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The Nelson Foundation

Advancing Opportunity Through Community Investment

Established in 2015 by R.W. and Mary Nelson, the Nelson Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to strengthening communities through thoughtful, values‑driven philanthropy.

Organized for charitable and educational purposes, the Nelson Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong stewardship, measurable impact, and alignment with the foundation’s focus areas, which include children, education, affordable housing, homelessness, and food insecurity.

Nelson Foundation Focus Areas

The Nelson Foundation focuses on prioritizing charitable giving that advances opportunity and well‑being in the following areas:

  • Children – Programs that support the health, safety, and development of children
  • Education – Access to quality education, with a focus on STEM learning
  • Affordable Housing – Initiatives that expand access to safe, stable housing
  • Homelessness – Services that prevent or reduce homelessness
  • Food Insecurity – Programs that ensure reliable access to nutritious food

Organizations whose missions align with one or more of these pillars are encouraged to apply.

"We have a responsibility to return to our community and the world a portion of what we earn from our endeavors."

- Mary Nelson, Co-founder of Kemin Industries

Mary Nelson

The Nelson Foundation's Approach to Giving

The annual grantmaking process reflects the values and intent of its founders while allowing for responsive and strategic philanthropy based on evolving community needs. Before applying, please review these guidelines:

  • Grants may support specific programs or projects or provide general operating support.
  • Funding decisions are guided by impact, alignment with the Nelson Foundation pillars, and responsible use of funds.
  • No political contributions are made.
  • In addition to reviewing charitable requests, members of the Nelson family may also invite organizations to apply for funding consideration.

When can you apply for a grant from the Nelson Foundation?

  • January 1 - May 31: Grant applications are accepted every year.
  • June: Applications are reviewed.
  • July: Recipients are selected.
  • August: Funds are distributed.

Download the application form and return it to thenelsonfamilycouncil@gmail.com.

 

 

Nelson Foundation Grant Application Eligibility

Before applying, organizations should be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Confirmation of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
  • Taxpayer identification number for the organization
  • Charity Navigator score (if available)
  • Organization name, address, and primary contact information
  • Geographic reach of the organization
  • General purpose and mission of the organization
  • Description of how the proposed gift will be used (Specific program or purpose, or general operating support)
  • Identification of which Nelson Foundation pillar(s) the request supports
  • Annual distribution amount requested 
  • Disclose whether the organization has previously applied for and/or received a grant from the Nelson Foundation 
Living History Farms Kemin Cutting Ribbon 1

Recent Nelson Foundation Grant Recipients

We are proud to support a wide range of non-profit partners:

  • Knock and Drop Iowa
  • Easterseals of Iowa
  • Above + Beyond Cancer
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa
  • Kirk Day School
  • By Degrees Foundation
  • Genesis Youth Foundation
  • Home, Inc.
  • Cypress
  • Living History Farms
The Nelson Foundation FAQs

The Nelson Foundation was founded by members of the Nelson family, and it supports nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong stewardship, measurable impact, and alignment with its charitable focus areas. Priority is given to organizations working in one or more of the following areas: children, education, affordable housing, homelessness, and food insecurity.

While both efforts are rooted in shared values of service and community impact, the Nelson Foundation’s charitable giving is directed independently on behalf of the Nelson family and focuses specifically on children, education, affordable housing, homelessness, and food insecurity. Kemin’s corporate giving follows a separate strategy aligned with company priorities, employee engagement, and community investment efforts.

Grant applications are accepted annually from January 1 through May 31. Applications are reviewed in June, grant recipients are selected in July, and funds are distributed in August.

Organizations interested in applying should download the Nelson Foundation grant application form above and return the completed application to thenelsonfamilycouncil@gmail.com. 

Organizations should be prepared to provide confirmation of 501(c)(3) status, taxpayer identifcation number, organizational and contact information, mission and geographic reach, how the funds will be used, alignment with one or more foundation focus areas, the amount requested, and whether the organization has previously applied for or received funding from the Nelson Foundation.

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