The CL Werner Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2010 and based in Valley, Nebraska. It operates as a grantmaking foundation with a focus on supporting organizations aligned with its core philanthropic values.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.8M
-15.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.1M
+49.0% YoY
Grant Count
61
+27.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$50K
+17.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation supports those who believe in encouraging people to achieve their full potential through Faith, Family, Health, and Education.
The Foundation welcomes thoughtful inquiries and invites organizations to share information about their missions through a Grant Inquiry process. The Foundation's approach is guided by the philanthropic ideals of CL and Rachel Werner, which emphasize stewardship, compassion, and meaningful impact.
Grantmaking
Organizations interested in funding are invited to complete a Grant Inquiry form on the Foundation's website. All inquiries are reviewed with care, though the Foundation notes it may not be able to respond to every submission.
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation operates primarily in Nebraska, with a particular presence in the Omaha area and surrounding regions.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $12.8 million
- Total Revenues: $882,092
- Total Expenses: $2.73 million
- Total Liabilities: $2,990
Tax Status:
- EIN: 26-3839487
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status since June 2010
- Required to file Form 990-PF
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,826,026 | $15,172,767 | $15,484,116 |
| Revenue | $882,092 | $1,433,063 | $2,038,235 |
| Expenses | $2,730,649 | $2,216,165 | $1,497,892 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,141,401 | $1,625,962 | $1,395,417 |
| Net Investment Income | $811,880 | $1,070,330 | $956,611 |
| Distributable Amount | $759,268 | $799,906 | $783,742 |
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
138 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
CL Werner — Honorary Chairman of the Board Founder of Werner Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in the United States. He started the company in 1956 as a sole driver with a single truck. CL retired from Werner Enterprises in 2020 and has received numerous awards for his business and philanthropic contributions, including the Horatio Alger Award, the Distinguished Benefactor Award from the Archdiocese of Omaha, and the Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Creighton University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in 2018.
Rachel Werner — President and Sustaining Board Member Wife of CL Werner and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Cornerstone Legacy, LLC.
The Foundation is governed by a five-member Board of Directors composed of family and business leaders whose core values align with the Foundation's mission.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLARENCE L WERNER | HONORARY CHAIR OF THE BOARD | 0.5 | — |
| MARY R WERNER | PRESIDENT | 0.5 | — |
| STEFANIE K CHRISTENSEN | SECRETARY AND TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JOE HARTNETT | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| WESTLEY WERNER | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| AARON LUTTRELL | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| LYNDSIE VACANTI | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation has supported significant capital projects and institutional partnerships, including contributions toward cancer research facilities and health sciences education centers at major regional institutions.
Hospital Receives 20K from CL Werner Foundation - Boone County Health CenterSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Cl Werner Foundation on Grantable?
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