Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately $125,000 (based on 12 grants averaging $10,417)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation/discretion-based)
• Grant Range: Approximately $5,000 - $20,000 (estimated based on average)
• Geographic Focus: Iowa, Illinois, and New York

Contact Details

Registered Address: 3551 7th St Moline, IL 61265-6156

Phone: 563-332-5444

Note: This foundation does not maintain a public website or published contact information for grant applicants.

Overview

The Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2013 with assets totaling over $10.7 million. Based in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois, the foundation operates as a classic private family foundation without public application processes. In its most recent reporting period, the foundation awarded 12 grants with an average size of $10,417. The foundation is governed by three unpaid directors who appear to be family members: Michael A. Detmer (President/Director), Glen A. Phelps (Vice President/Director), and Maryann Bartz (Secretary/Treasurer/Director). Unlike community foundations or corporate foundations, the Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation does not have published funding priorities, application guidelines, or a public grants program.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Discretionary Grantmaking

• The foundation makes grants on a discretionary basis determined by the board of trustees
• No formal grant programs or published funding cycles
• Average grant size: $10,417
• Approximately 12 grants awarded annually

Priority Areas

The foundation does not publish specific priority areas. As a private independent foundation, funding priorities are determined internally by the board of directors based on their philanthropic interests.

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation, they are subject to IRS restrictions on self-dealing, grants to individuals (unless through approved scholarship programs), political campaign activities, and lobbying activities beyond permitted limits.

Governance and Leadership

Michael A. Detmer - President/Director Glen A. Phelps - Vice President/Director
Maryann Bartz - Secretary/Treasurer/Director

All three directors serve without compensation, which is typical for family foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation operates as a private independent foundation where grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of directors. There is no online application portal, published application guidelines, application deadlines, or formal inquiry process.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at the discretion of the board throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as the foundation does not accept them.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the lack of a formal application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional "application success factors" do not apply. Organizations should understand:

• Geographic Alignment: Organizations in the Quad Cities region (Moline, IL; Davenport, IA) and select communities in Iowa, Illinois, and New York appear to be of primary interest
• Scale and Impact: With average grants around $10,000, the foundation makes meaningful but not transformational grants
• Financial Stability: Private foundations typically prefer established organizations with demonstrated track records
• Strong Local Reputation: For relationship-driven grantmaking, strong reputation within the local nonprofit community is critical

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals - traditional grant writing approaches will not be effective
• Grants appear to be made through existing relationships with board members or organizations they identify proactively
• Strong presence in the Quad Cities area and select other communities is important
• Access Form 990-PF filings through ProPublica to understand their giving patterns
• Organizations should focus on building visibility in communities where board members operate
• With average grants around $10,000, this foundation makes mid-sized gifts
• Consider alternative funders with open application processes like regional community foundations

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation (EIN 46-1509028), Accessed: March 4, 2026
• Cause IQ - Richard E Phelps SR Foundation Profile, Accessed: March 4, 2026
• Candid/Foundation Directory - Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation Profile, Accessed: March 4, 2026
• Grantable - Richard E Phelps Sr Foundation Profile, Accessed: March 4, 2026
• OpenGovUS - Richard E. Phelps, Sr. Foundation Business Profile, Accessed: March 4, 2026