Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation
The Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Glasgow, Montana. In 2025, it gave $110,000 in grants to 11 organizations, all located in Montana.
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation at a glance
In short: Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation gave $110K across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $10K), mostly in Montana. 45% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $110,000
- +4.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- -31.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $10,000
- +52.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $2,847,064
- +4.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 45% first-time grantees (5 of 11, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Montana (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 39 Angus Dr, Glasgow, MT 59230
Phone: (406) 942-9294
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Valley Community Emergency Food Bank ($42K). Together the top 10 received $107K.
Grant Size Distribution
69 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 69 grants of 69 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in Montana. The foundation is based in Glasgow, Montana.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation open to new grantees?
45%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 11 grantees (45%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $5K; repeat grants $14K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 55% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+0%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 106% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $87K (2021) to $110K (2025). In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $110K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Community Emergency Food Bank Glasgow, MT | General Purpose | $42,000 |
| Glasgow Public Schools Glasgow, MT | General Purpose | $22,500 |
| Glasgow Cal Ripken Baseball Glasgow, MT | General Purpose | $7,500 |
| Big Sky Bravery Belgrade, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Live Like Jace Foundation Laurel, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Valley County 4-H Council Glasgow, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Wolf Point Pound Puppies Wolf Point, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Opheim Public Schools Opheim, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Glasgow Downtown Association Glasgow, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
| Play Like Robert Foundation Hamilton, MT | General Purpose | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,847,064 | $274,714 | $141,455 | $110,000 | 11 | $110,000 | $210,093 | $103,633 |
| 2024 | $2,716,065 | $128,267 | $134,029 | $105,000 | 16 | $107,960 | $72,179 | $102,226 |
| 2023 | $2,718,827 | $25,415 | $128,548 | $100,000 | 14 | $102,850 | — | $97,070 |
| 2022 | $2,818,267 | $278,250 | $112,926 | $110,000 | 15 | $112,434 | $76,603 | $100,173 |
| 2021 | $2,668,449 | $1,160,554 | $88,790 | $87,000 | 13 | $88,790 | $557,067 | $80,310 |
| 2020 | $1,596,787 | $1,596,787 | — | — | — | — | $7,318 | $6,453 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $104K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations working in several areas. The Valley Community Emergency Food Bank describes its mission as ending hunger in the Valley County area through food acquisition and distribution, education, and advocacy. Valley County 4-H Council says its purpose is to empower youth to reach their full potential in partnership with caring adults.
The Play Like Robert Foundation says it supports local educational and recreational projects and programs, promoting safe and active lifestyles, intellectual curiosity, inclusion, and fair play. Ranchers Stewardship Alliance says it helps ranchers build relationships and community-based solutions to steward working landscapes and encourage vibrant rural communities.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 11 grants totaling $110,000. Grants ranged from $3,000 to $42,000, with a median grant of $5,000. The largest awards were $42,000 to Valley Community Emergency Food Bank and $22,500 to Glasgow Public Schools. Other grants included $7,500 to Glasgow Cal Ripken Baseball and $5,000 each to Big Sky Bravery, Live Like Jace Foundation, Valley County 4-H Council, Wolf Point Pound Puppies, Opheim Public Schools, Glasgow Downtown Association, and Play Like Robert Foundation. Ranchers Stewardship Alliance received $3,000. The listed grant purposes were “general purpose.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Galen Zerbe, Janae Simpson, Karla Zerbe, Regan Zerbe, and Taylor Zerbe as directors.
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's 2025 filing lists 5 officers; none of the 5 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Galen Zerbe
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Karla Zerbe
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Regan Zerbe
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Taylor Zerbe
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Janae Simpson
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Janae Zerbe (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation
How much does Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation give each year?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation gave $110K across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $105K across 16 grants.
What is Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $10,000, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation that year got $5K on average.
Where does Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation give grants?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation gives mostly in Montana: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Glasgow, MT (5 grants).
Does Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 11) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Valley Community Emergency Food Bank ($42,000), Glasgow Public Schools ($22,500) and Glasgow Cal Ripken Baseball ($7,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 65% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation reported $2.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $110K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $104K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations working in several areas. The Valley Community Emergency Food Bank describes its mission as ending hunger in the Valley County area through food acquisition and distribution, education, and advocacy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's EIN?
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-3832583. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
Billings, MT
The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation funds poverty reduction, youth development, financial education, and community development, as well as civic, arts, education, health, human services, and sustainability efforts in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $2,500, though amounts varied widely; the stated minimum grant is $2,500. Organizations can submit grant requests online, which are traditionally reviewed monthly, but grants must be recommended by a local First Interstate branch.
Assets
$19.2M
Grants
767
Total Given
$5.0M
Montana Community Foundation Inc
Helena, MT
Montana Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community projects in education, culture, economic vitality, land, resilience, and health, primarily benefiting Montana communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $12,500; amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $442,000, while its Community Investment Program offers grants up to $50,000 for eligible projects in three counties. Applicants can apply through listed opportunities, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$215.5M
Grants
316
Total Given
$7.7M
Cross Charitable Foundation
Bozeman, MT
The foundation funds education, homelessness and assistance for oppressed people, wildlife and environmental conservation, and dog health and welfare in Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations must be invited by the Board to apply.
Assets
$58.2M
Grants
110
Total Given
$2.6M
M J Murdock Charitable Trust
Vancouver, WA
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust funds nonprofit capacity-building and projects in arts and culture, civic and community services, education, health and environmental stewardship, and scientific research across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its 2024 median grant was $87,000, with awards ranging from $4,000 to about $1.55 million. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Inquiry; full applications are by invitation.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
797
Total Given
$116.6M
Treacy Foundation
Helena, MT
The Treacy Foundation supports nonprofits, primarily for capital campaigns, capital improvements, and maintenance, and provides college scholarships to eligible Montana and Idaho students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $102,500, with a median of $15,000; it is based in Helena, Montana, and supports organizations in its community. Applicants may submit a one-page letter of intent, after which the foundation decides whether to invite a full application.
Assets
$43.7M
Grants
103
Total Given
$2.4M
The Bentley Foundation
Billings, MT
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
8
Total Given
$210K
More similar funders
More Funders in Montana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/galen-and-karla-zerbe-family-foundation-morg_b59b4c6029244702bfe41e623058befb
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_853832583_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/galen-and-karla-zerbe-family-foundation-morg_b59b4c6029244702bfe41e623058befb},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-06. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation'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.
Galen and Karla Zerbe Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?