David B. Jones Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,297,005 (2023)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $256,601
• Average Grant Size: $54,000
• Number of Grants: 24 (2023)
• Total Assets: $25.2 million
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed twice annually (May and November)
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Application Method: Rolling applications, reviewed at biannual board meetings

Contact Details

Website: https://dbjonesfoundation.org/

Mailing Address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd Wilmington, DE 19809

Phone: 800-839-1754

Primary Contact: Jeffrey Malone, President

Application Portal: Online eligibility quiz available at https://online.foundationsource.com/myfs/eligibility-quiz?equiz.name=true&siteId=110102

Overview

The David B. Jones Foundation was established in May 1998 by David B. Jones, an American amateur paleontologist who specialized in Mid-Tertiary mammals and late Cretaceous marine fossils. Jones, who enrolled in his first geology course at age 37, developed a lifelong passion for paleontology and dedicated decades to educating young people about fossils through Boy Scout summer camps along the Missouri River. Tragically, Jones passed away on September 6, 2013, while doing what he loved best—on a paleontology dig in Wyoming. His foundation continues his legacy of supporting paleontological research and education.

The foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation with total assets of $25.2 million and annual distributions exceeding $1.3 million. The foundation's mission is three-fold: to support research in paleontology, to encourage writing and publication of articles relating to paleontology, and to support educational programs and training for young and amateur fossil hunters. The foundation is particularly focused on programs at the pre-college and undergraduate level, as well as museum-based projects and exhibitions that educate and impact the public.

With investment income supporting its philanthropic activities, the foundation makes approximately 24 grants annually to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations across the United States, with particular activity in Wisconsin, California, and Iowa, though grants have been awarded to institutions nationwide.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The David B. Jones Foundation offers several types of grant funding:

• One-Time Grants: Discrete project funding for specific paleontology-related initiatives
• Multiyear Grants: Extended support for ongoing programs (up to 5 years)
• Start-Up Program Grants: Seed funding for new paleontology education or research initiatives
• Challenge or Matching Grants: Funding that requires recipient organizations to raise matching funds

Typical Grant Range: $2,500 - $256,601 Average Grant Size: $54,000 Most Funded Grants: Under $50,000

Important Note: Indirect costs are limited to 10% of direct costs. Detailed budgets are required for all applications.

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes:

Educational Programs:

• Pre-college and undergraduate level paleontology education
• Training programs for young and amateur fossil hunters
• Student internships and fieldwork experiences
• Educational outreach to K-12 audiences

Museum-Based Projects:

• Paleontology exhibitions and displays
• Museum infrastructure improvements
• Mobile museum programs
• Public education and interpretation projects

Research Activities:

• Paleontological field research and excavations
• Fossil preparation and curation
• Scientific publication and dissemination of research findings
• Graduate and undergraduate research support

Geographic Focus: While the foundation accepts applications from across the United States, they have shown particular activity in Wisconsin, California, Iowa, and states with significant paleontological resources such as Wyoming, South Dakota, and New Mexico.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

• Grants to individuals (all grants must be to 501(c)(3) organizations)
• Religious purposes
• International organizations without U.S. 501(c)(3) status
• Private foundations
• Endowments (with rare exceptions, such as the $1 million endowed chair at Augustana University)
• Political or lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Jeffrey Malone - President

• Compensation: $25,000 annually
• Leads the foundation's strategic direction and grantmaking decisions

Raymond Rogers, PhD - Secretary

• Compensation: $13,000 annually
• Brings scientific expertise to board deliberations

Board Members:

• Jaelyn J. Eberle, PhD - Professional paleontologist providing scientific oversight
• Bradley Grossenburg - Strategic board member
• Don Lofgren - Board member with paleontology expertise
• Cayce B. Malone - Board member
• Lori Wiese-Parks - Board member
• Muriel Runholt - Board member

The board meets twice annually to review applications and make funding decisions, typically in late May and late November.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The David B. Jones Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. The application process includes:

1. Initial Eligibility Screening: Complete the online eligibility quiz at https://online.foundationsource.com/myfs/eligibility-quiz?equiz.name=true&siteId=110102

2. Application Submission: If eligible, submit a full application including:

   • Detailed project description
   • Comprehensive budget (with indirect costs capped at 10% of direct costs)
   • Demonstration of 501(c)(3) status
   • Explanation of how the project aligns with the foundation's mission in paleontology

3. Board Review: Applications are reviewed at one of two annual board meetings

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Late May and late November
• Application Deadline: Rolling (applications received throughout the year are held for the next board meeting)
• Decision Timeline: Approximately 6-7 months from submission to decision, depending on when the application is received relative to board meeting dates
• Notification Method: Applicants are notified after board meetings

Post-Award Requirements

Organizations that receive funding must:

1. Submit a certified statement on fund usage within 18 months of receiving the grant
2. Provide a short project or program summary upon completion
3. Submit photos documenting the completed project
4. Complete electronic reporting via email link provided approximately 12 months after grant issuance

Success Rates

Based on available data:

• Applications Reviewed Annually: Not publicly disclosed
• Grants Awarded: 24 grants in 2023
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed

The foundation distributed $1,297,005 across 24 grants in 2023, suggesting selective but meaningful support for paleontology projects.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly state restrictions on reapplication. Organizations that have previously received funding appear to be eligible to apply again for new projects. The foundation's support of multiyear grants (up to 5 years) suggests they value ongoing relationships with successful grantees.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Focus on Education and Public Impact: The foundation's website states they are "most interested in supporting programs and research at the pre-college and undergraduate level" and prioritize "museum-based projects and exhibitions that educate and impact the public." Applications should clearly demonstrate educational value and public benefit.

Support for Amateur Paleontologists: True to David B. Jones' legacy as an amateur paleontologist, the foundation specifically supports "training for young and amateur fossil hunters." Projects that engage non-professionals in paleontology have strong alignment with the founder's vision.

Practical and Achievable Projects: With most grants under $50,000 and an average grant size of $54,000, the foundation appears to favor practical, implementable projects rather than large-scale research initiatives. Budget realism and clear deliverables are important.

Examples of Funded Projects

Recent and notable grants provide insight into the foundation's priorities:

Museum and Exhibition Projects:

• Support for SUE the T. rex at the Kirby Science Discovery Center (bringing the largest, most complete T. rex ever discovered to public viewing)
• Ghost Ranch's Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology updates and improvements (Abiquiu, New Mexico)
• Idaho Museum of Natural History Mobile Museum Program launch

University Research and Training:

• $100,000 to University of Kansas to develop the David B. Jones Fellows in Vertebrate Paleontology program, supporting student fieldwork in Wyoming and Turkey
• $24,000+ to California State University, San Bernardino for a paleontological dig in Central New Mexico
• Summer internship funding for community college students at UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology

Major Institutional Support:

• $1,000,000 endowment to Augustana University for the David B. Jones Chair in Anthropology/Archeology Department (notable as an exception to the no-endowment rule)
• Support for the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology ($25,000+)

Strategic Application Tips

1. Emphasize Educational Impact: Clearly articulate how your project will educate and train the next generation of paleontologists or engage the public with paleontology

2. Demonstrate Cost-Effectiveness: With a 10% cap on indirect costs and preference for grants under $50,000, show how your project delivers maximum impact for the funding requested

3. Highlight Public Engagement: Museum displays, field programs, publications, and other public-facing activities align well with the foundation's mission

4. Consider Undergraduate and Pre-College Focus: Projects targeting younger audiences appear to receive strong consideration

5. Show Scientific Rigor: With PhD scientists on the board, applications should demonstrate sound paleontological methodology and scientific value

6. Connect to David B. Jones' Legacy: Projects that embody the founder's spirit—supporting amateur paleontologists, field-based learning, and hands-on fossil education—may resonate with board members

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation is a reliable, consistent funder with over $25 million in assets and annual distributions exceeding $1.3 million, making approximately 24 grants per year

• Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, but plan for 6-7 months from submission to decision based on biannual board review schedule

• Target the $25,000-$75,000 range for most projects, as grants typically fall under $50,000, though larger awards up to $256,000 are possible for exceptional projects

• Educational impact is paramount—emphasize how your project will train young or amateur paleontologists or engage the public with paleontology

• Museum-based projects have strong track record—exhibitions, collections improvements, mobile museums, and public programs align well with funding priorities

• Budget discipline matters—10% cap on indirect costs and preference for cost-effective projects means every dollar should clearly contribute to mission delivery

• Scientific credibility is important—with PhD paleontologists on the board, ensure your project demonstrates scientific rigor and methodology

• Think about David B. Jones' story—projects that embody the founder's journey from amateur enthusiast to passionate advocate for paleontology education may resonate with board members

References

1. David B. Jones Foundation Official Website. https://dbjonesfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)

2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: David B Jones Foundation (EIN 41-1909574). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/411909574 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

3. GuideStar Profile: David B Jones Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/41-1909574 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

4. Candid Foundation Directory: David B Jones Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=JONE148 (Accessed February 6, 2026)

5. Instrumentl 990 Report: David B Jones Foundation. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/david-b-jones-foundation (Accessed February 6, 2026)

6. University of Kansas News: "Grant will train future paleontologists, shed light on early Cenozoic mammals" (January 10, 2017). https://news.ku.edu/2017/01/10/new-grant-will-train-future-paleontologists-and-shed-light-early-cenozoic-mammals (Accessed February 6, 2026)

7. Augustana University News: "Augustana Receives $1 Million Endowment Gift from David B. Jones Foundation". https://www.augie.edu/news/augustana-receives-1-million-endowment-gift-david-b-jones-foundation (Accessed February 6, 2026)

8. Idaho State University News: "David B. Jones Foundation Helps Launch the Idaho Museum of Natural History's Mobile Museum" (Spring 2025). https://www.isu.edu/news/2025-spring/david-b-jones-foundation-helps-launch-the-idaho-museum-of-natural-historys-mobile-museum.html (Accessed February 6, 2026)

9. UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology Newsletter (December 2024 Issue). https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/newsletter/2024-december-issue/ (Accessed February 6, 2026)

10. Grantable Funder Profile: David B Jones Foundation. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/david-b-jones-foundation-us-foundation-411909574 (Accessed February 6, 2026)