Circus World Museum Foundation Inc
The mission of Circus World Museum Foundation is to fund and support circus world museum in its mission to preserve the joy of the American circus experience.
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Circus World Museum Foundation Inc gave $293K across 1 grant in 2021 (avg $293K), mostly in Wisconsin. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $292,661
- Grants made (2021)
- 1
- Average grant
- $292,661
- Median grant
- $292,661
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (100% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2021; updated September 2026.
Who Circus World Museum Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Wisconsin Historical Foundation Inc ($293K).
Grant Size Distribution
1 grant across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $250–500K range: 1 grant of 1 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2021 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2021 it made 1 grant totaling $293K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Historical Foundation Inc Madison, WI | Support of the Circus World Museum | $292,661 |
Ready to take the next step with Circus World Museum Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | $45,745 | $596,091 | $292,661 | 1 | $28,655 |
| 2020 | $901,156 | $115,862 | $162,691 | — | — | $908 |
About Circus World Museum Foundation Inc
Based on IRS filings
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc is a public charity, based in Baraboo, WI. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2021. In 2021, it awarded 1 grant totaling $293K. Net investment income was $29K.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc is led by Joan Fordham, Chair on every filing since 2020; none of the 14 officers listed in 2021 report compensation.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Joan Fordham
Chair
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Wanzo
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christian Overland
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Hoffman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Forest Hartmann
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Pfening
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Lloyd
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Midtbo
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Palm
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott O'Donnell
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Lipp
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aural Umhoefer
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Beadle
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marty Fields
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Bobbie Coons (2020) — Director of Development
- Former: Merlin Zitzner (2020) — Director
- Former: Pam Sorci (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Circus World Museum Foundation Inc
How much does Circus World Museum Foundation Inc give each year?
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc gave $293K across 1 grant in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990.
Where does Circus World Museum Foundation Inc operate?
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc has awarded grants in Wisconsin.
What is Circus World Museum Foundation Inc's EIN?
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-0968969. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 30, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
Other open foundation grants in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Circus World Museum Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common
Wisconsin Civil Justice Education Foundation Inc
Madison, WI
Promote the achievement and maintenance of high standards of professional ethics, competency, and demeanor on the bench and bar. Also to enhance the objectives of Wisconsin association for justice, inc.
Assets
$548K
Grants
3
Total Given
$51K
Larson John & Beverly Foundation
Onalaska, WI
Assets
$320K
Grants
5
Total Given
$17K
Kohler Trust for Preservation
Kohler, WI
To support the listed beneficiaries in their conservation and preservation efforts.
Assets
$8.6M
Grants
5
Total Given
$3.7M
Wisconsin Humanities Council Inc
Middleton, WI
Wisconsin humanities strengthens our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state.
Assets
$569K
Grants
8
Total Given
$68K
Daniel W Erdman Foundation Inc
Milwaukee, WI
The Daniel W Erdman Foundation supports charitable organizations working in areas such as education, arts, conservation, health, food access, housing, and mental health, primarily in Wisconsin, with some giving in Montana. In 2024, it made 11 grants ranging from $3,000 to $525,000, with a median grant of $22,127; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5M
Grants
11
Total Given
$708K
Gregory C Van WIE Charitable
Scottsdale, AZ
In 2025, the foundation supported food assistance, camps, health care, history, community services, education, and veterans’ services, with grants designated for program support. Grants ranged from $6,000 to $45,000, with a median of $25,000; 98% of funding went to Wisconsin and 2% to Illinois. The filing does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
13
Total Given
$302K
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Circus World Museum Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Circus World Museum Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?