Nelson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Wilson, Wyoming. In tax year 2025 it gave $140,500 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $35,000. 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$140,500
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$35,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $117,500 the year before.
56% 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 | $120,000 | 17 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $117,500 | 12 | $2.9 million |
| 2025 | $140,500 | 16 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
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 Nelson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to California. It also paid $5,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 5 | $91,000 |
| South Carolina | 6 | $35,000 |
| Wyoming | 2 | $6,000 |
| New York | 1 | $2,500 |
| Montana | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Bosp | General support | $35,000 |
| Hoover Institution | General support | $25,000 |
| Padrino Childrens Foundation | General support | $25,000 |
| Historic Charleston | General support | $10,500 |
| Charleston Library Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| ONE80 Place | General support | $6,000 |
| Charleston Jazz | General support | $5,000 |
| International Community Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Alianza Cero Basura BCS | General support | $5,000 |
| Grand Teton National Park Foundation | General support | $3,000 |
| Teton Raptor Center | General support | $3,000 |
| Good Friends of the Low Country | General support | $2,500 |
| The Metro Museum of Art | General support | $2,500 |
| Eagle Mount Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Surfrider Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Drayton Hall Preservation Trust | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Charles Nelson
Questions people ask
Does Nelson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Nelson Family Foundation give?
$140,500 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Nelson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Charles Nelson (Trustee).
What does Nelson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and international.