Foundations that fund organizations in Independence, Iowa
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Independence nonprofits
13 private foundations gave $227K to Independence organizations in their latest filings; 4 of the 13 that say either way accept applications.
22 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Independence around $3,000. 9 of these funders are based in Iowa; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 13
- Accept applications
- 4
- of 13 that state a policy
- Dollars to Independence
- $227K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 22
- Typical median grant
- $3,000
- Based in IA
- 69%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Independence organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margaret L Prahm Kephart Charitable Trust | Independence, IA | 6 | $69K | $11K | Preselected only | Contribution to general fund; Contribution to scholar fund; Contribution to general funds |
| Nellie Jensen Charitable Trust | Milwaukee, WI | 2 | $60K | $30K | Preselected only | General operating |
| Carl R Arnold Charitable Trust | Independence, IA | 1 | $41K | $41K | Preselected only | Donation |
| The Blin Foundation Inc | Independence, IA | 2 | $28K | $14K | Preselected only | For operations |
| Everett & Marilyn Jensen Family Foundation | Indepencence, IA | 2 | $15K | $7,500 | Preselected only | Donation to support school and lunch program; Donation to general fund to provide support for repairs |
| Independence Bancshares Charitable Foundation Inc | Sumner, IA | 2 | $6,250 | $3,125 | Preselected only | General Operations |
| Spahn & Rose Lumber Co Charitable Fdtn C/O Midwestone Bank | Dubuque, IA | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | Preselected only | Turf project pledge payment |
| Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation | Cedar Falls, IA | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | Yes | Police k9 program |
| R J McElroy Trust | Waterloo, IA | 1 | $1,200 | $1,200 | Yes | Program support |
| Verizon Foundation | Basking Ridge, NJ | 1 | $750 | $750 | Preselected only | Other civic / community |
| Land O'Lakes Foundation | St Paul, MN | 1 | $500 | $500 | Yes | Member co-op matches |
| Dupaco Rw Hoefer Foundation | Dubuque, IA | 1 | $200 | $200 | Yes | Needs based |
| Edward Jones Foundation | St Louis, MO | 1 | $50 | $50 | Preselected only | Health - general and rehabilitative |
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 Independence, Iowa?
Margaret L Prahm Kephart Charitable Trust, Nellie Jensen Charitable Trust, Carl R Arnold Charitable Trust, The Blin Foundation Inc, Everett & Marilyn Jensen Family Foundation and 8 others reported grants to Independence 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 Independence. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.