Derse Foundation Inc
The Derse Foundation Inc is a private family foundation based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Established in 1986, the foundation operates as a grantmaking organization focused on philanthropic activities in the United States.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$159K
-73.1% YoY
Grant Count
16
-30.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
-61.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation is vitally concerned with protecting and restoring the environment. It supports conservation-related organizations and causes, with particular emphasis on understanding critical ecosystems in order to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
The foundation also maintains funding interests in education, philanthropy, voluntarism and grantmaking, and human services.
Grantmaking
Judith Derse
Grant Range
$750
Review Cycle
- No stated restrictions on applications
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports various cities and states across the United States, including:
- Cities: Baraboo, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee
- States: California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Filing (Tax Year 2024):
- Total Assets: $0 (reported as final return)
- Total Distributions: $182,000
- Total Giving: $158,736
- Contributions: $0
Prior Year Data (Tax Year 2023):
- Total Assets: $175,025
- Annual Expenses: $616,692
- Annual Revenue: $51,646
The foundation filed a final return as of 2024, indicating a significant change in operational status.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
74 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Boundless Brilliance ($50,000), Uwm Foundation Inc ($25,000), Bread of Healing ($25,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL CRANE FOUNDATION BARABOO, WI | ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT | $16,618 |
| MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL SUPPORT | $180 |
| MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER MILWAUKEEE, WI | ARTS & CULTURE SUPPORT | $889 |
| ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE MILWAUKEE, WI | GENERAL SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| ALDO LEOPOLD FOUNDATION BARABOO, WI | ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT | $7,574 |
| BOUNDLESS BRILLIANCE LOS ANGELES, CA | EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE Milwaukee, WI | ARTS & CULTURE SUPPORT | $168 |
| COLORADO CRANE CONSERVATION COALITI HAYDEN, CO | ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT | $62 |
| DESCANSO GARDENS LA CANADA, CA | EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT | $236 |
| LINCOLN PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY CHICAGO, IL | ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT | $378 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Judith Derse — President (10 hours/week, $5,000 annual compensation)
- James Derse — Secretary (5 hours/week, $5,000 annual compensation)
- Diane Dressler — Vice President (0 hours/week, no compensation listed)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUDITH DERSE | President | 10 | $5,000 |
| DIANE DRESSLER | Vice President | — | — |
| JAMES DERSE | Secretary | 5 | $5,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Derse Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation is vitally concerned with protecting and restoring the environment. It supports conservation-related organizations and causes, with particular emphasis on understanding critical ecosystems in order to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The foundation also maintains funding interests in education, philanthropy, voluntarism and grantmaking, and human services.
How do I apply for a grant from Derse Foundation Inc?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical grant awards range from $62 to $50,000 • Median grant size: $750 • Recent grant activity shows 16 grants distributed **Application Process:** • Written proposal required describing what funds will be used for • No stated application deadline • No stated restrictions on applications • Open to new applicants **Contact for Proposals:** Judith Derse 3424 Walnut Trail Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 354-2488
Where does Derse Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation supports various cities and states across the United States, including: • **Cities:** Baraboo, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee • **States:** California, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin
What size grants does Derse Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Derse Foundation Inc awarded 16 grants totaling $159K — an average of about $10K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Derse Foundation Inc's EIN?
Derse Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1540822. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
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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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