Foundations that fund organizations in Spencer, Iowa
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Spencer nonprofits
28 private foundations gave $413K to Spencer organizations in their latest filings; 12 of the 28 that say either way accept applications.
47 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Spencer around $2,000. 18 of these funders are based in Iowa; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 28
- Accept applications
- 12
- of 28 that state a policy
- Dollars to Spencer
- $413K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 47
- Typical median grant
- $2,000
- Based in IA
- 64%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Spencer organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wellmark Foundation | Des Moines, IA | 2 | $130K | $65K | Yes | 115 desks and chairs.; For restoring the learning environment after a disaster. |
| Walden Charitable Foundation | Arnolds Park, IA | 9 | $87K | $5,000 | Yes | Funds to cover salaries, staff training, emergency funds, a…; Meat processing and distribution, food insecurity; Mentor/mentee area activities: bowling alley, cooking at ch… |
| The Sherwood Foundation | Omaha, NE | 1 | $40K | $40K | Preselected only | Spencer tiger team 25/26 |
| Steve Pearson Foundation Inc | Ridgewood, NJ | 3 | $35K | $10K | Preselected only | Charitable; Educational |
| Demco Charitable Foundation | Boyden, IA | 3 | $33K | $5,000 | Yes | To support economic development in bv, clay, dickinson, and…; To support those living with special needs; To support community services |
| Adolph & Esther Vestergaard Memorial Scholarship Fund | Spencer, IA | 1 | $19K | $19K | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Dwight and Marilyn Conover Foundation | Okoboji, IA | 1 | $12K | $12K | Yes | Student engagement & activities |
| Michael & Marjory Bennett Foundation | Sioux City, IA | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | Assistance to community activities |
| Iowa Lakes Electric Members Charitable Foundation | Estherville, IA | 3 | $8,000 | $3,000 | Yes | Outdoor garden classroom; Therapy furnishings for autumns center.; Memorial park expansion |
| Animal Relief Foundation Trust | Eagan, MN | 1 | $7,808 | $7,808 | Yes | General operating |
| Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation | St Louis Park, MN | 1 | $7,000 | $7,000 | Yes | Public support |
| Gordon Flesch Charitable Foundation Inc | Madison, WI | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Preselected only | Emergency relief |
| New Charitable Foundation C/O New Cooperative Foundation | Fort Dodge, IA | 1 | $3,700 | $3,700 | Yes | 4h member dues program |
| FIRST Federal Credit Union Foundation | Hiawatha, IA | 3 | $3,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Support building construction; Flood relief fund; Daycare |
| Albers Family Foundation | Spirit Lake, IA | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Preselected only | Support |
| Bedell World Citizenship Fund | Spirit Lake, IA | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | Preselected only | Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute |
| Citizens First National Bank Foundation | Storm Lake, IA | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | Preselected only | civic |
| Perry & Teresa Pearson Foundation Inc | Ridgewood, NJ | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | Preselected only | Charitable |
| Iowa Pharmacy Association Foundation | Urbandale, IA | 1 | $1,230 | $1,230 | Preselected only | Outcomes Grant |
| Pipestone Give Inc | Brandon, SD | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Yes | Addressing the effects of poverty on individuals and famili… |
| Home State Bank Charitable Foundation | Jefferson, IA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Yes | General Operations |
| Arthur W & Audrey F Smith Foundatio | Clear Lake, IA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | General support |
| Kyle J & Sharon Krause Family Foundation | Des Moines, IA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Environmental |
| Edward Jones Foundation | St Louis, MO | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Mental health, crisis intervention |
| Verizon Foundation | Basking Ridge, NJ | 3 | $500 | $200 | Preselected only | Other civic / community |
| Sandve Heritage Foundation | Lake Park, IA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | ATLAS is here to be your friend and walk with you through t… |
| Alliant Energy Foundation Inc | Madison, WI | 1 | $400 | $400 | Yes | Volunteer grant grant |
| Col Foundation | Humboldt, IA | 1 | $50 | $50 | Yes | Schoarship |
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 Spencer, Iowa?
The Wellmark Foundation, Walden Charitable Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, Steve Pearson Foundation Inc, Demco Charitable Foundation and 23 others reported grants to Spencer 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 Spencer. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.