Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation
The Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations, with the largest shares of grant dollars going to recipients in Nebraska and Colorado.
Key facts about Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation
In short: Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation gave $86K across 28 grants in 2025 (avg $3K), mostly in Nebraska. 39% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 46-1639212
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $86,200
- Grants made (2025)
- 28
- Average grant
- $3,079
- Median grant
- $1,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 39% first-time grantees (11 of 28, 2025)
- Total assets
- $1,220,273
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (56% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The filing describes contributions as going only to preselected charitable organizations, except for scholarships through the separate Stacie Olson Memorial Fund. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.2M
+13.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$86K
+31.2% YoY
Grant Count
28
-6.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$3K
+40.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $100K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation open to new grantees?
39%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 28 grantees (39%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $3K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $1K repeat.
- 46% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 33% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 89% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Grantmaking
The foundation awarded 28 grants totaling $86,200 in 2025. Grants ranged from $250 to $33,400, with a median of $1,000. The 2025 filings list $65,705 across 30 grants in 2024 and $68,259 across 23 grants in 2023. The largest 2025 grants included $33,400 to the University of Nebraska Foundation, $11,000 to AMG Charitable Gift Foundation, and $4,000 each to Friends of Lied and the American Cancer Society. The listed largest grants were for general support.
Among other 2025 recipients, Kimball Public Schools Foundation received $3,000 and Fullerton’s Future received $2,500. The Kimball Public Schools Foundation describes its work as supporting learning and teaching opportunities in its school system and providing scholarships to graduating seniors. Fullerton’s Future describes its work as offering daycare and preschool programs focused on children’s early learning and development.
How to Apply
The filing describes contributions as going only to preselected charitable organizations, except for scholarships through the separate Stacie Olson Memorial Fund. A scholarship application must be completed and returned to the foundation; the filing refers applicants to an attached scholarship application for details. It also states that an attached application is available, but does not give further instructions for organizational applicants. Restrictions are listed as not applicable.
Ready to take the next step with Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, recipients in Nebraska received 56% of grant dollars, those in Colorado received 41%, and those in Wyoming received 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $41K (2019) to $86K (2025). In 2025 it made 28 grants totaling $86K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Nebraska Foundation ($33K). Together the top 10 received $68K.
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 144 grants of 144 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Foundation Lincoln, NE | General Support | $33,400 |
| AMG Charitable Gift Foundation Greenwood Village, CO | General Support | $11,000 |
| Friends of Lied Lincoln, NE | General Support | $4,000 |
| American Cancer Society Greeley, CO | General Support | $4,000 |
| Kimball Public Schools Foundation Inc Kimball, NE | General Support | $3,000 |
| No Co BBB Foundation Fort Collins, CO | General Support | $2,500 |
| Stepping Stones of Windsor Windsor, CO | General Support | $2,500 |
| University Schools Foundation Greeley, CO | General Support | $2,500 |
| Grace Village co Zion Lutheran Church Wellington, CO | General Support | $2,500 |
| Fullerton's Future Inc Fullerton, NE | General Support | $2,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $86,200 | 28 |
| 2024 | $65,705 | 30 |
| 2023 | $68,259 | 23 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,220,273 | $1,071,500 | $1,037,920 |
| Revenue | $263,446 | $119,913 | $34,009 |
| Expenses | $114,986 | $86,541 | $90,011 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $88,923 | $68,175 | $80,654 |
| Net Investment Income | $238,401 | $101,547 | $25,617 |
| Distributable Amount | $100,282 | $90,952 | $73,856 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 12, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 5, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 7, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 5, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation is led by Thomas H. Olson Jr., President, Secretary & Treasurer since 2021 (on filings since 2019); none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Thomas H. Olson Jr.
President, Secretary & Treasurer
Director → President, Secretary & Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia A. Olson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kerstin O. Eckstrom
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynne O. Petro
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Thomas H. Olson (2019–2020) — President, Secretary & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Application contact: See Atached Application
Mailing address: 9819 Thornwood, Lincoln, NE 68512
Phone: (402) 475-5100
Frequently asked questions about Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation
How much does Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation give each year?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation gave $86K across 28 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $66K across 30 grants.
What is Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $3,079, across 28 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation give grants?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation gives mostly in Nebraska: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Colorado (41%). The most frequent recipient cities were Sidney, NE (6 grants), Greeley, CO (5 grants), Fort Collins, CO (4 grants) and Lincoln, NE (2 grants).
Does Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (28 of 28) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include University of Nebraska Foundation ($33,400), AMG Charitable Gift Foundation ($11,000) and Friends of Lied ($4,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 56% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation reported $1.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $89K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $100K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
How do I apply for a grant from Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation?
The filing describes contributions as going only to preselected charitable organizations, except for scholarships through the separate Stacie Olson Memorial Fund. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's EIN?
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-1639212. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Nebraska
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
Colorado Gives Foundation
Arvada, CO
Colorado Gives Foundation funds nonprofits serving Jefferson County in areas including food security, early care and education, workforce development, housing, health and convenient neighborhoods; it also offers statewide nonprofit capacity-building support. Typical giving varies widely: its 2024 median grant was $17,814, while Thriving Jeffco Responsive Grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $100,000. It accepts applications through listed grant opportunities, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$527.1M
Grants
2,211
Total Given
$91.0M
Community Foundation of Northern Colorado
Fort Collins, CO
The Community Foundation of Northern Colorado supports nonprofits addressing regional needs—including housing, water, and mental health—in Larimer County and Eastern Colorado, with Community Fund grants focused on Berthoud, Estes Valley, Fort Collins, and Loveland. Its competitive grants typically range from $2,500–$5,000 for Community Grants and average about $20,000 for Intersections Grants; full Intersections applications are by invitation, while Community Grants use a single-step application.
Assets
$244.7M
Grants
268
Total Given
$16.0M
Lincoln Community Foundation Inc
Lincoln, NE
Lincoln Community Foundation funds nonprofit operations, programs, and capital projects in arts and culture, community improvement, education and youth, the environment and animals, and health and human services. Its 2024 grants had a median of $23,420, with awards ranging from $5,027 to $1,585,362; Open Door Grants serve organizations in or providing services in Lincoln/Lancaster County, Nebraska. It accepts Open Door Grant applications year-round and reviews them monthly.
Assets
$250.9M
Grants
379
Total Given
$21.9M
Abel Foundation
Lincoln, NE
The Abel Foundation supports nonprofit community projects, especially capital projects, arts and culture, conservation, education, and human services, with a strong focus on Nebraska communities where NEBCO and its affiliates operate. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $933,333, with a median of $10,000. It directs applicants to its website for application information; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$14.1M
Grants
92
Total Given
$4.1M
The Sherwood Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Sherwood Foundation funds equity and social-justice work in Nebraska, with a focus on urban and rural community partnerships and early childhood education; it supports operating, program, and capital needs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $90,000, though awards varied widely. It does not accept unsolicited requests and uses an invitation-only application process.
Assets
$977.8M
Grants
790
Total Given
$296.3M
The Lozier Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Lozier Foundation funds education, women and girls, North Omaha initiatives, and human services, with a focus on underrepresented communities in the Omaha metro area. Its 2024 grants ranged from $450 to $2 million, with a median of about $38,000; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and contributes to preselected organizations.
Assets
$437.1M
Grants
450
Total Given
$49.2M
Union Pacific Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Union Pacific Foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Union Pacific communities, prioritizing direct services and organizational capacity in safety, workforce development, community and public spaces, and local needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $600,000, with a median of $10,000; it accepts online applications during designated periods.
Assets
$75K
Grants
441
Total Given
$8.2M
The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation
Omaha, NE
The foundation funds Nebraska college scholarships and charitable organizations, particularly in reproductive and international health; its 2025 grants had a median of about $603,000, with awards ranging from $3,425 to $80.5 million. Its grants reach organizations in the U.S. and internationally, while scholarships are limited to eligible Nebraska students attending Nebraska public colleges. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
417
Total Given
$1.5B
Nebraska Community Foundation
Lincoln, NE
Nebraska Community Foundation supports community development, arts and culture, education, health, recreation, and other local priorities, primarily through grants made by its affiliated funds. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,250 to $956,500, with a median of $17,139; funding is focused statewide in Nebraska, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$277.7M
Grants
409
Total Given
$16.7M
National Arbor Day Foundation
Lincoln, NE
The National Arbor Day Foundation funds tree planting, forest restoration, community forestry, and related education, including urban tree inventories, maintenance, and environmental-justice projects. It supports work in communities and forests globally; its 2025 grants had a median of $37,500, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $1.71 million. The profile describes an application and review process but does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$136.3M
Grants
181
Total Given
$11.6M
Weitz Family Foundation
Omaha, NE
The Weitz Family Foundation funds nonprofits in arts, education, health, human services, and public and societal benefit, with an emphasis on equity and racial justice; it focuses primarily on Omaha and made 96% of its 2025 grant dollars in Nebraska. Its typical grant was about $50,000 in 2025, though new-to-the-foundation Omaha nonprofits can request up to $20,000 through its Beloved Community application. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$19.6M
Grants
171
Total Given
$19.4M
More Funders in Nebraska
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/olson-tom-and-cynthia-family-foundation-morg_3d2959f6fd7241b499fd5384b2940e3b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_461639212_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Olson Tom \& Cynthia Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/olson-tom-and-cynthia-family-foundation-morg_3d2959f6fd7241b499fd5384b2940e3b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 Olson Tom & Cynthia 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.
Olson Tom & Cynthia Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?