D F Dillon Foundation
The D F Dillon Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska, founded by philanthropist Donald F. Dillon. With substantial assets and an annual giving capacity exceeding $6 million, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations primarily across Nebraska with selective funding in other states.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$57.8M
+24.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.5M
+1.2% YoY
Grant Count
113
+22.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$58K
-17.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, D F Dillon Foundation reported a distributable amount of $8.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus, suggesting broad philanthropic interests. However, based on recent grant activity, the foundation supports:
- Education
- Social services
- Health and community health
- Historic preservation
- Environment
- Community development
- Civic affairs
- Children and youth
- Catholic organizations
- Arts and culture
- Human services
- Science and STEM education
Types of support include project support, equipment funding, and building funds.
Grantmaking
The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmaking is distributed through trustee discretion rather than formal application cycles.
Grant Range
$1,000 to $1,000,000
Average Grant
$54,200
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with D F Dillon Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation emphasizes the Lincoln, Nebraska area but also funds projects in:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $46.6–$57.8 million (varies by reporting source and year)
- Annual Giving: $6.5 million (2023)
- Revenue: Approximately $4.9–$8.5 million
- Giving Rate: 13.9% of assets
- Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3), tax-exempt since July 1997
- EIN: 91-1805591
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $57,803,101 | $46,620,482 | $48,664,419 |
| Revenue | $18,438,350 | $4,911,423 | $8,452,322 |
| Expenses | $7,255,731 | $6,955,360 | $7,184,452 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,549,875 | $6,475,158 | $6,617,820 |
| Net Investment Income | $17,851,704 | $4,560,007 | $8,092,060 |
| Distributable Amount | $8,129,807 | $6,554,142 | $6,471,004 |
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
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Malone Center ($300,000), Lincoln Parks and Recreation Founda ($250,000), Creighton University ($225,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL LINCOLN, NE | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS | $145,500 |
| BLUE RIVER ARTS COUNCIL INC CRETE, NE | PROGRAM | $15,000 |
| BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN, NE | PROGRAM | $30,000 |
| CAPITAL JAZZ SOCIETY INC LINCOLN, NE | PROGRAM | $2,000 |
| CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER ALLIANCE, NE | PROGRAM | $12,000 |
| CATO INSTITUTE WASHINGTON, DC | PROGRAM | $200,000 |
| CEDARS HOME FOR CHILDREN LINCOLN, NE | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS | $100,000 |
| CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE OMAHA, NE | PROGRAM | $25,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION OMAHA, NE | PROGRAM | $50,000 |
| CHRISTIAN HERITAGE CHILDRENS HOME WALTON, NE | PROGRAM | $30,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Joseph Kerrigan – President and Treasurer
- Donald F. Dillon – Director
- Patrick J. Kerrigan – Vice President, Secretary, and Director
- David B. Policky – Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOSEPH KERRIGAN | PRES/TREAS | — | $50,000 |
| DONALD F DILLON | DIRECTOR | — | $7,500 |
| PATRICK J KERRIGAN | VP/SEC/DIREC | — | $7,500 |
| DAVID B POLICKY | DIRECTOR | — | $7,500 |
Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 6368, Lincoln, NE 68506
Email: [email protected]
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does D F Dillon Foundation fund?
The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus, suggesting broad philanthropic interests. However, based on recent grant activity, the foundation supports: • Education • Social services • Health and community health • Historic preservation • Environment • Community development • Civic affairs • Children and youth • Catholic organizations • Arts and culture • Human services • Science and STEM education Types of support include project support, equipment funding, and building f…
How do I apply for a grant from D F Dillon Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Grant range: $1,000 to $1,000,000 • Median grant: $25,000–$30,000 • Average grant: $54,200 • Annual grants awarded: 90–122 grants per year • Total annual giving: Approximately $6.5 million **Application Process:** The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmaking is distributed through trustee discretion rather than formal application cycles. **Recent Activity:** The foundation awarded $6,475,158 across 90 …
Where does D F Dillon Foundation make grants?
The foundation emphasizes the Lincoln, Nebraska area but also funds projects in: • Colorado • Florida • Massachusetts • New York • Virginia • Washington D.C.
What size grants does D F Dillon Foundation award?
In 2024, D F Dillon Foundation awarded 113 grants totaling $6.5M — an average of about $58K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is D F Dillon Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, D F Dillon Foundation reported a distributable amount of $8.1M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is D F Dillon Foundation's EIN?
D F Dillon Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-1805591. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.