Hall-Perrine Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.7-6.3 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Reviewed approximately three times per year
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Linn County, Iowa only

Contact Details

Address: 222 Third Avenue SE, Suite 400, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 362-9079
Website: https://hallperrine.org
Program Officer: Chelsea A. Herber

Preliminary inquiries should be directed to the Program Officer before submitting a full application.

Overview

Established in 1953 as the Hall Foundation and renamed the Hall-Perrine Foundation in 1995, this private foundation serves Linn County, Iowa with assets totaling approximately $128 million. The foundation was initially funded by Margaret L. Hall and later received substantial estate contributions from Howard and Margaret Hall. With annual charitable disbursements ranging from $5.7 to $6.3 million, the Hall-Perrine Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in Linn County by responding to changing social, economic, and cultural needs. The foundation has contributed to building several Cedar Rapids landmarks including the downtown library, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Project Grants: $1,000 - $1,000,000
The foundation's primary focus is capital projects and improvements. Applications accepted on a rolling basis through preliminary inquiry process.

Limited Program Funding: Amounts vary
Considered only for new projects that are "unique and innovative" and would provide "exceptional and lasting value to the community."

Priority Areas

• Arts and cultural institutions
• Higher education
• Social services
• Community funds
• Healthcare facilities
• Mental health services
• Senior services

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals or private foundations
• Endowment funds
• Operating deficits or debt retirement
• Deferred maintenance
• Operational support (except in rare cases for innovative programs)
• Academic research
• Religious institutions
• Elementary and secondary schools
• Special events or conferences

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Jack B. Evans - Chair of the Board (former Executive Director, served 22 years as President before transitioning to Chair in 2018)
• Lura E. McBride - Vice President
• Charles M. Peters - Treasurer
• Jenny L. Schulz - Secretary
• Kathy E. Eno
• Diana L. Ledford
• Iris E. Muchmore
• David B. Muller
• Rue H. Patel

Staff

• Julie L. Johnson - Executive Director (appointed June 2020)
• Chelsea A. Herber - Program Officer

Director Emeritus

• Dennis L. Boatman

Leadership Perspective

Julie Johnson, who joined from AEGON Transamerica Foundation where she worked for nearly 25 years, stated: "The Hall-Perrine is a key organization. I am just honored and excited to be a part of that and carry that forward." She emphasized her commitment to connecting with nonprofit leaders: "I want to meet with the nonprofits and connect with the leaders within the nonprofits."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Preliminary Inquiry: Potential grantees must first submit a preliminary letter of inquiry to the Program Officer to determine the Foundation's interest. Organizations seeking program grants will complete the Foundation's letter of inquiry form. This can be submitted at any time with no deadlines.

2. Full Application: If the request is appropriate and within permitted funding, a grant application will be provided to selected inquirers for proper evaluation.

3. Required Documentation:

   • Brief description of organization (legal name, history, activities, purpose, governing board)
   • Purpose for which grant is requested
   • Amount requested
   • List of other sources of financial support
   • Copy of organization's most recent audited financial statements
   • Copy of IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
   • Copy of organization's Form 990 income tax return

Decision Timeline

• Foundation staff carefully screen applications
• Proposals meeting criteria are presented to the Board of Directors or its authorized committee
• Board reviews proposals approximately three times per year
• Organizations are notified promptly in writing upon decision
• The decision on whether a grant will be made, and in what amount, is fully at the discretion of the Board of Directors

Success Rates

The foundation made 22-28 grants annually in recent years (2022: 28 awards; 2023: 27 awards; 2024: 22 awards). Specific success rates and total number of applications received are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Organizations should contact the Program Officer for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities

The foundation explicitly seeks projects with "unique, innovative" characteristics that offer "exceptional and lasting value" to the community. This language appears consistently in their materials and reflects what the Board values.

Recent Successful Projects

Recent grants demonstrate the foundation's priorities:

• Abbe Center for Community Mental Health (2024): Up to $1 million matching grant for new office space in former Stamats building, demonstrating support for capital projects addressing mental health services
• Horizons Senior Center (2024): Major gift toward $5.5 million "Our Place" center for older adults
• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library: $750,000 grant for capital improvements
• Cedar Rapids downtown library: $3 million donation toward construction
• Willis Dady Shelter House: Past grantee (social services/homelessness)
• Orchestra Iowa: Past grantee (arts)
• Jones Regional Medical Center: Past grantee (healthcare)
• Linn County Historical Society: Past grantee (cultural/heritage)

Strategic Considerations

1. Geographic Focus is Absolute: Grants are "ordinarily confined" to Linn County, Iowa. Organizations outside this area should not apply.

2. Capital vs. Program Funding: The foundation's "focus is capital projects." Program funding is described as "limited" and only for exceptional circumstances. Structure your request accordingly.

3. Preliminary Inquiry is Mandatory: The two-stage process (preliminary inquiry followed by full application) allows the foundation to screen requests efficiently. Use this stage to make your case for alignment with their mission.

4. Board Discretion: The foundation explicitly states that decisions are "fully at the discretion of the Board of Directors," suggesting relationship building and understanding trustee priorities may be valuable.

5. Demonstrate Community Impact: With the foundation's mission to respond to "changing social, economic and cultural needs," applications should clearly articulate how the project addresses current community needs in Linn County.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Only Linn County, Iowa nonprofits should apply
• Capital projects strongly preferred: The foundation's core focus is capital improvements and construction; program funding is exceptional and must be "unique and innovative"
• Start with preliminary inquiry: Do not submit a full application without first gauging interest through the Program Officer
• Timing is flexible but patient: Rolling applications with three board meetings per year means planning ahead; understand that review cycles may take several months
• Demonstrate lasting community value: Use language emphasizing innovation, uniqueness, and exceptional long-term impact
• Matching grants appeal: The Abbe Center grant (1:2 match up to $1M) suggests the foundation values leveraging their investment
• Prepare comprehensive financials: Recent audited statements and Form 990 are required; financial health and transparency matter

References

• Hall-Perrine Foundation official website: https://hallperrine.org (accessed January 2026)
• Hall-Perrine Foundation grants page: https://hallperrine.org/grants (accessed January 2026)
• Hall-Perrine Foundation about page: https://hallperrine.org/about (accessed January 2026)
• Hall-Perrine Foundation board and staff: https://hallperrine.org/board-of-directors%2Fstaff (accessed January 2026)
• Hall-Perrine Foundation grant decision process: https://hallperrine.org/grant-decision (accessed January 2026)
• The Gazette, "Hall-Perrine names Julie Johnson as executive director" (June 2020): https://www.thegazette.com/business/hall-perrine-names-julie-johnson-as-executive-director/
• The Gazette, "Hall-Perrine pledges up to $1M to Abbe mental health center" (September 2024): https://www.thegazette.com/business/hall-perrine-pledges-up-to-1m-to-abbe-mental-health-center/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Hall Perrine Foundation (EIN 42-6057097): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/426057097 (accessed January 2026)
• University of Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center: https://inrc.law.uiowa.edu/grants/hall-perrine-foundation-inc (accessed January 2026)