Abel Foundation
The Abel Foundation is a private foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska, established in 1953. It operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with the primary purpose of providing financial support to non-profit organizations located in communities where NEBCO and its affiliated companies have operations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$14.0M
-2.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.9M
+120.1% YoY
Grant Count
95
+46.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$41K
+50.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Abel Foundation reported a distributable amount of $905K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To provide financial support for non-profit organizations located in communities where NEBCO and its affiliated companies have operations.
Funding Priorities:
- Education
- Human Services
- Community Enhancement
- Arts and Culture
- Environmental Conservation
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
The foundation emphasizes projects with direct community impact, particularly those involving physical improvements and educational initiatives.
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Nebraska (with particular emphasis on Lincoln and Lancaster County)
- New York
- Tennessee
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $13,985,054
- Total Giving: $3,886,035
- Total Revenues: $3,760,643
- Total Expenses: $4,064,317
- Investment Income and Dividends: $760,643
Staffing:
- Number of Employees: 0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $13,985,054 | $14,288,728 | $11,536,171 |
| Revenue | $3,760,643 | $4,633,536 | $1,890,024 |
| Expenses | $4,064,317 | $1,880,979 | $1,394,684 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,886,035 | $1,765,698 | $1,373,710 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,966,264 | $1,293,416 | $1,014,074 |
| Distributable Amount | $905,056 | $677,466 | $763,533 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Abel Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Family Service Lincoln ($83,333), Lincoln Community Foundation ($67,200), Capital Humane Society ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AIDAN'S ANIMALS LINCOLN, NE | GENERAL FUND | $500 |
| ANGELS AMONG US OMAHA, NE | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $15,000 |
| ASHLAND AREA FOUNDATION ASHLAND, NE | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | $25,000 |
| ASIAN COMMUNITY & CULTURAL CENTER LINCOLN, NE | GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
| ASIAN COMMUNITY & CULTURAL CENTER LINCOLN, NE | GENERAL FUND | $25,000 |
| ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSI OMAHA, NE | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $3,000 |
| AVA'S ARMY INC GRETNA, NE | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $1,000 |
| BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE - STAR C LINCOLN, NE | GRANTS | $250 |
| BRAVEBE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER LINCOLN, NE | GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
| CAPITAL HUMANE SOCIETY LINCOLN, NE | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES P ABEL | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| KAYLA ABEL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JOHN C ABEL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MAX RODENBURG | VP/SEC | 10 | $160,000 |
| PHILIP C ABEL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MARY ABEL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BRYAN D MURRAY | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JACK P ABEL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation made 63 grants in 2024, demonstrating active grantmaking focused on capital campaigns and program support in its priority areas. Recent major grants have supported community infrastructure projects and educational institutions in Nebraska.
Abel Foundation \u2013 Providing Financial Support for Non-Profit ...Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Abel Foundation fund?
**Mission:** To provide financial support for non-profit organizations located in communities where NEBCO and its affiliated companies have operations. **Funding Priorities:** • Education • Human Services • Community Enhancement • Arts and Culture • Environmental Conservation • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking The foundation emphasizes projects with direct community impact, particularly those involving physical improvements and educational initiatives.
How do I apply for a grant from Abel Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $50–$933,333 • Recent grants made: 63 grants in 2024 • Total giving (2024): $3,886,035 **Recent Notable Grants (2024):** • University of Nebraska Foundation: $933,333 (General Fund) • Malone Community Center: $750,000 (Capital Campaign) • Lincoln Youth Complex: $500,000 (Capital Campaign) **Eligibility Requirements:** • Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations • Ineligible applicants include non-501(c)(3) organizations and individuals • Projec…
Where does Abel Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in: • Nebraska (with particular emphasis on Lincoln and Lancaster County) • New York • Tennessee
What size grants does Abel Foundation award?
In 2024, Abel Foundation awarded 95 grants totaling $3.9M — an average of about $41K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Abel Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Abel Foundation reported a distributable amount of $905K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Abel Foundation's EIN?
Abel Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-6041771. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Abel Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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