Private foundation · EIN 39-1988285 · Edwardsville, Illinois · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 34 grants paid, $410K total, median $10K. 15% of grants stayed in Illinois.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
34
$410K
Median grant
$10K
Stays in IL
15%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$4.5M

Grants paid in 2025

34 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
The River Food PantryMadison, WIFood bank$100K
Timothy's MinistryWheaton, ILGeneral operations$40K
Angel's WishVerona, WIAnimal rescue$15K
Courage ConnectionUrbana, ILFor support of women in crisis$15K
Eastern Illinois Food BankUrbana, ILFood bank$15K
Health By All MeansMadison, WIGeneral operations$15K
Heroes and HelpersMuncie, INGeneral operations$15K
International Institute of Metro St LouisSt Louis, MOImmigrant services support$15K
St Louis Public RadioSt Louis, MOGeneral operations$15K
Agape RanchVerona, WIServices for foster children$13K
Blood Cancer UnitedNew York, NYResearch and support services$10K
Colorectal Cancer AllianceWashington, DCResearch and support services$10K
Gio's GardenMiddleton, WISupport of family programs$10K
Glen-Ed PantryEdwardsville, ILFood pantry$10K
Good Shepard Lutheran Church Food PantryMadison, WIFood pantry$10K
Saint Louis Area Food BankBridgeton, MOFood bank$10K
St Louis PBSSt Louis, MOGeneral operations$10K
Tenth Life Cat RescueSt Louis, MOAnimal rescue$10K
Inspiring Hope MinistriesMiddleton, WISocial services$7,000
St Jude Children's HospitalMemphis, TNResearch and support services$7,000
Community Food Pantry of Spring GreenSpring Green, WIFood pantry$6,000
New BeginingsDodgeville, WIGeneral operations$6,000
Action StlSt Louis, MOGeneral operations$5,000
ASPCAWashington, DCAnimal rescue$5,000
California Community FoundationLos Angeles, CAGeneral operations$5,000
Ruby's PantryMoorhead, MNFood pantry$5,000
UW FoundationMadison, WIGeneral operation$5,000
Wayforward Food PantryMiddleton, WIFood pantry$5,000
Welcome Neighbor StlSt Louis, MOSocial services$5,000
Wisconsin YouthHartland, WISocial services$5,000
Gateway Pet GuardiansEast St Louis, ILAnimal shelter$2,500
Madison Dugout ClubMadison, WIYouth sports$1,500
Black Earth Historical SocietyBlack Earth, WISummer program$1,000
Contemporary Art MuseumSt Louis, MOGeneral operations$1,000

By state: Wisconsin 14 · Illinois 5 · Missouri 8 · District of Columbia 2 · Indiana 1 · New York 1

About this foundation

Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation in Edwardsville, Illinois, administered in care of Robert Anderson, tax-exempt since 2000. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $410K across 34 grants, a median of $10K.

Where does Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc give?

Wisconsin (14 grants), Illinois (5 grants), Missouri (8 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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