How to apply
There is no formal application form. Grant requests should include 1) description of organization and its mission, 2) description of project/program for which a grant is being requested, and 3) grant budget and time schedule. Grants may extend over two years or more dependent on the request. Contact: James E Dutton Foundation, 6655 Rainbow Dr, Merrill, Wi, 4146400523, silvercreek.fenske@gmail.com Deadlines: None Restrictions: Projects/programs that benefit wildlife, animal causes, environmental preservation and outdoors education. Once a grant is awarded grantees will be required to provide additional information about their organization and to file a grant report on the results achieved through the grant.
Quoted from Part XV of the foundation's 2025 Form 990-PF; the full text is in the filing. Confirm on the foundation's website before you write.
Grants paid in 2025
35 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pineview Wildlife Rehabilitation CenterFredonia, WI | Construction of a New Reptile Enclosure | $13K |
| Driftless Area Land Conservancy IncDodgeville, WI | Restoration of Spring Valley Wetland Complex | $10K |
| Friends of the Cedarburg Bog IncSaukeville, WI | Curbing the Spread of Invasive Buckthorn to Protect Wildlife Habitat | $10K |
| Raptor Education Group IncAntigo, WI | Education Vehicle | $10K |
| Urban Ecology CenterMilwaukee, WI | Research and Community Services | $10K |
| Wisconsin Humane SocietyMilwaukee, WI | Pets for Life Program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center | $10K |
| Rock River CoalitionJefferson, WI | Collaboration with Small Watershed and Producer-led Groups | $8,778 |
| Carroll UniversityWaukesha, WI | Animal Behavior Program | $7,500 |
| Lake Michigan Bird ObservatoryPort Washington, WI | Every Tree Counts: Improving Green Space for Birds and People | $7,068 |
| Friends of Wisconsin Camp TapawingoMishicot, WI | Naturalist Intern and Development of Long-term Sustainable Program | $7,000 |
| Wisconsin Assn for Environmental EducationMilwaukee, WI | Healthier, Happier, Smarter Project | $6,500 |
| Van Der Brohe Arboretum and Bird SanctuaryNewton, WI | Bird Gardens | $6,465 |
| Adaptive SportsmenGreenfield, WI | Adaptive Equipment | $5,000 |
| American Bird ConservancyPlains, VA | Forestry for Wisconsin Birds Program | $5,000 |
| Lakeshore Humane SocietyManitowoc, WI | Shelter Security System | $5,000 |
| Riveredge Nature CenterNewberg, WI | Bird Banding Program | $5,000 |
| Trees for TomorrowEagle River, WI | Exploring the Science of Nature Project | $5,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay FoundationGreen Bay, WI | Wetland and Trail Enhancements | $4,900 |
| Northwoods Humane SocietyHayward, WI | Guillotine Doors for Isolation Kennels | $4,598 |
| Kettle Moraine Land TrustElkhorn, WI | Jackson Creek Restoration Project | $4,300 |
| Feline Canine FriendsWestfield, WI | Trap-Neuter-Release Program | $4,200 |
| Adaptive Community Approach ProgramWaukesha, WI | Wisconsin Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation | $4,150 |
| Grant County Humane SocietyLancaster, WI | Surgical Table & Sink | $4,000 |
| Marshfield Area Pet ShelterMarshfield, WI | Spay/Neuter Surgeries, Vaccinations & Microchips | $3,500 |
| Dayton Community Connection IncKing, WI | Lyman Dayton Trail Restoration | $3,000 |
| For the Love of Poodles and PoochesRockville, VA | Dog Rescue Program | $3,000 |
| Ruff Start RescuePrinceton, MN | Support Mission to Provide Refuge and Rehabilitation | $3,000 |
| Humane Society of Portage CountyPlover, WI | Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program | $2,500 |
| Lincoln County Humane SocietyMerrill, WI | Trap-Neuter-Release Program | $2,500 |
| Lake County Clean WatersPewaukee, WI | Healthy Lakes 2025 Conference | $2,000 |
| Northern Neck Partners for PetsIrvington, VA | Animal Welfare | $2,000 |
| Sonoma Valley Mentoring AllianceSonoma, CA | Outdoor Programs | $2,000 |
| The Surfrider FoundationSan Clemente, CA | Clean Water Testing | $2,000 |
| Chippewa Valley Wildlife RehabilitationEau Claire, WI | New Waterfowl Enclosure | $1,000 |
| Sonoma Ecology CenterEldridge, CA | Sonoma Overlook Trail Renovation | $1,000 |
By state: Wisconsin 28 · Virginia 3 · California 3 · Minnesota 1
About this foundation
James E Dutton Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation in Merrill, Wisconsin, tax-exempt since 2006. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.
Does James E Dutton Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation indicates it accepts applications. There is no formal application form. Deadlines: None.
How much does James E Dutton Foundation Inc give each year?
In tax year 2025 it paid $184K across 35 grants, a median of $4,900.
Where does James E Dutton Foundation Inc give?
Wisconsin (28 grants), Virginia (3 grants), California (3 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.
More foundations near Merrill that accept applications
All in Wisconsin| Foundation | Based in | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bierman Family Foundation Incsince 1990 | Merrill, WI | $2.8M7 grants · 2025 | $115K | Yes | $32M |
| Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Incsince 1943 | Milwaukee, WI | $56M361 grants · 2024 | $100K | Yes | $987M |
| Kohler Foundation Incsince 1941 | Kohler, WI | $9.0M147 grants · 2025 | $7,000 | Yes | $486M |
| Joseph and Vera Zilber Familysince 2009 | Milwaukee, WI | $19M319 grants · 2024 | $7,500 | Yes | $422M |