The David & Phyllis Murphy Charitable Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation based in Mason City, Iowa. Established in November 1998, the foundation operates as a private foundation dedicated to supporting charitable causes, with a particular focus on organizations serving North Central Iowa.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$519K
+1.5% YoY
Grant Count
47
+6.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$11K
-4.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation awards grants to qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, with preference given to those serving North Central Iowa. Primary funding areas include:
- Education and youth programs
- Community development
- Healthcare services
- Disability services and technology accessibility
- Animal welfare
- Arts and culture
- Community improvement initiatives
Grantmaking
Applications should be submitted to Kristen N. Ollenburg, 103 East State Street, Suite 800, Mason City, IA 50401. Phone: (641) 423-4264. The foundation accepts applications and is open to grant proposals.
Grant Range
$500–$61,000
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with The David & Phyllis Murphy?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation restricts its funding to Iowa, with particular preference for organizations in North Central Iowa, specifically Cerro Gordo County and surrounding areas.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2025:
- Total Assets: $10,145,601
- Total Giving: $519,000
- Total Revenue: $904,345
- Total Expenses: $605,606
- Number of Employees: 0
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $9,846,862
- Total Giving: $514,780
- Total Revenue: $418,844
- Total Expenses: $567,309
The foundation maintains stable assets and consistent annual giving levels, with a giving rate of approximately 5% of assets.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
138 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- John F. Welch – President/Chair
- Becky Elsbernd – Vice-President
- Kristin Salmon – Vice-President
- Kristen N. Ollenburg – Secretary/Treasurer
Historical leadership included Phyllis Murphy (Chairman of Board), who passed away on November 10, 2019, at age 92. Phyllis was a lifetime Mason City resident and accomplished pianist who taught music for 72 years.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN F WELCH | PRESIDENT/CH | 0.04 | — |
| BECKY ELSBERND | VICE-PRESIDE | 0.04 | — |
| KRISTIN SALMON | VICE-PRESIDE | 0.04 | — |
| KRISTEN N OLLENBURG | SECRETARY/TR | 0.04 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Main Street Fort Dodge Inc
FORT DODGE, IA
Assets
$315K
Grants
1
Total Given
$25K
John & Beverly Anderson Charitable Trust
VINTON, IA
Assets
—
Grants
18
Total Given
$22K
Barbara Jean Couturier Charitable T
DAVENPORT, IA
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The Joseph Andres Family Foundation
OKOBOJI, IA
Assets
—
Grants
6
Total Given
$7K
Lohse Family Foundation
BONDURANT, IA
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$400K
Vande Brake Family Foundation
ORANGE CITY, IA
Assets
$172K
Grants
6
Total Given
$47K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The David & Phyllis Murphy on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities