Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation
The Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation is a private foundation based in Miles City, Montana, that makes small and medium grants to charitable, literary, scientific, and education-related organizations in Miles City, Custer County, and Southeastern Montana. Its family descendants trace their connection to the area to the Allens’ homesteading there in 1912.
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation at a glance
In short: Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation gave $144K across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $6K), mostly in Montana. 35% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $144,300
- +21.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- +15.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $6,274
- +5.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $2,204,071
- +6.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (6 of 17, 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 Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts requests from eligible nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Requests may be submitted online or by mail. Applicants are asked to include their 501(c)(3) determination letter and specific details on how funds would be used, including estimates for proposed work. Requests received at least two weeks before a scheduled board meeting are to be reviewed at that meeting. The foundation’s filing states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and that preference is given to Southeastern Montana.
- Review Cycle
- The foundation’s website describes board meetings in September and May, with submissions due or postmarked by mid-August for September consideration and mid-April for May consideration. The application page also lists an October 3, 2026 meeting, with applications due September 18, 2026.
- Deadline
- The foundation’s website describes board meetings in September and May, with submissions due or postmarked by…
- Contact
Application contact: Nibs And Edna Allen Foundation
Mailing address: PO Box 1435, Miles City, MT 59301
Phone: (703) 864-1257
Website: https://allenfoundation.net
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Custer County Educational FD Inc ($26K). Together the top 10 received $121K.
Grant Size Distribution
93 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 93 grants of 93 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Miles City, Custer County, and Southeastern Montana as its service area. Its 2025 grant dollars went entirely to Montana recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 17 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. With only 17 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $9K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 47% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−2%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 109% 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 $108K (2023) to $147K (2022). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $144K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Custer County Educational FD Inc Miles City, MT | Educational Scholarships Support | $26,000 |
| Miles City Convent Keepers Miles City, MT | Replace Front Columns and Footings | $15,000 |
| Keep Miles City Beautiful Miles City, MT | Fund Downtown Public Art Mural | $13,000 |
| Miles City Police Protective Assoc Miles City, MT | Fund Purchase of Equip and Systems | $11,000 |
| Gamma Beta 14177 Baker, MT | Fund Childcare Learning Center | $10,000 |
| Waterworks Art Museum Miles City, MT | Fund Art Education Programs | $8,000 |
| Range Riders Inc Miles City, MT | Replace Country School House Roof | $6,100 |
| Highland Park Elementary School Miles City, MT | Fund Construction of Playground | $6,000 |
| Waterworks Art Museum Miles City, MT | Fund Install of Permanent Lighting | $6,000 |
| Carter County Geological Society Ekalaka, MT | Fund Museum Expansion | $5,000 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,204,071 | $336,556 | $203,076 | $144,300 | 23 | $156,093 | $300,950 | $143,771 |
| 2024 | $2,071,611 | $393,346 | $168,970 | $119,150 | 20 | $132,467 | $358,084 | $132,692 |
| 2023 | $1,847,235 | $71,918 | $158,091 | $108,300 | 16 | $123,242 | $41,744 | $127,604 |
| 2022 | $1,933,408 | $136,182 | $191,860 | $146,825 | 14 | $153,439 | $104,260 | $145,676 |
| 2021 | $1,989,086 | $220,142 | $170,360 | $129,245 | 20 | — | $189,952 | $138,606 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation reported a distributable amount of $144K 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
The foundation’s stated mission is to continue enhancing the community while preserving its exceptional history. It funds charitable, literary, scientific, and education-related organizations in its stated service area.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work: Miles City Convent Keepers describes its mission as preserving the Miles City Academy building’s architectural integrity and historical significance; Waterworks Art Museum says it provides exhibits and art programs for residents of Southeastern Montana; and Carter County Geological Society describes work to preserve fossils and artifacts and advance archaeology and paleontology. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation gave $144,300 through 23 grants. Awards ranged from $500 to $26,000, with a median grant of $5,000. All grant dollars went to recipients in Montana.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $26,000 to Custer County Educational Foundation for educational scholarship support; $15,000 to Miles City Convent Keepers for replacing front columns and footings; $13,000 to Keep Miles City Beautiful for a downtown public art mural; $11,000 to Miles City Police Protective Association for equipment and systems; and $10,000 to Gamma Beta 14177 for a childcare learning center. Other grants included $8,000 to Waterworks Art Museum for art education programs, $6,000 to Highland Park Elementary School for a playground, and $5,000 each to Carter County Geological Society for a museum expansion, Ekalaka Public Schools for its Transforming Education program, and Miles Community College Foundation toward its Ag Center construction loan.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kerry Jane Gallagher as president/director and Jamie Sue Shelhmer as chairman/director. It also lists William Hand (associate treasurer), Edna Jensen (director), George Hand (associate), Charles Hand (director), Carolyn Petersohn (director), Ingeri Leuthold (director), Carl Larson (director), and Marilou Green (associate).
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation is led by Kerry Jane Gallagher, President & Director since 2022 (on filings since 2021); 7 of 24 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kerry Jane Gallagher
President & Director
President → President & Director, 2022
On filings since 2021
$750 (2022) → $750 (2025)
Jamie Sue Shelhamer
Chairman & Director
Director → Chairman & Director, 2022
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $750 (2025)
Carl Larson
Director
On filings since 2021
$375 (2021) → $0 (2025)
Charles Hand
Director
Secretary → Secretary & Director, 2022
Secretary & Director → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $750 (2025)
Edna Jensen
Director
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $750 (2025)
Gregory Hand
Offc Tec & Director
Board Member → Associate & Tech, 2022
Associate & Tech → Offc Tec & Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
$750 (2023) → $750 (2025)
Ingeri Leuthold
Director
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $750 (2025)
Nicholas Mossie
Secretary & Director
Board Member → Tech & Director, 2022
Tech & Director → Secretary & Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
$375 (2022) → $750 (2025)
Carolyn Petersohn
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
George Hand
Associate
Director → Associate, 2023
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $0 (2025)
William Hand
Associate Treasurer
Treasurer → Treasurer & Director, 2022
Treasurer & Director → Associate Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
$750 (2021) → $0 (2025)
Cora Tronson
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Heather Lannigan
Associate
Board Member → Associate & Secretary, 2022
Associate & Secretary → Associate, 2023
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Jon Mossie
Offc Tech
Board Member → Associate, 2022
Associate → Offc Tech, 2025
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Kelley Oyler
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Linda Green-Rutherford
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Marilou Green
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Matthew Mossie
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer → Associate Treasurer, 2024
Associate Treasurer → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Michael Hand
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Michelle Paulson
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Nancy Larson
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Paul Hand
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Sam Shelhamer
Associate
Board Member → Associate, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Cristin Hand
Associate Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Cristin Dickert (2021–2024) — Associate Secretary
- Former: Rose Hand (2021–2022) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $750, to Edna Jensen (Director). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation
How much does Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation give each year?
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation gave $144K across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $119K across 20 grants.
What is Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's typical grant size?
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $6,274, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation that year got $8K on average.
Where does Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation give grants?
Nibs and Edna Allen 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 Miles City, MT (20 grants) and Ekalaka, MT (2 grants).
Does Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's largest grantees?
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Custer County Educational FD Inc ($26,000), Waterworks Art Museum ($19,000 across 3 grants) and Miles City Convent Keepers ($15,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation?
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation reported $2.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $156K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $144K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to continue enhancing the community while preserving its exceptional history. It funds charitable, literary, scientific, and education-related organizations in its stated service area. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation?
The foundation accepts requests from eligible nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's EIN?
Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-0480143. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/nibs-and-edna-allen-foundation-morg_7fd1b17354dc4d098f7d6eef916f77a0
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_810480143_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Nibs and Edna Allen Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/nibs-and-edna-allen-foundation-morg_7fd1b17354dc4d098f7d6eef916f77a0},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 Nibs and Edna Allen 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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