196,000 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $45,000. 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$196,000
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$3.0 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $163,000 the year before.
60% 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 | $261,500 | 33 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $163,000 | 26 | $2.7 million |
| 2025 | $196,000 | 25 | $3.0 million |
How to apply
Roy and Leona Nelson 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 Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 21 | $150,000 |
| Idaho | 4 | $46,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences | College scholarships | $45,000 |
| Spokane Colleges Foundation | College scholarships | $30,000 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | College scholarships | $22,500 |
| Whitworth University | College scholarships | $22,500 |
| Eastern Washington University Foundation | College scholarships | $18,000 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | College scholarships | $18,000 |
| Garden Terrace Senior Living | Affordable housing for low income seniors | $5,000 |
| Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center | Riding programs for the disabled | $5,000 |
| Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission | Womens childrens center construction | $5,000 |
| National Alliance for Mental Illness - Coeur d'Alene | Programs for the mentally ill | $3,500 |
| Union Gospel Mision | Homeless shelter | $2,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Food bank | $2,000 |
| United Way of North Idaho | North Idaho charities | $2,000 |
| Morning Star Boys Ranch | Troubled boys ranch | $2,000 |
| Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery | Crisis nursery | $1,500 |
| Planned Parenthood | Low income health center | $1,500 |
| Spokane Public Library Foundation | Childrens programs | $1,500 |
| Odyssey Youth Movement | LGBTQ programs | $1,500 |
| Northwest X Talks | Local Ted talk program | $1,500 |
| Youth for Christ | After school programs | $1,000 |
| Pend Oreille County YES | Services for homeless youth | $1,000 |
| Electric City WA Park Dept | New city park construction | $1,000 |
| Thrive Chelan Valley | Teen center after school programs | $1,000 |
| Maddie's Place | Recovery nursery for babies withdrawing from substance abuse | $1,000 |
| Women Helping Women Fund | Scholarship Fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Nancy Harris
- Don Peters
- Neil McKay
- Tommy Nelson
Questions people ask
Does Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation give?
$196,000 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nancy Harris (Director), Don Peters (President), Neil McKay (Director) and Tommy Nelson (Secretary).
What does Roy and Leona Nelson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.