Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation
The Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska. Founded in Omaha in 1992, it supports charitable organizations serving local needs in Omaha and surrounding communities, and in Stanwood, Washington, and surrounding communities, with a focus on education, family, health, and environment.
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation at a glance
In short: Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation gave $9.5M across 80 grants in 2024 (avg $118K), mostly in Nebraska. 23% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $9,455,922
- -7.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 80
- -13.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $118,199
- +7.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $46,500
- Total assets
- $51,094,779
- +3.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 23% first-time grantees (18 of 80, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (69% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation
- How to Apply
The foundation’s website provides an application process and says the Olson Grant Committee reviews applications based on mission alignment, project need and planning, and whether a project serves an underserved…
The foundation’s website provides an application process and says the Olson Grant Committee reviews applications based on mission alignment, project need and planning, and whether a project serves an underserved population. The 2024 filing directs applicants seeking large grants of $50,000 or more to the website’s large-grants process and says to consult the website for application requirements. The foundation does not fund private foundations or pass-through foundations. Its FAQ also lists exclusions including general operating expenses, except for up to 15% of a proposed project’s costs; debt reduction; grants to individuals; endowment or memorial funding; and partisan, legislative, or political activities. The website says organizations may apply once per year and that matching funds and collaboration can strengthen a project but are not required.
- Review Cycle
- The website listed March 13, 2026, as the application closing date, with grant-status notifications expected by June 2026. This is a past application cycle.
- Deadline
- The website listed March 13, 2026, as the application closing date, with grant-status notifications expected by June…
- Contact
Application contact: The Leland Dorothy Olson Foundation
Mailing address: 13333 California Street Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68154
Phone: (402) 393-8300
Website: https://olsonfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation
Who Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Salvation Army ($1.1M). Together the top 10 received $5.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
449 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 263 grants of 449 (59%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website limits eligible projects to those implemented in and serving residents of Omaha, Nebraska, and surrounding communities, or Stanwood, Washington, and surrounding communities. In 2024, 69% of grant dollars went to recipients in Nebraska and 30% to recipients in Washington; Iowa received 1%, while Michigan and Florida each accounted for 0% as reported.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 80 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation open to new grantees?
23%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 18 of 80 grantees (23%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $26K; repeat grants $145K. How we count
Medians: $23K first-time, $62K repeat.
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 22% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 140% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $5.7M (2020) to $10.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 80 grants totaling $9.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army Omaha, NE | Program Support | $1,150,000 |
| Stanwood Camano Area Foundation Stanwood, WA | Program Support | $1,011,409 |
| Food Bank for the Heartland Omaha, NE | Program Support | $826,926 |
| Stanwood Camano Arts Stanwood, WA | Program Support | $536,000 |
| Westside Foundation Omaha, NE | Program Support | $454,351 |
| Community Foundation of Snohomish County Everett, WA | Program Support | $420,000 |
| Youth Emergency Services Omaha, NE | Program Support | $412,376 |
| Completely Kids Omaha, NE | Program Support | $400,000 |
| CRCC Northwest Omaha, NE | Program Support | $364,435 |
| University of Nebraska Foundation Lincoln, NE | Program Support | $225,425 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $51,094,779 | $9,478,492 | $10,687,272 | $9,455,922 | 80 | $9,599,711 | $8,539,931 | $6,877,158 |
| 2023 | $49,476,239 | $3,914,527 | $10,664,728 | $10,163,879 | 92 | $10,301,964 | $3,598,050 | $6,018,420 |
| 2022 | $53,797,780 | $2,222,381 | $10,239,868 | $9,683,614 | 110 | $9,830,427 | $1,903,042 | $6,146,844 |
| 2021 | $59,544,198 | $8,036,267 | $8,155,585 | $7,730,974 | 111 | $7,840,327 | $7,721,009 | $6,191,891 |
| 2020 | $58,653,683 | $165,806 | $6,045,946 | $5,707,916 | 56 | — | $167,263 | $4,911,239 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $6.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to develop relationships with charitable organizations in Omaha and Stanwood, including their surrounding communities, that serve local needs in education, family, health, and environment. Its website describes eligible work as improving education or access to it; strengthening children and families; addressing community needs; and protecting, promoting, and educating about the environment.
The foundation’s 2024 grants included support for a range of charitable organizations. For example, Food Bank for the Heartland says its mission is to eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships. Youth Emergency Services says it provides housing and support to youth experiencing instability, crisis, and homelessness. Completely Kids says it empowers children and families through out-of-school-time and family-strengthening programs. Avenue Scholars says it supports students with talent and need from high school through community college or entry into the workforce.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 80 grants totaling $9,455,922. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $1,150,000, with a median of $46,500. The foundation’s website describes its annual grant program as generally awarding $10,000 to $75,000, with award size based on the proposed project’s scope and need.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $1,150,000 to the Salvation Army in Omaha, $1,011,409 to Stanwood Camano Area Foundation, $826,926 to Food Bank for the Heartland, $536,000 to Stanwood Camano Arts, and $454,351 to Westside Foundation. Each was listed for program support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Christian Olson as president; Karen Olson and David Olson as vice presidents; Nancy Olson as treasurer; Kendra Swanson as secretary; and Mitch Swanson, Lynn Scott, and Catherine Olson as directors. The foundation’s website identifies Christian Olson as chairman and president, Dr. David Olson and Dr. Karen Olson as vice presidents, Dr. Kendra Swanson as secretary, and Nancy Olson as a board member.
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation is led by Christian Olson, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); none of the 8 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Christian Olson
President
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Olson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Scott
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mitch Swanson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Olson
Vice President
Chairman of the Board & President → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Karen Olson
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kendra Swanson
Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Olson
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation
How much does Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation give each year?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation gave $9.5M across 80 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $10.2M across 92 grants.
What is Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's typical grant size?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $46,500, and its average grant was $118,199, across 80 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation that year got $26K on average.
Where does Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation give grants?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation gives mostly in Nebraska: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Washington (30%). The most frequent recipient cities were Omaha, NE (47 grants), Stanwood, WA (10 grants), Everett, WA (3 grants) and Lincoln, NE (3 grants).
Does Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 80 grants with a stated purpose on Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (80 grants).
Who are Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's largest grantees?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Salvation Army ($1,150,000), Stanwood Camano Area Foundation ($1,011,409) and Food Bank for the Heartland ($826,926), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation reported $51.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $9.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $6.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to develop relationships with charitable organizations in Omaha and Stanwood, including their surrounding communities, that serve local needs in education, family, health, and environment. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation?
The foundation’s website provides an application process and says the Olson Grant Committee reviews applications based on mission alignment, project need and planning, and whether a project serves an underserved… Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's EIN?
Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-0748772. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 5, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved November 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/leland-j-and-dorothy-h-olson-charitable-foundation-morg_feefe2a057b543bbb9a86d6cd8d73e2a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_470748772_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Leland J \& Dorothy H Olson Charitable Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/leland-j-and-dorothy-h-olson-charitable-foundation-morg_feefe2a057b543bbb9a86d6cd8d73e2a},
note = {Accessed 2026-11-11. 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 Leland J & Dorothy H Olson Charitable 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.
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