Foundations that fund organizations in Cresco, Iowa
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Cresco nonprofits
12 private foundations gave $172K to Cresco organizations in their latest filings; 6 of the 12 that say either way accept applications.
37 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Cresco around $2,800. 9 of these funders are based in Iowa; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 12
- Accept applications
- 6
- of 12 that state a policy
- Dollars to Cresco
- $172K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 37
- Typical median grant
- $2,800
- Based in IA
- 75%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Cresco organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomson Charitable Foundation | Cresco, IA | 10 | $104K | $2,800 | Preselected only | General Operations; Prairie Springs Recreation Trail; Alumni Appeal |
| St Paul Lutheran Church Mission Endowment | Lime Springs, IA | 10 | $19K | $1,550 | Yes | Donation; Donation for back to school clothing giveaway and backpack/…; Donation for mobile food & pantry and toys for all |
| Howard County Experimental Association | Cresco, IA | 7 | $16K | $1,000 | Preselected only | Scholarships; Education center; Conservation |
| Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation | Osage, IA | 2 | $11K | $5,286 | Preselected only | Additional funding for publications and equipment; Provide additional safety equipment for fire dept |
| Marion Jerome Foundation Inc | Decorah, IA | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Preselected only | Operating |
| Elder & Marlys Hoines Memorial Scholarship Foundation | Cresco, IA | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Preselected only | Scholarship |
| Grace Hughes Foundation | Lime Springs, IA | 1 | $3,600 | $3,600 | Yes | Charitable |
| Burns-Donovan Foundation | Ames, IA | 1 | $3,100 | $3,100 | Preselected only | Religious education |
| Donaldson Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | 1 | $2,698 | $2,698 | Yes | Contribution provided |
| Agva Foundation | Mason City, IA | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | Yes | Dr norman borlaug house restoration |
| Arcadia Family Foundation | Ketchikan, AK | 1 | $1,850 | $1,850 | Yes | Chiropractic care for person who can't afford it. |
| American Express Foundation | New York, NY | 1 | $10 | $10 | Yes | General support |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Cresco, Iowa?
Thomson Charitable Foundation, St Paul Lutheran Church Mission Endowment, Howard County Experimental Association, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Marion Jerome Foundation Inc and 7 others reported grants to Cresco organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Cresco. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.