Updated Oct 29, 2026
Private foundations based in Waterloo, Iowa
9 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa, holding $185M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 4 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otto Schoitz Foundationsince 2018 | $3.7M53 grants · 2024 | $25K | Yes | $74M |
| Van G Miller Family Charitable Foundationsince 2017 | $2.1M20 grants · 2025 | $31K | Preselected only | $35M |
| R J McElroy Trustsince 1989 | $2.1M93 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Yes | $40M |
| Gallagher Family Foundationsince 1991 | $1.6M58 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $15M |
| Young Family Foundation of Waterloo Iowasince 1990 | $500K15 grants · 2025 | $20K | Yes | $8.6M |
| Molinaro Family Charitable Foundationsince 2000 | $195K18 grants · 2024 | $7,500 | Yes | $3.8M |
| Duroe Family Foundationsince 1998 | $104K21 grants · 2024 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $3.0M |
| Linge Foundationsince 1999 | $63K10 grants · 2025 | $2,500 | Preselected only | $1.1M |
| Bob and Liz Petersen Family Foundationsince 2025 | — | — | Preselected only | $4.0M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Iowa
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Iowa Arts Council — Organizational GrantsStateIowa Arts Council | Iowa Arts Council | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Humanities Iowa — Humanities GrantsStateHumanities Iowa | Humanities Iowa | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Waterloo, Iowa?
Our directory lists 9 private grantmaking foundations in Waterloo, Iowa with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $185M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.