The Nelson Family Foundation
The Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Bismarck, North Dakota. In 2025, it reported 10 grants totaling $415,800 to charitable organizations, including universities, conservation organizations, and film festivals.
Key facts about The Nelson Family Foundation
In short: The Nelson Family Foundation gave $416K across 10 grants in 2025 (avg $42K), top state New Jersey. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 36-4798042
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $415,800
- Grants made (2025)
- 10
- Average grant
- $41,580
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $6,035,712
- Primary geography
- New Jersey (27% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.0M
-0.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$416K
+8.0% YoY
Grant Count
10
+11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$42K
-2.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Nelson Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $456K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Nelson Family Foundation gives
- 90% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 656% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 91% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for university-related organizations, conservation organizations, and film festivals. The grantees describe their own work in varied terms: the UND Alumni Association and Foundation says it engages alumni, friends, and partners to build an extraordinary University of North Dakota; the University of New Mexico Foundation says it builds engagement and partnerships to support the university; and The Nature Conservancy says its mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Other 2025 recipients describe work in the Peruvian Amazon, ocean protection, and film education. Junglekeepers says it works to preserve biodiversity, support local communities, and combat deforestation and illegal wildlife trafficking. Ocean Conservancy says it unites science, people, and policy to protect the ocean. Mountainfilm describes itself as a film festival, symposium, and tour focused on educating and inspiring audiences.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 10 grants totaling $415,800. Grant amounts ranged from $750 to $110,500, with a median grant of $30,000. Its largest grants were $110,500 each to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and The Miami Project, both for general funding. Other notable grants were $40,000 to the UND Alumni Association and Foundation for endowment funding and $40,000 to the University of New Mexico Foundation for general funding. The foundation also awarded $30,000 each to Junglekeepers, Ocean Conservancy, and The Nature Conservancy, all for general funding.
How to Apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The Nelson Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, the largest reported shares of grant dollars went to recipients in New Jersey and Florida, at 27% each. North Dakota and New Mexico each accounted for 10%, and New York accounted for 7%. The listed grants also included recipients in Washington, D.C., Virginia, California, and Colorado.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $100 (2020) to $416K (2025). In 2025 it made 10 grants totaling $416K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ($111K). Together the top 10 received $416K.
Grant Size Distribution
33 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 27 grants of 33 (82%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Short Hills, NJ | General Funding | $110,500 |
| The Miami Project Miami, FL | General Funding | $110,500 |
| UND Alumni Association and Foundation Grand Forks, ND | Endowment Funding | $40,000 |
| University of New Mexico Foundation Albuquerque, NM | General Funding | $40,000 |
| Junglekeepers Red Hook, NY | General Funding | $30,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy Washington, DC | General Funding | $30,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy Arlington, VA | General Funding | $30,000 |
| Telluride Film Festival Berkely, CA | General Funding | $14,050 |
| Mountainfilm Telluride, CO | General Funding | $10,000 |
| Film Noir Foundation Alameda, CA | General Grant | $750 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $6,035,712 | $475,067 | $506,965 | $415,800 | 10 |
| 2024 | $6,078,155 | $950,852 | $445,544 | $385,050 | 9 |
| 2023 | $5,572,847 | $245,340 | $355,266 | $300,050 | 9 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,035,712 | $6,078,155 | $5,572,847 |
| Revenue | $475,067 | $950,852 | $245,340 |
| Expenses | $506,965 | $445,544 | $355,266 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $416,310 | $385,508 | $300,736 |
| Net Investment Income | $333,934 | $862,994 | $180,158 |
| Distributable Amount | $456,391 | $413,897 | $368,129 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 3, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 8, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 19, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jeffrey N. Nelson as trustee.
The Nelson Family Foundation is led by Jeffrey N. Nelson, Trustee on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jeffrey N. Nelson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Patricia C. Nelson Jan - Apr (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 3112 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 426-1652
Frequently asked questions about The Nelson Family Foundation
How much does The Nelson Family Foundation give each year?
The Nelson Family Foundation gave $416K across 10 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $385K across 9 grants.
What is The Nelson Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Nelson Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $30,000, and its average grant was $41,580, across 10 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Nelson Family Foundation give grants?
The Nelson Family Foundation's top state is New Jersey, with 27% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Florida (27%) and North Dakota (10%).
Does The Nelson Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 90% of The Nelson Family Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (9 of 10) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Nelson Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Nelson Family Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ($110,500), The Miami Project ($110,500) and UND Alumni Association and Foundation ($40,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 63% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Nelson Family Foundation?
The Nelson Family Foundation reported $6.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $416K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $456K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Nelson Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for university-related organizations, conservation organizations, and film festivals. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Nelson Family Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Nelson Family Foundation's EIN?
The Nelson Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4798042. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Nelson Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Nelson Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Nelson Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in North Dakota
Albuquerque Community Foundation
Albuquerque, NM
The Albuquerque Community Foundation funds nonprofit work in health care, human services, arts and culture, education, environment and historic preservation, and economic and workforce development, serving Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $16,000 and ranged from $5,200 to $663,352; its annual grant cycle has a minimum award of $10,000.
Assets
$160.6M
Grants
245
Total Given
$6.9M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
The Barry Foundation
Fargo, ND
The Barry Foundation funds education, housing and human services, health, spirituality, the environment, and arts, with much of its giving in North Dakota and Minnesota. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $335,000, with a median of $1,325; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$54.9M
Grants
322
Total Given
$1.8M
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Fargo, ND
The foundation funds health and well-being initiatives in North Dakota, especially health promotion and disease prevention, behavioral health, social drivers of health, rural health, and maternal health. In 2025, grants ranged from $40 to $60,000, with a median award of $1,500; its programs include awards from $5,000 to $50,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
284
Total Given
$1.0M
Alva J Field Memorial Trust
Williston, ND
Alva J Field Memorial Trust funds college scholarships and low-interest student loans, primarily for full-time students who graduated from a Williams County, North Dakota, high school. Scholarships vary; student loans are up to $3,000 per semester, and the median grant was $4,500 in 2025. Scholarship applications are accepted through Williston State College or the trust’s law office, depending on the student’s college; loan applicants can apply directly to the trust.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
224
Total Given
$1.4M
Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Corporation
Fargo, ND
The Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation supports nonprofits working in arts and culture, basic needs, community building, education, and women and children, primarily in Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. Its annual Community Grant program awards $500–$15,000; 2024 grants had a median of $13,506. Eligible nonprofits and government entities may apply once per year to the Community Grant program; donor-advised and designated fund grants do not accept applications.
Assets
$126.6M
Grants
178
Total Given
$5.6M
The Doris Marcoux Educational Foundation
Williston, ND
Assets
$715K
Grants
169
Total Given
$97K
North Dakota Long Term Care Foundation
Bismarck, ND
Assets
$51K
Grants
138
Total Given
$79K
Offutt Family Foundation
Fargo, ND
The Offutt Family Foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including higher education, hunger relief, disability inclusion, and community services, with most 2024 funding going to Minnesota and North Dakota. Its 114 grants ranged from $1,000 to $6 million, with a median of $5,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$380.7M
Grants
114
Total Given
$9.6M
Myra Foundation
Grand Forks, ND
The Myra Foundation supports charitable, character-building, and educational work, including arts, social services, education, and community projects, in Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Its awards are typically $1,000–$10,000; 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $54,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations through its online or mail process.
Assets
$15.6M
Grants
85
Total Given
$761K
The Tom and Frances Leach
Bismarck, ND
The foundation funds nonprofit programs and operations in education, health and science, human services, and arts and humanities, with priorities in the Bismarck-Mandan area and western North Dakota and a preference for the Upper Midwest. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $250,000, with a median award of $10,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3M
Grants
71
Total Given
$2.0M
Alex Stern Family Foundation
Fargo, ND
The foundation supports arts, human services, education, youth recreation, civic projects, and health in the greater Fargo-Moorhead area. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $112,500, with a median of $5,000. It holds two grant rounds each year; prospective applicants are directed to contact Dan Carey about eligibility, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$9.0M
Grants
69
Total Given
$554K
More Funders in North Dakota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Nelson Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-nelson-family-foundation-morg_228ff5d26f214d46a4b54651a59035f2
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_364798042_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Nelson Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-nelson-family-foundation-morg_228ff5d26f214d46a4b54651a59035f2},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Nelson Family Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Nelson Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?