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John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.2M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.1M

John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,223,783 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $100 - $128,500
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Omaha, Nebraska and surrounding areas
  • Total Assets: $21.7 million
  • Number of Awards: 45 grants annually (average)

Contact Details

Foundation Contact: John K. Boyer, Contact Person
c/o Fraser Stryker PC LLO
Phone: 402.978.5220
Email: jboyer@fraserstryker.com

EIN: 47-0830373

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website. Written requests are the accepted method of application.

Overview

The John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation was established in 2000 as a private family foundation serving the Omaha, Nebraska community. In December 2008, the foundation absorbed the assets of the Durham Foundation, reflecting the family connection—Lynne Boyer is the daughter of prominent Omaha philanthropist Chuck Durham. With assets of approximately $21.7 million, the foundation has demonstrated consistent growth in its grantmaking, distributing $1.2 million annually through approximately 45 grants. The foundation focuses primarily on arts and culture (particularly performing arts), education, healthcare, and community services in the Omaha metropolitan area. Led by Lynne D. Boyer as President and guided by a board of family directors, the foundation represents the family's deep commitment to building a stronger Omaha through strategic philanthropy. The Boyers were honored by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures in 2013 for their support of medical research and community service.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a general-purpose family foundation without designated grant programs or cycles. Grants are awarded through written request on a rolling basis, with awards typically supporting:

  • Major Institutional Grants: $50,000 - $128,500 (for established institutions)
  • Mid-Range Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 (for community organizations)
  • Smaller Awards: $100 - $10,000 (for emerging or specialized projects)

Priority Areas

Arts & Culture (Primary Focus)

  • Performing arts organizations and programs
  • Museums and cultural institutions
  • Arts education initiatives
  • Example: The Durham Museum received $71,200

Education

  • Higher education institutions, particularly University of Nebraska system
  • Educational support services
  • Youth development programs
  • Example: University of Nebraska Foundation received $128,500

Health & Medical Research

  • Cancer research (reflecting Lynne Boyer's involvement with UNMC's Eppley Cancer Center)
  • Children's health services
  • Medical research institutions
  • Community health programs

Children & Youth Services

  • Child advocacy and protection services
  • Youth development programs
  • Example: Project Harmony received $90,000

Community & Historical Preservation

  • Historical societies and museums
  • Community development
  • Example: Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation received $50,000

Other Areas of Interest:

  • Animal welfare and zoological programs (reflecting John Boyer's leadership with Omaha Zoo)
  • Environmental conservation
  • Women's services
  • Emergency relief
  • Services for elderly populations
  • Religious organizations

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific exclusions. However, as a family foundation focused on Omaha and Nebraska, grants outside the immediate geographic region appear uncommon. The foundation's pattern suggests preference for:

  • Established institutions with track records
  • Organizations where family members have direct involvement or connection
  • Local Omaha/Nebraska-based organizations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Lynne D. Boyer - President
Lynne Boyer is the daughter of Omaha philanthropist Chuck Durham and a leading community volunteer. She serves on the UNMC Campaign Leadership Committee, the Eppley Cancer Center Advisory Board, the Executive Committee for Bellevue University, and the Joslyn Art Museum Board. She is a past president of both the Children's Hospital Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation. Her extensive board service reflects the foundation's funding priorities in health, education, and arts.

John K. Boyer - Director
John Boyer is Of Counsel at Fraser Stryker PC LLO, one of Omaha's leading law firms, where he practices in estate planning, probate, business succession planning, and taxation. He was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing his 45+ years of legal expertise and community leadership. Boyer serves as President of the Omaha Zoological Society Board of Directors, Secretary of the Omaha Performing Arts Society, and is a board member of the Durham Museum. He is past chairman of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and previously served on the University of Nebraska Foundation board. His involvement in major transactions includes the $2.5 billion MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company merger. Boyer holds a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law (1969) and is rated AV® Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell®.

David Boyer - Director
Son of John and Lynne Boyer, serving as a family director.

Michael Boyer - Director
Son of John and Lynne Boyer, serving as a family director.

Holly Boyer - Director
Family member serving as director.

Rolando Garcia - Director
Serving as foundation director.

Foundation Philosophy

The Boyers have demonstrated a philosophy of engaged philanthropy, serving personally on the boards of organizations they support. John Boyer has stated through his community involvement that he believes in hands-on leadership and strategic guidance, not just financial support. The foundation appears to follow this model, supporting institutions where family members can provide governance and oversight. The 2013 tribute by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures noted that "John and Lynne Boyer have spent much of their life giving back to the community, volunteering their time while serving on committees and boards of civic organizations."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation accepts written requests only and does not have a public website or online application portal. This is typical of smaller family foundations that prefer personal relationships with grantees.

Submission Method: Send written grant requests to:
John K. Boyer, Contact Person
John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation
c/o Fraser Stryker PC LLO
Email: jboyer@fraserstryker.com
Phone: 402.978.5220

What to Include in Written Requests: While the foundation has not published specific guidelines, standard elements for written grant requests to family foundations should include:

  • Cover letter (1-2 pages) clearly stating the request amount and purpose
  • Organization background and mission
  • Project description and objectives
  • Budget for the project or program
  • Evidence of 501(c)(3) status
  • Recent financial statements or annual report
  • Board list and key staff
  • Other sources of funding for the project

Pre-Application Contact: Given the personal nature of the foundation's operations, it may be appropriate to contact John Boyer by phone or email before submitting a formal written request, particularly for larger grant requests or if your organization has existing connections to the foundation's areas of interest.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish decision timelines or board meeting schedules. As a private family foundation, grant decisions are likely made periodically throughout the year rather than on a fixed calendar. Based on their consistent annual grantmaking (45-49 grants per year), the foundation appears to review requests on a rolling basis.

Tax Return Filing: The foundation files its Form 990-PF annually, most recently on February 20, 2025, suggesting the foundation's fiscal year aligns with the calendar year.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish application statistics or success rates. With approximately 45 grants made annually from a total giving of $1.2 million, the average grant size is approximately $27,000, though this varies significantly from small grants of $100 to major institutional grants exceeding $100,000.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not published a formal reapplication policy. However, the consistent grantmaking to major institutions (University of Nebraska Foundation, Durham Museum, Project Harmony) suggests that successful grantees often receive recurring support. Organizations that align well with the foundation's priorities and have demonstrated results are likely welcome to apply in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Relationship and Connection Matters

As a family foundation, the John K And Lynne D Boyer Foundation shows a clear pattern of supporting organizations where family members have direct involvement. Review the governance section closely—organizations in performing arts, museums, healthcare/medical research, children's services, and the zoo are areas where John and Lynne Boyer serve in leadership roles. Applications from organizations where you can demonstrate existing connections to the Boyers or their network of involvement are more likely to succeed.

Focus on Omaha Institutions

The foundation's giving strongly favors established Omaha institutions. Organizations like the University of Nebraska Foundation, Durham Museum, Project Harmony, and Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation represent the type of well-known, professionally managed nonprofits the foundation supports. Emerging organizations or those outside the Omaha metropolitan area face an uphill battle unless they have compelling connections to the family's interests.

Institutional Support Over Innovative Projects

Grant examples show preference for general operating support to established institutions rather than specific innovative programs. The foundation appears to trust organizations it knows well and provides unrestricted or broadly defined support (e.g., "$128,500 for General Support" to University of Nebraska Foundation). This suggests applications should emphasize organizational stability, governance, and track record rather than novelty.

Alignment with Arts, Culture, and Education

The foundation's stated priorities emphasize arts (particularly performing arts), education, and health. Given John Boyer's role as Secretary of Omaha Performing Arts Society and President of the Zoo Board, and Lynne Boyer's involvement with Joslyn Art Museum and UNMC, applications in these areas benefit from direct board-level interest. Educational institutions and cultural organizations should highlight how their work aligns with these specific interests.

Medical Research and Children's Health

Lynne Boyer's service on the UNMC Campaign Leadership Committee and Eppley Cancer Center Advisory Board, combined with her past presidency of Children's Hospital Foundation, signals strong interest in medical research (especially cancer) and children's health. The Boyers were honored specifically for their support of medical research by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. Applications from health-related organizations should emphasize research, innovation, and measurable impact on patient outcomes.

Written Communication Quality

Since applications are by written request only, the quality of written communication is paramount. Given John Boyer's background as an attorney specializing in estate planning and business matters, expect that applications will be read with attention to detail, clarity, and logical structure. Well-organized, concise proposals that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear objectives will be better received than lengthy, unfocused requests.

Multi-Year Relationships

The pattern of recurring grants to the same institutions suggests the foundation values long-term relationships. First-time applicants should consider requesting a smaller initial grant to establish a relationship, with the potential for increased support in subsequent years after demonstrating results and building trust.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Relationship-driven grantmaking: The foundation strongly favors organizations where John or Lynne Boyer serve in leadership roles or have personal connections. Research their board involvement (Omaha Zoo, Joslyn Art Museum, Durham Museum, UNMC, Omaha Performing Arts) to identify potential alignment.

  • Written proposals only: With no website or online portal, success depends entirely on the quality and clarity of your written grant request. Contact John Boyer directly at Fraser Stryker (402.978.5220 or jboyer@fraserstryker.com) before submitting.

  • Omaha-focused: Geographic preference is clear—the foundation overwhelmingly supports Omaha-based institutions. Organizations outside this area face significant barriers unless they have compelling connections to the family's interests.

  • Institutional support model: Large, established nonprofits receive the most substantial grants. The foundation prefers supporting well-governed institutions with track records over startup projects or experimental programs.

  • Arts, education, and medical research: These three areas represent the strongest alignment with family interests. Performing arts, cultural institutions, higher education (especially University of Nebraska), cancer research, and children's health services are particularly well-positioned.

  • General support preferred: Examples show grants for "General Support" to trusted institutions rather than restricted project grants. Once you establish credibility, the foundation may provide flexible funding.

  • Patient approach: As a family foundation without published deadlines or meeting schedules, the timeline from request to decision may be unpredictable. Plan accordingly and maintain professional follow-up communication.

References

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