Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc is a nonprofit organization based in Altoona, Iowa. It operates a racetrack, casino, and related facilities, and supports Iowa communities through charitable giving and distributions of profits for educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic, or religious uses.
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc at a glance
In short: Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc gave $33.0M across 409 grants in 2024 (avg $81K), mostly in Iowa. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $33,003,223
- +3.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 409
- +49.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $80,692
- -31.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $327,636,033
- +3.2% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Iowa (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
- Review Cycle
- The published 2026 application deadline for all three programs was February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; that deadline has passed.
- Deadline
- The published 2026 application deadline for all three programs was February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; that deadline has…
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1000, Altoona, IA 50009
Phone: (515) 967-1000
Website: https://prairiemeadows.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Community Betterment Grant Program
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Amount
$100 - $99,999
Deadline
Deadline not published
Legacy Grant Program
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Amount
$100,000 - $1,000,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
PMRTC: Community Betterment Grant Program
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
Amount
US $100 - US $99,999
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Polk County Iowa ($11.5M). Together the top 10 received $21.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,083 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 877 grants of 1,083 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The grant programs are focused on Iowa. The Legacy program supports large-scale projects in central Iowa, while Community Betterment grants support projects in Iowa communities and the Youth Sports and Recreational program serves Iowa organizations. In 2024, 98% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 409 itemized grants.
Cities
How Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (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 $13.5M (2020) to $33.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 409 grants totaling $33.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Polk County Iowa Des Moines, IA | Net Receipts Contribution | $11,525,151 |
| City of Des Moines Des Moines, IA | Tax Rate Sharing Contribution | $4,953,637 |
| Des Moines Park & Recreation Foundation Des Moines, IA | SW 1ST St. Bridge Park Improvements | $900,000 |
| Childserve Foundation Inc Johnston, IA | Childserve Des Moines Center | $750,000 |
| Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Des Moines, IA | Framing Our Future Campaign | $700,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited Inc Memphis, TN | Central Iowa clean water partnershipphase ii: water quality wetland restoration and protection | $470,000 |
| Great Outdoors Foundation Des Moines, IA | Streambank stabilization to protect people, property, and the planet | $470,000 |
| Des Moines Independent Community School District Des Moines, IA | School Support | $379,598 |
| Greater Des Moines Partnership Des Moines, IA | 2024 Investor Commitment | $350,000 |
| Blank Park Zoo Foundation Des Moines, IA | Expand the Impact | $300,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The IRS filing data identifies the filing type as Form 990 (a public charity).
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $327,636,033 | $2,532,959,229 | $2,509,985,876 | $33,003,223 | 409 | $3,498,046 |
| 2023 | $317,415,417 | $2,595,228,457 | $2,555,217,612 | $32,034,778 | 273 | $2,415,949 |
| 2022 | $290,547,398 | $2,499,338,526 | $2,455,002,478 | $27,344,702 | 230 | $437,958 |
| 2021 | $181,492,900 | $2,466,655,375 | $2,411,904,482 | $21,730,240 | 121 | $223,105 |
| 2020 | $119,926,280 | $1,698,439,731 | $1,696,977,572 | $13,452,298 | 50 | $103,925 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to promote social welfare and economic development. Its 2024 filing says Iowa law requires it to distribute profits for educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic, or religious uses.
Prairie Meadows supports Iowa nonprofit organizations through three grant programs: Legacy, Community Betterment, and Youth Sports and Recreational. Its website identifies arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services among the areas supported; the youth sports program focuses on youth sports and recreation.
Recipients in 2024 included organizations working in varied fields. An individual recipient Park & Recreation Foundation describes its work as preserving and enhancing parks, trails, and recreational programs. ChildServe Foundation says it partners with families to support children with special health care needs. An individual recipient Habitat for Humanity describes its work as building homes, communities, and hope. Ducks Unlimited says it conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats. Ellipsis says it helps kids and families build healthy relationships, while Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services describes its work as developing solutions to mental health challenges.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, Prairie Meadows reported 409 grants totaling $33,003,223. Grant amounts ranged from $5,100 to $11,525,151, with a median of $15,000. The largest reported grants included $11,525,151 to Polk County for a net receipts contribution and $4,953,637 to the City of an individual recipient for a tax rate sharing contribution. Other notable grants included $900,000 to an individual recipient Park & Recreation Foundation for bridge park improvements, $750,000 to ChildServe Foundation for its an individual recipient center, and $700,000 to an individual recipient Habitat for Humanity for its Framing Our Future campaign.
The organization’s website describes three application-based programs. Legacy grants range from $100,000 to $1 million for large-scale projects; Community Betterment grants range from $100 to $99,999; and Youth Sports and Recreational grants range from $1,000 to $50,000. Applications are submitted through the Prairie Meadows online application system. The published 2026 guidelines say applications are evaluated on community impact, compliance with program guidelines, and available funds, and that partial awards may be made. Legacy applicants may submit one application per year, may not apply to both Legacy and Community Betterment for the same project, and may not seek a Legacy grant for the same project within four years of receiving one. The Legacy guidelines also state that applicants must have secured at least 50% of the project budget and may not request more than 25% of that budget.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists the following officers and directors: Todd Copley, board member (term ended October 2024); Chris Costa, board member; Jim Gorsche, board member (started November 2024); Linda Grandquist, secretary; Deb Leech, board member; Dr. Ian Lin, board member; Denny Linderbaum, board member (started November 2024); Marty Martin, board member (term ended November 2024); John Mauro, board member; and Andrea Morse, board member.
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc is led by Palmer Gary E., President & CEO on every filing since 2021; 9 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Palmer Gary E.
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$865K (2021) → $1.8M (2024)
Sagar Ken
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Guzman Antonio S.
Director of It
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$205K (2021) → $245K (2024)
Atkin Ann M.
Former Officer
Senior Vp-Chief Operating Officer → Former Officer, 2024
On filings since 2021
$466K (2021) → $240K (2024)
Castelline Elaine M.
Vice President of Finance & CFO
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$269K (2021) → $272K (2024)
Heldt Derron D.
Vice President of Racing
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$239K (2021) → $299K (2024)
Pursley Clinton W.
Senior Vice President of Security
Vice President of Security → Senior Vice President of Security, 2023
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$257K (2021) → $367K (2024)
Stewart Julie
Senior Vice President of Business Development
Vice President of Community Relations → Vice President of Business Development, 2022
Vice President of Business Development → Senior Vice President of Business Development, 2023
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$199K (2021) → $343K (2024)
Wilkie Michele
Executive Vice President
Senior Vice President of Administration & CAO → Executive Vice President of Administration & CAO, 2023
Executive Vice President of Administration & CAO → Executive Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2021
55 hrs/week
$274K (2021) → $586K (2024)
Ohorilko Brian J.
Senior Vice President of Administration
New on the 2024 filing
55 hrs/week
$255K (2024)
Grandquist Linda
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Martin Marty
Board Member
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Neville Dr Steven
Vice Chair
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
O'Hollearn Bob
Board Member
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Voss Susan
Board Member
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Costa Chris
Board Member
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lin Dr Ian
Board Member
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mauro John
Board Member
On filings since 2022
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Copley Todd
Board Member
On filings since 2023
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leech Deb
Board Member
On filings since 2023
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Morse Andrea
Board Member
On filings since 2023
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wangsness Jeff
Board Member
On filings since 2023
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gorsche Jim
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linderbaum Denny
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nehring Joe
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (34)
- Former: Albaugh Dennis (2021–2023) — Chair
- Former: Homan Danny (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Llambias Edward John Paul (2021–2023) — Vice President of Casino Ops
- Former: Simon Mary (2021–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Chittenden Bob (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Marasco Frank (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Neugent Gerry (2021–2022) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Radia Suku (2021–2022) — Chairman
- Former: Rhines Bradley Christopher (2021–2022) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Rasmussen Kurt (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ann Atkin (2020) — Senior Vp-Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Antonio Guzman (2020) — Director of It
- Former: Bob Chittenden (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Bob O'Hollearn (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Bradley Rhines (2020) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Clinton Pursley (2020) — Vice President of Security
- Former: Danny Homan (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Dennis Albaugh (2020) — Executive Committee
- Former: Derron Heldt (2020) — Vice President of Racing
- Former: Edward Llambias (2020) — Vice President of Casino Ops
- Former: Elaine Castelline (2020) — Vice President of Finance & CFO
- Former: Frank Marasco (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Gary Palmer (2020) — President & CEO
- Former: Gerry Neugent (2020) — Chairman
- Former: Ken Sagar (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Kurt Rasmussen (2020) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Linda Grandquist (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Mark Cooper (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Marty Martin (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Simon (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Michael Gartner (2020) — Past Secretary
- Former: Michele Wilkie (2020) — Vice President of Human Resources
- Former: Suku Radia (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Susan Voss (2020) — Board Member
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $1.8M, to Palmer Gary E (President, CEO). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc
How much does Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc give each year?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc gave $33.0M across 409 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $32.0M across 273 grants.
What is Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's typical grant size?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $80,692, across 409 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc give grants?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc gives mostly in Iowa: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Des Moines, IA (181 grants), West Des Moines, IA (36 grants), Altoona, IA (32 grants) and Johnston, IA (15 grants).
Does Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 0% of Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 409) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "School Support" (11 grants) and "Sponsorship" (3 grants).
Who are Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's largest grantees?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Polk County Iowa ($11,525,151), City of Des Moines ($5,005,964 across 3 grants) and Des Moines Park & Recreation Foundation ($900,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($50,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 53% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc reported $327.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.5B.
What does Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to promote social welfare and economic development. Its 2024 filing says Iowa law requires it to distribute profits for educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic, or religious uses. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check prairiemeadows.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's EIN?
Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1244913. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 31, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/prairie-meadows-race-track-and-casino-inc-morg_5bd8b43f4edc4ba49b37f8914ea2c385
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_421244913_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/prairie-meadows-race-track-and-casino-inc-morg_5bd8b43f4edc4ba49b37f8914ea2c385},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino Inc'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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