The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation
The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation is a private foundation established in 2007 and based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization designated for philanthropic purposes.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$10.7M
+17.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$844K
+1.9% YoY
Grant Count
21
+5.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$40K
-2.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding interests include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
The foundation supports operations, operating costs, and relief efforts through its grantmaking activities.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
s:** Typical awards range from $1,000 to $350,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in South Dakota, Virginia, and Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $10,666,346
- Total Giving: $844,000
- Total Revenues: $2,487,941
- Total Expenses: $940,302
- Number of Employees: 1
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $9,120,000
- Total Liabilities: $0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,666,346 | $9,118,707 | $9,274,999 |
| Revenue | $2,487,941 | $737,882 | $886,799 |
| Expenses | $940,302 | $894,174 | $938,070 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $929,600 | $890,710 | $869,815 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,040,200 | $428,123 | $383,196 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,118,292 | $929,497 | $890,737 |
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
115 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Avera ($350,000), South Dakoata Parks Wildlife Fdn ($90,000), Zoological Society of Sioux Falls ($90,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| WASHINGTON PAVILION SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATING | $1,000 |
| AUGUSTANA COLLEGE SIOUX FALLS, SD | BUILDING FUND | $66,000 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA PARKS WILDLIFE FDN PIERRE, SD | GOOD EARTHSTATE PARK | $66,000 |
| SOUTH DAKOATA PARKS WILDLIFE FDN PIERRE, SD | CUSTER STATE PARK BISON CENTER | $90,000 |
| UNITED WAY SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATIONS | $1,000 |
| SIOUX FALLS CARES SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATIONS | $20,000 |
| FAMILY VISITATION CENTER SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATIONS | $5,000 |
| MAKE A WISH OF SD SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATIONS | $10,000 |
| LEVITT AT THE FALLS SIOUX FALLS, SD | OPERATING | $5,000 |
| MIDWEST HONOR FLIGHT SIOUX CENTER, IA | OPERATING | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHARD ELMEN | PRESIDENT | 5 | $76,800 |
| ELOISE N ELMEN | VICE PRES | 1 | — |
| CONNIE RENEE ELMEN | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| REBECCA SUE ELMEN LAM | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In 2025, the James and Eloise Elmen Foundation, along with the Bob & Rita Elmen Family Foundation, donated $2 million toward the Elmen Center Revitalization Project at Augustana University. This contribution brought the university's fundraising total to $2.1 million of its $2.9 million goal for the project. The revitalization project includes improvements to the 81,000 square-foot facility, with Phase I featuring a new competition floor, chairback seating, improved lighting, and upgraded sound and audiovisual systems. Construction was expected to begin in spring 2025 with completion targeted for summer 2026.
Augustana University receives transformational gift from Elmen family toSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary funding interests include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services The foundation supports operations, operating costs, and relief efforts through its grantmaking activities.
How do I apply for a grant from The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation?
**Grant Sizes:** Typical awards range from $1,000 to $350,000. **Recent Grants (2024):** • Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium: $90,000 (Special Project) • South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation: $66,000 (Good Earthstate Park) • Midwest Honor Flight: $20,000 (Operating) **Annual Giving:** The foundation distributed $844,000 in grants in 2024.
Where does The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in South Dakota, Virginia, and Texas.
What size grants does The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation award?
In 2024, The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation awarded 21 grants totaling $844K — an average of about $40K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.1M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation's EIN?
The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-5767706. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The James and Eloise Elmen 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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