James E Dutton Foundation Inc
Accepts applications
James E Dutton Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Merrill, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $184,459 in 35 grants; the typical grant was $4,900 and the largest $12,500. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$184,459
- Number of grants35
- Typical grant$4,900
- Largest grant$12,500
- Assets$3.6 million
- New grantees77%
Giving in 2025 was up from $164,190 the year before.
77% 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 | $145,857 | 34 | $3.3 million |
| 2024 | $164,190 | 28 | $3.5 million |
| 2025 | $184,459 | 35 | $3.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | James E Dutton Foundation 6655 Rainbow Dr, Merrill, WI 54452 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (414) 640-0523, silvercreek.fenske@gmail.com |
| What to submit | There is no formal application form. Grant requests should include 1) description of organization and its mission, 2) description of project/program for which a grant is being requested, and 3) grant budget and time schedule. Grants may extend over two years or more dependent on the request. |
| Restrictions | Projects/programs that benefit wildlife, animal causes, environmental preservation and outdoors education. Once a grant is awarded grantees will be required to provide additional information about their organization and to file a grant report on the results achieved through the grant. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What James E Dutton Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 28 | $166,459 |
| Virginia | 3 | $10,000 |
| California | 3 | $5,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pineview Wildlife Rehabilitation Center | Construction of a New Reptile Enclosure | $12,500 |
| Driftless Area Land Conservancy Inc | Restoration of Spring Valley Wetland Complex | $10,000 |
| Friends of the Cedarburg Bog Inc | Curbing the Spread of Invasive Buckthorn to Protect Wildlife Habitat | $10,000 |
| Raptor Education Group Inc | Education Vehicle | $10,000 |
| Urban Ecology Center | Research and Community Services | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin Humane Society | Pets for Life Program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center | $10,000 |
| Rock River Coalition | Collaboration with Small Watershed and Producer-led Groups | $8,778 |
| Carroll University | Animal Behavior Program | $7,500 |
| Lake Michigan Bird Observatory | Every Tree Counts: Improving Green Space for Birds and People | $7,068 |
| Friends of Wisconsin Camp Tapawingo | Naturalist Intern and Development of Long-term Sustainable Program | $7,000 |
| Wisconsin Assn for Environmental Education | Healthier, Happier, Smarter Project | $6,500 |
| Van der Brohe Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary | Bird Gardens | $6,465 |
| Adaptive Sportsmen | Adaptive Equipment | $5,000 |
| American Bird Conservancy | Forestry for Wisconsin Birds Program | $5,000 |
| Lakeshore Humane Society | Shelter Security System | $5,000 |
| Riveredge Nature Center | Bird Banding Program | $5,000 |
| Trees for Tomorrow | Exploring the Science of Nature Project | $5,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay Foundation | Wetland and Trail Enhancements | $4,900 |
| Northwoods Humane Society | Guillotine Doors for Isolation Kennels | $4,598 |
| Kettle Moraine Land Trust | Jackson Creek Restoration Project | $4,300 |
| Feline Canine Friends | Trap-Neuter-Release Program | $4,200 |
| Adaptive Community Approach Program | Wisconsin Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation | $4,150 |
| Grant County Humane Society | Surgical Table & Sink | $4,000 |
| Marshfield Area Pet Shelter | Spay/Neuter Surgeries, Vaccinations & Microchips | $3,500 |
| Dayton Community Connection Inc | Lyman Dayton Trail Restoration | $3,000 |
| For the Love of Poodles and Pooches | Dog Rescue Program | $3,000 |
| Ruff Start Rescue | Support Mission to Provide Refuge and Rehabilitation | $3,000 |
| Humane Society of Portage County | Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program | $2,500 |
| Lincoln County Humane Society | Trap-Neuter-Release Program | $2,500 |
| Lake County Clean Waters | Healthy Lakes 2025 Conference | $2,000 |
| Northern Neck Partners for Pets | Animal Welfare | $2,000 |
| Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance | Outdoor Programs | $2,000 |
| The Surfrider Foundation | Clean Water Testing | $2,000 |
| Chippewa Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation | New Waterfowl Enclosure | $1,000 |
| Sonoma Ecology Center | Sonoma Overlook Trail Renovation | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Dean W Fenske
- John Dutton
- J Lewis Perlson
Questions people ask
Does James E Dutton Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does James E Dutton Foundation Inc give?
$184,459 in tax year 2025, across 35 grants, with a typical grant of $4,900.
Who runs James E Dutton Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Dean W Fenske (President/Treas), John Dutton (Vice President) and J Lewis Perlson (Secretary).
What does James E Dutton Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, animals and education.