The E L Cord Foundation
The E.L. Cord Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established December 4, 1962, by E.L. Cord and based in Reno, Nevada. The foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization and operates with a lean governance structure focused exclusively on grant making. When E.L. Cord passed away in 1974, a substantial portion of his estate was dedicated to the foundation to be used for the betterment and well-being of mankind.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$3.6M
+11.1% YoY
Grant Count
90
+2.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$40K
+8.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To advance the Arts, Culture & Welfare of the residents of Northern Nevada through its generosity in funding all aspects of various 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the community.
Primary Funding Areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Charitable causes
- Scientific advancement
- Children and Youth initiatives
- Educational programs
- Secondary and higher education, including colleges and universities
- Social services and youth organizations
- Cultural organizations
Grantmaking
The foundation distributes approximately $4 million annually in charitable disbursements. The foundation's activities are limited solely to grant making.
How to Apply
** The foundation does not have a public application process. It operates as a private foundation that awards grants at the discretion of its trustees, likely to pre-selected organizations or through existing relationships.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's geographic focus is Northern Nevada, with particular emphasis on the Truckee Meadows region and rural communities of Northern Nevada.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $67.2 million
- Revenue: $3.74 million
- Expenses: $4.56 million
- Total Liabilities: $23.7 thousand
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: Approximately $68.8 million
- Annual Giving: $4.01 million
Tax Status: Tax-exempt since May 1964 (IRS ruling year: 1964)
EIN: 36-6072793
| 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
152 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include First Tee Northern Nevada ($350,000), Nevada Museum of Art ($200,000), Artown ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE NETWORK RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $10,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $20,000 |
| AMPLIFY LIFE SPARKS, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $15,000 |
| ANGEL FLIGHT WEST SANTA MONICA, CA | GENERAL PURPOSE | $5,000 |
| ARTOWN RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $100,000 |
| ARTS FOR ALL NEVADA RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $25,000 |
| ASSISTANCE LEAGUE RENO-SPARKS RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $40,000 |
| AVA BALLET THEATRE RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $50,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NO NEV RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $15,000 |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA RENO, NV | GENERAL PURPOSE | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Co-Trustees:
- William O Bradley Jr
- Joseph S Bradley
Controller:
- Deebe K Cooke
The foundation operates with a small staff structure of approximately 3 employees, with co-trustees managing grant-making decisions.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOSEPH S BRADLEY | CO-TRUSTEE | 20 | $294,000 |
| WILLIAM O BRADLEY JR | CO-TRUSTEE | 20 | $294,000 |
Contact Information
Address: 6900 S McCarran Blvd Ste 2060, Reno, NV 89509-6118
Phone: 775-323-0373
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The E L Cord Foundation fund?
**Mission:** To advance the Arts, Culture & Welfare of the residents of Northern Nevada through its generosity in funding all aspects of various 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the community. **Primary Funding Areas:** • Arts and Culture • Charitable causes • Scientific advancement • Children and Youth initiatives • Educational programs • Secondary and higher education, including colleges and universities • Social services and youth organizations • Cultural organizations
How do I apply for a grant from The E L Cord Foundation?
The foundation distributes approximately $4 million annually in charitable disbursements. The foundation's activities are limited solely to grant making. **Application Process:** The foundation does not have a public application process. It operates as a private foundation that awards grants at the discretion of its trustees, likely to pre-selected organizations or through existing relationships.
Where does The E L Cord Foundation make grants?
The foundation's geographic focus is Northern Nevada, with particular emphasis on the Truckee Meadows region and rural communities of Northern Nevada.
What size grants does The E L Cord Foundation award?
In 2024, The E L Cord Foundation awarded 90 grants totaling $3.6M — an average of about $40K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The E L Cord Foundation's EIN?
The E L Cord Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-6072793. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The E L Cord 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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