The Nell J Redfield Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,489,794 (2024)
• Total Assets: $68.4 million (2024)
• Decision Time: Within 30 days of quarterly board meeting (3 months typical)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $1,000,000 (typical: $100,000 - $1,000,000)
• Geographic Focus: Northern Nevada (primarily Washoe County and Reno)
• Number of Grants: 91 awards in 2024

Contact Details

Address:
1755 E. Plumb Ln., Ste. 212
Reno, NV 89502-3691

Phone: (775) 323-1373
Fax: (775) 323-4476
Website: https://www.nelljredfieldfoundation.org

Application Method: Initial approach by letter (no formal application form required)

Overview

The Nell J Redfield Foundation was established on November 13, 1974, by Nell J. Redfield following her husband LaVere Redfield's death. LaVere and Nell Redfield moved to Reno from Southern California in 1935 as part of Nevada's "One Sound State" campaign, taking advantage of the state's favorable tax environment. After LaVere's death in 1974, Nell established the foundation to support healthcare, education, medical research, care for needy children and women, and the homeless. Following Nell's death in 1981, her namesake foundation has continued to award millions of dollars annually. With net assets of approximately $68.4 million and annual giving of $4.5 million, the foundation is one of Northern Nevada's most significant philanthropic organizations. The foundation strongly emphasizes collaborative approaches, having been instrumental in creating partnerships between universities, healthcare systems, and community nonprofits. Under the long-time leadership of Gerald "Jerry" Smith (1974-2023), the foundation grew its endowment significantly and now supports over 90 nonprofit agencies. In June 2023, Kenneth Coll, Ph.D., former Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Education, was named Executive Director.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Grants
Amount: Typically $100,000 - $1,000,000 (range: $2,500 - $1,000,000)
Description: Multi-year and single-year grants for established nonprofits in Northern Nevada. The foundation holds quarterly board meetings to review applications submitted between January 15 and June 1. Applicants receive notification within 30 days of the quarterly board meeting. The foundation "mostly funds familiar and well-established local organizations each year," indicating a preference for ongoing relationships with proven partners.

Innovation Grants
Amount: Up to $25,000
Description: One-year grants available through a Special Request for Proposal process. These grants encourage creative collaboration by agencies that specifically specialize in providing services to those struggling with education, healthcare, homelessness, housing insecurity, and/or poverty. A limited number of Innovation Grants are available annually to support new innovative initiatives.

Redfield Community Outreach Program (RCOP)
Amount: Varies
Description: The foundation's signature initiative provides three RCOP Facilitators who schedule and coordinate experiential learning activities for twelve selected elementary schools in Washoe County. Recent examples include a three-year commitment to Nevada Robotics' Books and Bots Teacher Trainings for eight RCOP elementary schools, providing hands-on computer science, math, and literacy lessons for Pre-K through fifth grade.

Priority Areas

Education

• K-12 school programming and enrichment, especially for underserved schools
• Teacher training and professional development
• Educational technology and innovation
• University programs that serve community needs
• Nursing education and scholarships

Healthcare and Medical Research

• Hospital and clinical services
• Medical education and research
• Nursing programs and workforce development
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Academic-practice partnerships between universities and healthcare systems

Services for Vulnerable Populations

• Care for needy children and women
• Services for the homeless and housing insecure
• Support for the aged
• Care for individuals with disabilities
• Substance abuse treatment
• Domestic violence services

Arts and Culture

• Public broadcasting and educational media
• Arts education and community arts programs

Religion

• Support for religious organizations serving community needs

What They Don't Fund

• Private foundations
• Individuals
• Organizations outside Washoe County/Northern Nevada geographic area
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Kenneth Coll, Ph.D.
Dr. Coll was named executive director on June 1, 2023, succeeding Gerald "Jerry" Smith who served from 1974 until his passing in March 2023. Coll is Dean Emeritus of the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he retired as dean in June 2019. He holds a doctorate in Counseling from Oregon State University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Master Addictions Counselor. Dr. Coll has authored approximately 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has held over $4 million in grants and contracts. He joined the Redfield Foundation as a consultant and project partner upon his retirement from UNR and has been instrumental in developing mental health counseling programs across Nevada, including the Community Behavioral Health Collaborative.

Board of Directors:

• Helen Jeane Jones, President
• Kenneth G. Walker, Director
• Gerald C. Smith (1974-2023, deceased)

Trustee: Farmers & Merchants Trust Co.

Legacy Leadership: Gerald "Jerry" Smith (1974-2023)
Jerry Smith was asked by Nell Redfield after LaVere's death to help form the foundation in 1974. He served as President of the Board and Executive Director until his death in March 2023, nearly 49 years. Under his leadership, the foundation's endowment grew significantly and expanded to support over 90 nonprofit agencies. Jerry was known as "a master at creating and promoting collaborations," including the Special Needs Collaborative, the Redfield Athletic Series, the Nursing Summit, and the Behavioral Health Collaborative. Several programs and facilities have been named in his honor, including The Jerry Smith Center for Educational Collaboration at PBS Reno and the Gerald "Jerry" Smith Academic-Practice Partnership, which won the 2025 AACN Exemplary Academic-Practice Partnership Award.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not require a formal application form. Organizations should make an initial approach by letter, submitting one copy of the proposal to the foundation's office.

Submission Address:
The Nell J Redfield Foundation
1755 E. Plumb Ln., Ste. 212
Reno, NV 89502-3691

Submission Deadlines: January 15 through June 1

Required Information:
While no formal application is required, proposals should clearly address:

• Organization's mission and history
• Specific project or program requiring funding
• Budget and funding request
• Evidence of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Demonstration of service to Washoe County/Northern Nevada
• Impact and outcomes

Innovation Grants: Organizations interested in the Innovation Grants program should download the Special Request for Proposal document from the foundation's website and follow the specific guidelines for collaborative proposals.

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Quarterly
• Review Period: Applications submitted between January 15 and June 1 are reviewed at quarterly board meetings
• Notification: Prospective grantees will be advised within 30 days of the regular quarterly meeting at which their grant application was considered
• Typical Timeline: Final notification typically within 3 months of submission

Success Rates

The foundation made 91 awards in 2024 and 88 awards in 2023. However, specific success rates or total number of applications received are not publicly disclosed. The foundation notes that it "mostly funds familiar and well-established local organizations each year," suggesting that repeat grantees form a significant portion of funded organizations and that new applicants face competitive consideration.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly at (775) 323-1373 for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Preferences

Collaborative Approaches: The foundation has a documented history of creating and supporting collaborative initiatives that bring together multiple organizations. Under Jerry Smith's leadership, the foundation championed "creating and promoting collaborations" including multi-organizational partnerships between universities, healthcare systems, and community nonprofits. The Innovation Grants program explicitly seeks "creative collaboration by agencies" working in partnership.

Established Track Record: The foundation "mostly funds familiar and well-established local organizations each year." While new applicants are accepted, the foundation's preference for proven partners with demonstrated impact in Northern Nevada is clear.

Focus on Underserved Populations: The foundation's mission specifically emphasizes "those most in need" and services for "needy children and women, and the homeless." Recent grants demonstrate consistent support for programs serving underserved schools (RCOP program), homeless services, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence services.

Recent Successful Grantees (Examples)

University of Nevada, Reno - Multiple Programs

• $900,000 over five years (beginning 2015) for joint Chair of Pediatrics at School of Medicine/Pediatrician-in-Chief of Renown Children's Hospital
• Gerald "Jerry" Smith Academic-Practice Partnership (Orvis School of Nursing and Renown Health) providing scholarship funding for up to 24 nursing students annually
• Community Behavioral Health Collaborative bringing together UNR, the foundation, The Viragh Foundation, Renown Health and nonprofits delivering services to vulnerable populations

Nevada Robotics/Desert Research Institute

• Three-year commitment for Books and Bots Teacher Trainings serving eight RCOP elementary schools
• Hands-on computer science, math, and literacy lessons for Pre-K through fifth grade

PBS Reno

• Multi-year support for award-winning local productions including Virtual Harmony, ARTEFFECTS, and other community programming
• Support for The Jerry Smith Center for Educational Collaboration facility

Northern Nevada HOPES - Ongoing support for healthcare services

Reno Philharmonic - Ongoing support for arts programming

Strategic Considerations for Applicants

Geographic Authenticity: The foundation exclusively serves Washoe County and Northern Nevada. Applicants must demonstrate deep roots and impact in this specific geographic area.

Long-term Relationship Building: Given the foundation's preference for "familiar and well-established" partners, new applicants should consider starting with Innovation Grants or smaller requests to build a relationship over time.

Partnership Potential: Applications that demonstrate collaboration with other established Northern Nevada organizations, particularly those already in the Redfield portfolio, may be viewed more favorably.

Clear Connection to Mission: Proposals must clearly demonstrate how they address healthcare, education, medical research, or services to vulnerable populations (children, women, elderly, homeless, disabled).

Multi-Year Impact: The foundation makes both single-year and multi-year commitments, with major partnerships (like the $900,000 pediatrics chair) extending over five years. Applications should articulate both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Relationship-focused: The foundation "mostly funds familiar and well-established local organizations," suggesting new applicants should focus on building relationships over time, potentially starting with Innovation Grants ($25,000) before pursuing larger funding.

• Collaboration is valued: The foundation has a strong track record of creating and supporting collaborative initiatives. Applications demonstrating partnerships with other established Northern Nevada organizations may have competitive advantage.

• Geographic specificity matters: This is a Northern Nevada foundation serving Washoe County. Applications must demonstrate authentic, deep roots and impact in this specific community.

• Simplified application process: No formal application form is required—just a letter and one proposal copy. However, this doesn't mean less rigor; proposals must still clearly articulate need, approach, and impact.

• Multi-year commitments possible: The foundation makes both single-year and multi-year grants, with major partnerships extending 3-5 years. Think long-term sustainability when developing proposals.

• Quarterly consideration: Applications submitted between January 15 and June 1 are reviewed at quarterly board meetings, with notification within 30 days of the meeting. Plan submission timing accordingly.

• Leadership continuity and change: The 2023 transition from Jerry Smith (49 years) to Kenneth Coll represents both continuity (Coll was a long-time collaborator) and potential evolution. Understanding Coll's background in education, counseling, and behavioral health may provide insight into emerging priorities.

References

• The Nell J Redfield Foundation official website: https://www.nelljredfieldfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Nell J Redfield Foundation (EIN 27-1017158): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/271017158 (Accessed March 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - Nell J. Redfield Foundation profile: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/nevada-grants/nell-j-redfield-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - The Nell J Redfield Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=THEN320 (Accessed March 2026)
• University of Nevada, Reno - "Nell J. Redfield Foundation names new Executive Director, Kenneth Coll" (2023): https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2023/redfield-foundation-ken-coll (Accessed March 2026)
• 2News.com - "Nell J. Redfield Foundation President Gerald 'Jerry' Smith passes away" (March 2023): https://www.2news.com/news/nell-j-redfield-foundation-president-gerald-jerry-smith-passes-away/article_504e8610-d01f-11ed-bdfd-6bdd0724d0cd.html (Accessed March 2026)
• Desert Research Institute - "Nell J. Redfield Foundation Supports Hands-On Computer Science, Math, and Literacy Classroom Lessons Through DRI's Nevada Robotics": https://www.dri.edu/nell-j-redfield-foundation-supports-hands-on-lessons/ (Accessed March 2026)
• University of Nevada, Reno - "Counseling services collaborative to help youth and adults" (2022): https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2022/counseling-collaborative (Accessed March 2026)
• The Nell J Redfield Foundation - "August Partner of the Month" (2025): https://www.nelljredfieldfoundation.org/august-partner-of-the-month-2025/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Nevada Appeal - "Redfield: Reno's eccentric millionaire" (November 27, 2015): https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2015/nov/27/redfield-reno-eccentric-millionaire/ (Accessed March 2026)
• LaVere Redfield - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaVere_Redfield (Accessed March 2026)
• Cause IQ - The Nell J Redfield Foundation organizational profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-nell-j-redfield-foundation,271017158/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl - The Nell J Redfield Foundation 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-nell-j-redfield-foundation (Accessed March 2026)