Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $1,860,060 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Average ~$155,000 per grant
- Geographic Focus: Likely Nebraska-focused
Contact Details
Phone: 402-685-5647
Mailing Address: PO Box 62, Oakland, NE 68045-0062
Contact Person: Clarence Mock
Website: None identified
Email: Not available
Overview
The Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc is a private family foundation based in Oakland, Nebraska, that has been operating as an active grantmaker since at least 2001. With an EIN of 202629290, this 501(c)(3) foundation distributed $1,860,060 across 12 grants in 2024, maintaining a consistent pattern of supporting approximately 11-12 organizations annually. The foundation focuses primarily on community development and human services initiatives. As of 2014, the foundation reported assets of approximately $14.9 million. The foundation operates without a public website or advertised application process, functioning as a traditional private family foundation where grants are likely awarded through trustee discretion.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Based on available data, the foundation provides substantial grants averaging $155,000 per award. In 2024, they made 12 grants totaling $1,860,060. The foundation does not publicly advertise specific grant programs or streams.
Priority Areas
- Community Development
- Human Services
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly documented. Specific exclusions would need to be confirmed through direct contact with the foundation.
Governance and Leadership
Known Contact: Clarence Mock
Additional governance information including board of trustees and leadership structure is not publicly available. As a private family foundation, governance likely consists of family members and close advisors of the Nielsen family.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. The Donald E Nielsen Foundation operates as a private family foundation without a website or publicly advertised grant guidelines. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion. Organizations seeking support should make initial contact via:
- Phone: 402-685-5647
- Mail: PO Box 62, Oakland, NE 68045-0062
Decision Timeline
Not publicly documented. Organizations would need to inquire directly about typical review and decision timeframes.
Success Rates
With approximately 11-12 grants awarded annually from an undisclosed number of inquiries, specific success rates cannot be calculated from available public information.
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly documented. Organizations should inquire directly about policies regarding reapplication after unsuccessful attempts.
Application Success Factors
Due to the private nature of this foundation and absence of public communications, specific success factors are not documented. As a private family foundation focusing on community development and human services, organizations should:
- Demonstrate clear alignment with the foundation's focus areas
- Have strong connections to Nebraska, particularly the Oakland area
- Present well-developed programs with measurable community impact
- Consider establishing initial contact through a phone call before submitting any written materials
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is a substantial funder distributing approximately $1.86 million annually with average grants around $155,000
- The foundation operates privately without public application guidelines or website
- Geographic proximity to Oakland, Nebraska may be advantageous
- Direct phone contact may be the most effective initial approach
- Focus areas are limited to community development and human services
- With only 11-12 grants awarded annually, the foundation is highly selective
- Building relationships through initial contact will likely be essential before any formal funding request
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/202629290
- Instrumentl - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc 990 Report. Accessed March 2024. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/donald-e-nielsen-foundation-inc
- Cause IQ - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/donald-e-nielsen-foundation,202629290/
- GuideStar - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-2629290
- Candid Foundation Directory - Nielsen Foundation Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=NIEL014
- Grantmakers.io - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc Profile. Accessed March 2024. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/202629290-donald-e-nielsen-foundation-inc/
- GrantAdvisor - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc. Accessed March 2024. https://grantadvisor.org/profile/20-2629290/donald-e-nielsen-foundation-inc
- NonProfitFacts.com - Donald E Nielsen Foundation Inc. Accessed March 2024. http://www.nonprofitfacts.com/NE/Donald-E-Nielsen-Foundation-Inc.html
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