← Back to US Funders Directory

Noble Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,262,252 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $28.1 million (2024)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $5,000
  • Geographic Focus: Central Iowa (Polk, Jasper, and Madison counties)

Contact Details

Address: 3420 E 38th St, Des Moines, IA 50317

Phone: (515) 265-9898

EIN: 42-1427324

Overview

The Noble Foundation is a private family foundation established in December 1994 and based in West Des Moines, Iowa. With total assets of $28.1 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $1.3 million, the foundation supports charitable organizations primarily in central Iowa. The foundation is managed by the Noble family (directors Cynthia, Jeffery, and Jonine Noble) and focuses on supporting child welfare, community improvement, food banks, health services, medical programs, and scholarships. The foundation has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with assets increasing from approximately $1 million in 2011 to over $28 million by 2024. The foundation's revenue comes primarily from investment activities, including dividends and sales of assets.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Noble Foundation operates as a private foundation making discretionary grants to charitable organizations in central Iowa. Typical grant sizes range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Priority Areas

  • Child Welfare: Supporting organizations that serve children and families
  • Community Improvement: Projects that enhance local communities
  • Food Security: Food banks and hunger relief programs
  • Health and Medical: Healthcare services and medical programs
  • Scholarships: Educational support for students

Geographic Focus

The foundation primarily serves three Iowa counties:

  • Polk County
  • Jasper County
  • Madison County

Sample Grant Recipients

Recent grants have been awarded to:

  • Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation ($1,000)
  • Food Bank of Iowa ($1,000)
  • Variety - The Children's Charity ($1,000)
  • Jasper County Iowa Community Foundation ($2,500)
  • Mercy Foundation, Des Moines ($1,500)
  • St. Mary's Cemetery Fund, St. Charles, IA ($1,000)
  • Childserve Foundation, Johnston, IA ($1,500)

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation, specific exclusions are not publicly documented, though they appear to focus on Iowa-based charitable organizations within their stated priority areas.

Governance and Leadership

The Noble Foundation is governed by three family directors who serve without compensation:

  • Cynthia Noble, Director
  • Jeffery Noble, Director
  • Jonine Noble, Director

An earlier listing indicated Debra J. Richardson served as trustee, though current governance documents show the three Noble family members as directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Noble Foundation operates as a private family foundation making grants at the discretion of its trustees and directors. There is no online application portal, application guidelines, or formal submission process available to the public.

Grants appear to be initiated by the foundation's directors based on their knowledge of charitable organizations operating in their geographic focus areas.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, as grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's directors.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not available for this private foundation, as there is no formal application process.

Reapplication Policy

There is no documented reapplication policy, as the foundation does not accept formal applications.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation and absence of a public application process, the following factors may be relevant:

  • Geographic alignment: The foundation focuses on Polk, Jasper, and Madison counties in Iowa. Organizations operating in these areas appear more likely to receive funding.

  • Mission alignment: Based on their grant history, organizations working in child welfare, community improvement, food security, health/medical services, and education (particularly scholarships) align with the foundation's priorities.

  • Grant size expectations: Historical grants suggest organizations should expect support in the $1,000-$5,000 range, with most grants at the lower end of this spectrum.

  • Established organizations: Grant recipients in the public record include well-established Iowa charitable organizations with clear track records.

  • Community presence: Organizations with visible community impact in central Iowa appear to be favored, including community foundations, food banks, children's charities, and healthcare foundations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Noble Foundation is a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications or have a public application process
  • Grants are made at the discretion of the Noble family directors, likely to organizations they know or have relationships with in central Iowa
  • Typical grant amounts are modest, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, supporting general operating or specific program needs
  • Geographic focus is limited to Polk, Jasper, and Madison counties in Iowa
  • Priority areas include child welfare, community improvement, food security, health/medical services, and scholarships
  • With substantial assets of $28.1 million and annual giving of approximately $1.3 million, the foundation has resources but maintains a conservative, relationship-based grantmaking approach
  • Organizations seeking support should focus on building visibility and relationships within the central Iowa charitable community rather than pursuing a formal application

References

← Back to US Funders Directory