Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
The Roy J Carver Charitable Trust is a private foundation based in Muscatine, Iowa. It awards grants primarily to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations for work in Iowa and parts of Illinois, with interests including biomedical and scientific research, education, scholarships, and youth programs.
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust at a glance
In short: Roy J Carver Charitable Trust gave $16.5M across 87 grants in 2025 (avg $190K), mostly in Iowa. 34% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $16,538,963
- +36.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 87
- +26.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $190,103
- +8.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $120,773
- Total assets
- $241,478,166
- +2.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 34% first-time grantees (17 of 50, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Iowa (95% 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 Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
- How to Apply
-
Submit a written or electronic letter of inquiry before a formal request. The filing says to include organizational background, a project description, a proposed total project budget and requested amount, why Trust participation is vital, and any past history with the Trust. The website says formal proposals are considered by the Board at quarterly meetings, with payments distributed semi-annually in April and October.
- Review Cycle
- The Trust’s website lists proposal submission deadlines of November 15, February 15, and May 15, with board decisions typically in January, April, and July, respectively. Its 2023 filing states that there are no deadlines.
- Deadline
- The Trust’s website lists proposal submission deadlines of November 15, February 15, and May 15, with board decisions…
- Contact
Application contact: Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Mailing address: 202 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761-3733
Phone: (563) 236-4010
Website: https://carvertrust.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Iowa Public Library Grant Award Program
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Amount
Up to US $80,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
RJCCT: Youth Recreational Program Grant
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Amount
Up to US $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust Grants
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Roy J Carver Charitable Trust funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Iowa Foundation ($8.5M across 17 grants). Together the top 10 received $13.9M.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($278,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
388 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 162 grants of 388 (42%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Trust says the great majority of its grants support organizations located in, and projects conducted within, Iowa and portions of Illinois. In 2025, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in Iowa and 5% to recipients in Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 87 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Roy J Carver Charitable Trust open to new grantees?
34%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 17 of 50 grantees (34%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $138K; repeat grants $430K. How we count
Medians: $51K first-time, $84K repeat.
- 54% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+13%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 99% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $12.1M (2024) to $16.6M (2019). In 2025 it made 87 grants totaling $16.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | Ccom - Direct the 2025 Gift Payout F | $3,450,000 |
| University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | Ccom - Direct the 2025 Gift Payout - | $1,500,000 |
| University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | Support Facility Needs in Hydraulic | $855,000 |
| Community Foundation of Greater Mus Muscatine, IA | Housing for Impoverished Families | $850,000 |
| Iowa State University of Technology Ames, IA | Purchase an Advanced Device for Prot | $750,000 |
| University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | Upgrade an Advanced Light Microscope | $595,957 |
| University of Iowa Foundation Iowa City, IA | Assist with Relocation and Renovatio | $500,000 |
| Iowa State University Foundation Ames, IA | Purchase Advanced Technology Designe | $425,000 |
| Muscatine Center for Social Action Muscatine, IA | Construct a Facility for Permanent S | $400,000 |
| Youth and Shelter Services Inc Ames, IA | Construct a Vocational Training Faci | $300,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Roy J Carver Charitable Trust?
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 | $241,478,166 | $25,352,405 | $21,573,451 | $16,538,963 | 87 | $18,206,481 | $21,667,996 | $18,375,866 |
| 2024 | $236,697,138 | $17,535,170 | $12,073,380 | $12,077,683 | 69 | $14,233,752 | $17,071,747 | $16,572,492 |
| 2023 | $234,963,885 | $17,819,030 | $12,929,556 | $14,014,143 | 75 | $16,872,773 | $16,003,555 | $16,496,663 |
| 2022 | $235,043,756 | $22,231,044 | $11,712,489 | $14,586,576 | 76 | $15,995,540 | $28,127,573 | $19,512,337 |
| 2021 | $231,396,086 | $17,094,079 | $18,924,005 | $16,167,514 | 81 | — | $23,308,877 | $16,709,761 |
| 2020 | $233,424,982 | $13,201,596 | $19,085,855 | $16,329,449 | 85 | — | $18,818,544 | $16,036,305 |
| 2019 | $239,179,157 | $18,023,837 | $19,394,491 | $16,631,797 | 78 | — | $3,775,569 | $16,273,275 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Roy J Carver Charitable Trust reported a distributable amount of $18.4M for 2025 — 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 Trust does not state a single formal mission on the cited pages. Its stated areas of interest include elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical and scientific research, youth services and recreation, and community libraries. The Trust describes its higher-education interests as projects that strengthen institutions and offer innovative learning opportunities; its medical and scientific research program supports innovative investigation with potential to advance scientific knowledge and improve human health. It also supports public-library facilities and services, and youth programs that complement education and encourage development and physical well-being.
The 2025 grants include support for organizations whose own missions address community services and education. For example, Muscatine Center for Social Action describes its work as providing housing, basic health care, educational and vocational support in Muscatine County. Youth and Shelter Services describes its work as providing prevention, education, treatment, and residential services to youth and families.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Trust reported 87 grants totaling $16,538,963. Individual grants ranged from $1,000 to $3,450,000, with a median of $120,773. Notable grants included $3,450,000 and $1,500,000 to the University of Iowa Foundation; $850,000 to the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine for housing for impoverished families; $750,000 to Iowa State University of Technology for an advanced device; and $400,000 to Muscatine Center for Social Action for a facility for permanent supportive services.
The Trust’s website describes a staged process. Prospective applicants should first review the grant policies and program areas, then submit a letter of inquiry. If the inquiry indicates a clear fit, the Trust may invite a complete proposal. The proposal packet should include a completed application cover sheet; one unbound copy of a project description; a project budget, including other funding and the requested allocation; a statement explaining why Trust participation is vital; an evaluation plan; information about funding after the grant period; the organization’s most recent audited financial statement; and proof of IRS 501(c)(3) status. The Trust may request additional information or arrange a site visit. Its stated exclusions include annual campaigns and fundraising benefits, religious activities, program advertising, and political parties, offices, or candidates. Grants are not made directly to individuals, though some institutional awards may be distributed as scholarships or research funding.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Roy J Carver Jr as chairman; J Larry Griffith as vice chairman; Troy K Ross as CEO; David M Utley as secretary; and D Scott Ingstad, Andrew B Carver, Brian W Hummel, Bradley W Roeth, Roy J Carver III, and John A Carver as trustees.
The Trust’s website also lists Erin L. Van Hook as executive assistant and finance director; Lynne M. Sasmazer as program director; L. Beth Mumey as program assistant and secretary; Michael J. Molumby and Victoria L. Newman as program officers; Lisa M. Ahlf as administrative assistant; and Amy L. Henson as staff accountant.
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust is led by Troy K. Ross, CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2019); 8 of 10 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Troy K. Ross
CEO
Executive Administrator → Chief Executive Officer, 2021
Chief Executive Officer → CEO, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$366K (2019) → $473K (2025)
Roy J. Carver Jr.
Chairman
Trustee & Chairman → Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2019
$27K (2019) → $33K (2025)
D. Scott Ingstad
Trustee
On filings since 2019
$24K (2019) → $29K (2025)
John A. Carver
Trustee
On filings since 2019
$23K (2019) → $0 (2025)
Andrew B. Carver
Trustee
On filings since 2022
$18K (2022) → $31K (2025)
Bradley W. Roeth
Trustee
On filings since 2024
$7K (2024) → $29K (2025)
Brian W. Hummel
Trustee
On filings since 2024
$19K (2024) → $28K (2025)
Roy J. Carver III
Trustee
On filings since 2024
$7K (2024) → $29K (2025)
David M. Utley
Secretary
Trustee & Secretary → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2019
$24K (2019) → $0 (2025)
J. Larry Griffith
Vice Chairman
Trustee & Vice Chairman → Vice Chairman, 2025
On filings since 2019
$26K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Willard L. Boyd (2019–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Martin G. Carver (2019–2021) — Trustee
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $473K, to Troy K Ross (CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Roy J Carver Charitable Trust
How much does Roy J Carver Charitable Trust give each year?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust gave $16.5M across 87 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $12.1M across 69 grants.
What is Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's typical grant size?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's median grant in 2025 was $120,773, and its average grant was $190,103, across 87 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Roy J Carver Charitable Trust that year got $138K on average.
Where does Roy J Carver Charitable Trust give grants?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust gives mostly in Iowa: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Iowa City, IA (17 grants), Ames, IA (7 grants), Muscatine, IA (7 grants) and Cedar Falls, IA (6 grants).
Does Roy J Carver Charitable Trust give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 87 grants with a stated purpose on Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Private College Carver Scholarship P" (22 grants) and "Carver Statewide Scholarship Program" (6 grants).
Who are Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's largest grantees?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's largest 2025 grantees include University of Iowa Foundation ($8,474,585 across 17 grants), Iowa State University of Technology ($1,021,055 across 3 grants) and University of Northern Iowa Foundat ($928,646 across 6 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($278,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Roy J Carver Charitable Trust?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust reported $241.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $18.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $18.4M (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.
What does Roy J Carver Charitable Trust fund?
The Trust does not state a single formal mission on the cited pages. Its stated areas of interest include elementary and secondary education, higher education, medical and scientific research, youth services and recreation, and community libraries. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Roy J Carver Charitable Trust?
Submit a written or electronic letter of inquiry before a formal request. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's EIN?
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1186589. 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 October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 9, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS January 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 11, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Roy J Carver Charitable Trust funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/roy-j-carver-charitable-trust-morg_65ced253261f422d9d2b20b517be3b54
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_421186589_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Roy J Carver Charitable Trust funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/roy-j-carver-charitable-trust-morg_65ced253261f422d9d2b20b517be3b54},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Roy J Carver Charitable Trust'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.
Roy J Carver Charitable Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?