James And Aune Nelson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,102,958 (2022)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Individual grants range from approximately $10,000 to over $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Illinois, particularly the Godfrey/Metro East region

Contact Details

• Phone: 618-463-0700
• Address: PO Box 5146, Godfrey, IL 62035
• Website: None
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The James And Aune Nelson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1998 with assets of $18.7 million as of 2022. The foundation honors the legacy of James and Aune Nelson, passionate conservationists from Godfrey, Illinois, who were known for their commitment to environmental preservation and education. James was an avid traveler who created an arboretum with trees from around the world on their 46-acre property, while Aune was a tireless advocate for children's environmental education, believing that children who learn about nature will grow up wanting to protect it. In 1997, the couple donated their Mississippi River property to The Nature Institute, where it became an Illinois Nature Preserve. The foundation continues their vision by distributing approximately $800,000 to $1.1 million annually to conservation, environmental, and educational causes, with a particular emphasis on organizations in the Illinois region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private foundation without specific named grant programs. Grants typically range from $10,000 to over $100,000 based on historical giving patterns, with major gifts to anchor institutions exceeding $100,000.

Priority Areas

• Conservation and environmental preservation
• Environmental education, particularly for children
• Nature preserves and land conservation
• Higher education (particularly Lewis and Clark Community College)
• Organizations promoting outdoor education and nature appreciation

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's narrow focus on conservation and environment suggests they do not fund:

• General social services
• Healthcare initiatives unrelated to environmental health
• Arts and culture outside of environmental education
• International projects
• Individual grants or scholarships

Governance and Leadership

• Matt Schrimpf - President
• Robert McClellan - Secretary
• Cory Gallivan - Treasurer

The foundation operates with a small board structure typical of family foundations, continuing the founders' conservation mission through trustee-directed grantmaking.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees to organizations they identify as aligned with their mission. The foundation operates without a website or published grant guidelines.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and history, organizations may get on their radar through:

• Existing relationships with environmental and conservation organizations in the Illinois region
• Connections through The Nature Institute network in Godfrey
• Participation in the Lewis and Clark Community College community
• Demonstrated excellence in children's environmental education programming
• Board members who are active in the Illinois conservation community

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - decisions appear to be made on an ongoing basis by trustees

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's history and known recipients:

• Geographic alignment: Organizations in or serving the Godfrey/Metro East Illinois region have stronger alignment
• Mission match: Direct connection to conservation, environmental preservation, or outdoor education for children
• Established track record: The foundation supports established organizations like The Nature Institute and Lewis and Clark Community College
• Demonstrable impact: Organizations that can show measurable environmental conservation outcomes
• Educational component: Programs that include environmental education, particularly for youth, align with Aune Nelson's passion
• Long-term sustainability: The foundation appears to favor organizations with sustainable operations and enduring impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder requiring relationship building rather than cold applications
• Focus on establishing credibility in the Illinois conservation and environmental education community
• Consider partnerships with known recipients like The Nature Institute or Lewis and Clark Community College
• Emphasize youth environmental education components to honor Aune Nelson's legacy
• The foundation makes substantial grants ($100,000+) to anchor institutions they have long-term relationships with
• Annual giving of approximately $1 million suggests capacity for significant grants to the right organizations
• Building connections through the Godfrey/Metro East conservation network is likely the most viable path to consideration

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - James And Aune Nelson Foundation (EIN 37-1371840), accessed January 2025
• Lewis and Clark Community College Giving Societies webpage, accessed January 2025
• The Nature Institute Mississippi Sanctuary webpage, accessed January 2025
• The Nature Institute About and History pages, accessed January 2025
• CauseIQ Organization Profile for James And Aune Nelson Foundation, accessed January 2025
• Charity Navigator Profile (EIN 371371840), accessed January 2025
• IRS Form 990-PF filings 2020-2022, ProPublica database