STEER Inc. is a non-denominational Christian global missionary support organization headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. Founded in 1957, the organization operates a unique funding model that connects donors, farmers/ranchers, and missionary organizations to advance Christian missionary work worldwide. STEER currently supports 86 member mission organizations and has distributed over $37 million since its inception.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.4M
+7.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.4M
+25.9% YoY
Grant Count
51
+6.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$27K
+18.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
STEER's stated purpose is to advance the work of Jesus Christ on earth by raising money to help existing missionary societies spread the gospel to the ends of the earth in the shortest possible time.
The organization's primary focus area is Christian missionary work globally, with emphasis on supporting missionaries and mission organizations in their efforts to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grantmaking
STEER operates a distinctive three-way stewardship program that structures its grantmaking:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
STEER supports missionary work globally, with emphasis on reaching all nations. The organization has an international presence, including a branch established in Australia in 1960 (Steer Incorporated Australia).
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2023 Financial Data:
- Total revenues: $2,013,738
- Total expenses: $1,824,369
- Total assets: $6,881,534
- Number of employees: 7
Historical Context:
- 1959: $2,793.94 sent to missions
- 1971-1972: $45,137.02 sent to missions
- Cumulative distribution since founding: Over $37 million
Tax Status:
- 501(c)(3) organization
- EIN: 45-0262160
- IRS ruling year: 1962
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,397,198 | $6,881,534 | $6,400,196 |
| Revenue | $2,514,974 | $2,013,738 | $1,967,390 |
| Expenses | $2,184,632 | $1,824,369 | $1,761,532 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $206,895 | $129,392 | $87,835 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
197 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Cru (campus Crusade for Christ) ($140,226), North American Baptist Conference ($97,893), Fellowship of Christian Athletes ($96,324).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACTION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $19,988 |
| ADVENTURES IN MISSIONS GAINESVILLE, GA | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $12,310 |
| ASSEMBLIES OF GOD WORLD MISSIONS SPRINGFIELD, MO | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $38,931 |
| ASSOCIATION OF FREE LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS PLYMOUTH, MN | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $20,040 |
| AWANA ST CHARLES, IL | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $13,444 |
| BACK TO THE BIBLE INTERNATIONAL LINCOLN, NE | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $29,834 |
| BARNABAS INTERNATIONAL ELKHORN, WI | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $14,524 |
| BCM INTERNATIONAL LANCASTER, PA | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $16,486 |
| BIBLES FOR THE WORLD COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $5,486 |
| CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP WARRENTON, MO | MISSIONARY SERVICES | $52,738 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Current Leadership:
- Beau Bendigo - Executive Director (current)
- Keith Kost - Officer
Historical Leadership:
- Rev. Ed Folden - Founder and first Executive Director (1957)
- Rev. LaRue Goetz - Second Executive Director
- Keith Kost - Third Executive Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRUCE BRUNNER | DIRECTOR (CHAIR) | 1 | — |
| RANDY HAUCK | DIRECTOR (VICE CHAIR) | 1 | — |
| BRUCE SCHAUER | DIRECTOR (SECRETARY) | 1 | — |
| DOUG SCHELHAAS | DIRECTOR (TREASURER) | 1 | — |
| KRIS BOGAR | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KURTIS COUNTESS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JUSTIN DECKERT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JERROD MACDONALD | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| AARON MAHIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PAUL MARRS DEC 2102024 | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DONOVAN NELSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BRENT PETERSEN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JIM SAILER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ARLYN SCHERBENSKE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| IAN ZIMMERMAN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KEITH KOST TERM 123124 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO | 40 | $110,206 |
| IVAN FRIESEN EFF 111623 | ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $71,555 |
| KARN LAMON | CONTROLLER | 40 | $60,927 |
Contact Information
- Phone: 701-258-4911
- Email: info@steerinc.org
- Website: www.steerinc.org
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1236, Bismarck, ND 58502-1236
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Steer Inc fund?
STEER's stated purpose is to advance the work of Jesus Christ on earth by raising money to help existing missionary societies spread the gospel to the ends of the earth in the shortest possible time. The organization's primary focus area is Christian missionary work globally, with emphasis on supporting missionaries and mission organizations in their efforts to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How do I apply for a grant from Steer Inc?
STEER operates a distinctive three-way stewardship program that structures its grantmaking: **Program Structure:** • Donors contribute $700 units designed to multiply financial support on an annual basis, with an average gain of 50% • Farmers and ranchers receive unit funds to purchase livestock or support crop production (referred to as "God's Acres") • Profits from livestock sales or crop harvests are directed to member mission agencies and their missionaries • Member mission agencies apply f…
Where does Steer Inc make grants?
STEER supports missionary work globally, with emphasis on reaching all nations. The organization has an international presence, including a branch established in Australia in 1960 (Steer Incorporated Australia).
What size grants does Steer Inc award?
In 2024, Steer Inc awarded 51 grants totaling $1.4M — an average of about $27K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Steer Inc's EIN?
Steer Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-0262160. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Steer Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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