The Butler Family Foundation
The Butler Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Dubuque, Iowa, established in 1996. The foundation is a significant philanthropic force in the Dubuque community and beyond, with a commitment to supporting nonprofits across multiple sectors including education, arts and culture, human services, medical/health, historic preservation, and environmental conservation.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$16.5M
+799.7% YoY
Grant Count
65
-1.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$254K
+813.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's philanthropic philosophy is guided by a desire to "leave the world a little better than we found it." The foundation supports organizations in the following priority areas:
- Arts & Culture
- Community Improvement
- Education
- Historic Preservation
- Environment & Nature
- Medical/Health
- Human Services
- Senior Welfare
- Youth
- Legal
Grantmaking
The foundation operates without a public application process. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly to inquire about funding opportunities.
Grant Range
$250 to $200,000
Average Grant
amount: $70,100
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's giving is primarily concentrated in Dubuque County, Iowa, with some national giving. The foundation has supported organizations in Iowa, Illinois, and Virginia, as well as national organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $38,001,265
- Total Revenue: $6,346,760
- Total Expenses: $16,737,866
- Total Giving: $16,487,062
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $48,392,371
- Total Revenue: $1,794,416
- Total Expenses: $1,956,951
- Total Giving: $1,832,406
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| 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
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Dubuque Museum of Art ($14,817,630), Lyric Opera of Chicago ($500,000), Dubuque Community Ymca ($269,626).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE WASHINGTON, DC | COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | $50,000 |
| AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ALEXANDRIA, VA | COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT | $500 |
| ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION LINCOLN, NE | PLANT, NURTURE, AND CELEBRATE TREES | $1,000 |
| AREA RESIDENTIAL CARE DUBUQUE, IA | FAMILY DISABILITY RESOURCES | $2,500 |
| ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO CHICAGO, IL | UNIVERSITY EDUCATION | $250 |
| BABSON COLLEGE BABSON PARK, MA | JOHN E AND ALICE L BUTLER LAUNCH PAD | $25,000 |
| BELL TOWER THEATER DUBUQUE, IA | KIDS PROGRAMS | $500 |
| BETHANY HOME DUBUQUE, IA | PROVIDE NURSING HOME CARE TO RESIDENTS | $2,500 |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA NORTHEAST IOWA COUNCIL #178 DUBUQUE, IA | FRIENDS OF SCOUTING ANNUAL CAMPAIGN | $500 |
| BRYN MAWR COLLEGE BRYN MAWR, PA | THE BRYN MAWR FUND | $2,500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- John E. Butler – Chairperson/Director
- Alice L. Butler – Vice-Chairperson
- Timothy L. Berns – Secretary/Treasurer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN E BUTLER | CHAIRPERSON | 1 | — |
| ALICE L BUTLER | VICE-CHAIRPERSON | 1 | — |
| TIMOTHY L BERNS | SECY/TREASURER | 1 | — |
Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 28, Dubuque, IA 52004
Phone: (563) 583-7301
EIN: 42-1429940
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Butler Family Foundation fund?
The foundation's philanthropic philosophy is guided by a desire to "leave the world a little better than we found it." The foundation supports organizations in the following priority areas: • Arts & Culture • Community Improvement • Education • Historic Preservation • Environment & Nature • Medical/Health • Human Services • Senior Welfare • Youth • Legal
How do I apply for a grant from The Butler Family Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Grant range: $250 to $200,000 • Average grant amount: $70,100 • Median grant amount: $3,000 • Number of grants (2023): 66 grants totaling $1,832,406 • Number of grants (2024): 56 grants totaling $16,409,212 **Recent Notable Grants (2024):** • Dubuque Museum of Art: $14,817,630 (Visual Arts) • Lyric Opera of Chicago: $500,000 (Express and Promote Great Opera) • Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA: $269,626 (Domestic Violence Program & Construction Match) **Recent Notable Gra…
Where does The Butler Family Foundation make grants?
The foundation's giving is primarily concentrated in Dubuque County, Iowa, with some national giving. The foundation has supported organizations in Iowa, Illinois, and Virginia, as well as national organizations.
What size grants does The Butler Family Foundation award?
In 2024, The Butler Family Foundation awarded 65 grants totaling $16.5M — an average of about $254K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Butler Family Foundation's EIN?
The Butler Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 42-1429940. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Butler Family Foundation'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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