The JW Gardner II Foundation is a private foundation based in Quincy, Illinois, established in 2001. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation operates with no employees and focuses on grantmaking to support various community initiatives and nonprofit organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.1M
+15.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$298K
+7.2% YoY
Grant Count
26
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$11K
+7.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation reported a distributable amount of $325K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation primarily funds general support, general operating expenses, summer youth programs, and children's opera. Its grantmaking priorities encompass education, human services, and community development, with a particular emphasis on youth-focused initiatives and cultural programming.
Grantmaking
The foundation made 25 grants in its most recent fiscal year (2024). Grant amounts typically range from $6,000 to $51,542, with an average grant size of approximately $258 to $51,542.
Grant Range
of approximately $258 to $51,542.
Average Grant
of approximately $258 to $51,542.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois and Michigan, with a strong concentration of grantmaking in the Quincy, Illinois area and Adams County region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $4,109,202
- Total Revenues: $925,212
- Total Expenses: $383,403
- Total Giving: $298,108
Revenue Composition (2024):
- Investment income and dividends: $77,686
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $847,526
The foundation experienced significant growth in investment returns, with net gains from asset sales increasing 78.7% compared to the prior year.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,109,202 | $3,567,393 | $3,368,932 |
| Revenue | $925,212 | $538,907 | $322,885 |
| Expenses | $383,403 | $340,446 | $411,454 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $302,870 | $281,749 | $345,391 |
| Net Investment Income | $857,019 | $480,235 | $262,656 |
| Distributable Amount | $325,147 | $283,918 | $287,180 |
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
130 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Quincy University Corporation ($38,908), Salvation Army ($34,500), Young Life ($23,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BELLA EASE QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
| BLESSING RIEMAN COLLEGE QUINCY, IL | EDUCATIONAL | $5,000 |
| CHEERFUL HOME QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $20,000 |
| CONNECT CHILD AND FAMILY SOLUTIONS QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $15,000 |
| CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION FOR FAMILIES QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
| JACKSON LINCOLN POOL QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $20,000 |
| JOHN WOOD CC FOUNDATION QUINCY, IL | EDUCATIONAL | $13,000 |
| JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN NE MO & WC IL QUINCY, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
| MAKE-A-WISH ILLINOIS CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL OPERATING | $10,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN G STEVENSON JR | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| ROBERT BLACK | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| DALE STEVENSON | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation celebrated 20 years of giving in 2022, marking its continued commitment to community philanthropy since its establishment in 2001.
J.W. Gardner II Foundation celebrates 20 years of givingSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation fund?
The foundation primarily funds general support, general operating expenses, summer youth programs, and children's opera. Its grantmaking priorities encompass education, human services, and community development, with a particular emphasis on youth-focused initiatives and cultural programming.
How do I apply for a grant from The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation?
The foundation made 25 grants in its most recent fiscal year (2024). Grant amounts typically range from $6,000 to $51,542, with an average grant size of approximately $258 to $51,542. Recent grants include: • Quincy University Corporation: $38,908 (Educational) • Cheerful Home Association: $20,000 (General Operating) • Connect Child and Family Solutions: $15,000 (General Operating) • YWCA of Quincy IL: $10,000 (General Operating) • Quincy Art Center: $8,000 (General Operating) • Quincy Montesso…
Where does The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Illinois and Michigan, with a strong concentration of grantmaking in the Quincy, Illinois area and Adams County region.
What size grants does The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation award?
In 2024, The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation awarded 26 grants totaling $298K — an average of about $11K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation reported a distributable amount of $325K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation's EIN?
The Jw Gardner Ii Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 37-1404507. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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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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