Robert Nelson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $426,682 (2024)
• Total Assets: $16,036,567 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $500 - $80,000
• Number of Grants: 27 awards in 2024, 22 awards in 2023
• Geographic Focus: Primarily California (Los Angeles area) and Michigan (Grand Rapids area)
• Application Status: Not accepting unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 761398, Los Angeles, CA 90076

Email: info@robertnelsonfoundation.org

Website: https://www.robertnelsonfoundation.org

EIN: 82-1673538

Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Independent Foundation (files Form 990-PF)

Overview

The Robert Nelson Foundation was established in 2018 in memory of Robert Nelson, who spent nearly 40 years in the radio/television broadcasting industry, primarily in California. The foundation became tax-exempt in November 2017. With assets exceeding $16 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $427,000, the foundation operates under the guiding principles of "Integrity, Excellence, Kindness" with a mission to "Give and Grow" by investing in projects that help others reach their potential. The foundation focuses on enhancing communities through funding projects that demonstrate service, innovation, and excellence. The board is committed to honoring Mr. Nelson's legacy by supporting organizations that reflect his values and his historical patterns of giving, particularly in the areas where he lived and worked—Los Angeles, California, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grantmaking (No public application process)

• Grant Range: $500 - $80,000
• Typical Grant Size: $5,000 - $10,000
• Application Method: Invitation only/trustee discretion
• No fixed deadlines or rolling basis (proactive identification of grantees)

Education Scholarships

• The Robert Nelson Foundation Scholarship at Grand Valley State University: Four $10,000 scholarships for students entering multimedia journalism
• Cal State LA Media Studies Scholarships: Part of $80,000 grant supporting scholarships, internships, and travel awards for media studies and journalism students
• The Robert Nelson Fellowship: Funding for students pursuing unpaid internships at nonprofit organizations

Youth Programming

• The Robert Nelson Foundation Career Exploration/Summer Broadcasting Camp: For high school students interested in broadcasting careers

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's stated focus areas and recent grant history, funding priorities include:

Education

• Scholarships for students pursuing careers in media, broadcasting, and journalism
• Educational opportunities for homeless children (K-12)
• Programs for students with demonstrated financial need, particularly re-entry students, veterans, single parents, and first-generation college students
• Special education and vocational training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Services for Vulnerable Populations

• Homelessness services and shelters
• Programs addressing food insecurity and childhood hunger
• Support for economically disadvantaged community members
• Services for elderly and homebound individuals

Disability Services

• Programs serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Functional life skills and prevocational training
• Animal-assisted therapy programs

Veterans Services

• Housing and support services for homeless and at-risk veterans
• Programs filling critical service gaps for veterans

Special Needs and Healthcare

• Programs serving individuals with special needs
• Patient support and healthcare access programs
• Foster care support services

Geographic Focus: Strong preference for organizations serving Los Angeles, California, and Grand Rapids, Michigan—the communities where Mr. Nelson lived and worked.

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation has not published explicit exclusions, based on their focused mission and small grant portfolio (27 grants annually), they appear to limit funding to:

• Organizations outside California and Michigan
• Projects not aligned with Mr. Nelson's legacy in broadcasting, education, and community service
• General operating support for large, well-funded organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a six-member board of directors:

Bryant Domina, President

• 33-year career as a special education professional
• B.A. from Hope College (1984), M.A. from Western Michigan University (1992)
• Compensation: $8,000 (2024)

Sarah Talei, Vice President & Director of Community Outreach (Los Angeles)

• Probate litigation attorney specializing in trust administration, conservatorships, and estate planning
• Compensation: $8,000 (2024)

Jeffrey Siegel, Treasurer

• Professional Fiduciary
• Compensation: $48,000 (2024)

Anne Harrison Hayes, Secretary

• Certified Public Accountant
• Compensation: $20,137 (2024)

Ralph V. Palmieri, Senior Legal Counsel

• Probate attorney
• Compensation: $8,000 (2024)

Anil B. Chachra, Financial Advisor

• Senior Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley
• Compensation: Not disclosed

The board's professional composition—including special education expertise, legal specialists in probate and trusts, financial management, and accounting—reflects the foundation's commitment to responsible stewardship while honoring Mr. Nelson's legacy in education and community service.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Robert Nelson Foundation is not currently accepting unsolicited grant applications. According to their website, "The foundation is currently working to establish initial projects that will honor Mr. Nelson, and as the foundation grows and develops, the board will continually explore and examine giving options to best fit the vision of Mr. Nelson and the foundation."

Grants are awarded through:

• Trustee Discretion: The board identifies organizations that align with Mr. Nelson's legacy and values
• Invitation Only: The foundation directly contacts potential grantees
• Pre-existing Relationships: Many grants appear to go to organizations with connections to areas Mr. Nelson supported during his lifetime

Getting on Their Radar

Grand Valley State University Connection

• For journalism and multimedia students: The Robert Nelson Foundation has established a significant partnership with GVSU's School of Communications
• Students can apply for The Robert Nelson Foundation Scholarship, fellowship opportunities, and participate in the Summer Broadcasting Camp
• Contact: GVSU School of Communications scholarships office

California State University Los Angeles Connection

• Media studies and journalism students, particularly re-entry students, veterans, single parents, and first-generation college students
• Scholarship and internship support available through the university's programs funded by the foundation

Geographic Proximity Matters

• Organizations serving Los Angeles County and Grand Rapids, Michigan have the strongest track record of receiving support
• The foundation honors Mr. Nelson's historical giving patterns in these communities

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. The foundation operates on its own timeline for identifying and funding grantees rather than following application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grantmaking. The foundation made 27 grants in 2024 and 22 grants in 2023 from total charitable disbursements of approximately $427,000 and $380,000 respectively.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as there is no public application process. Organizations that have received funding may be considered for future grants at the board's discretion.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success in receiving funding appears to be based on:

Alignment with Mr. Nelson's Legacy

• Organizations supporting young people entering broadcasting, media, and journalism careers have strong alignment
• The foundation's website states: "The Robert Nelson Foundation is committed to focusing on giving which honors the life of Mr. Nelson, his life's passions, and his past historical giving"
• Projects demonstrating "innovation, excellence, and service" align with the foundation's stated values

Service to Priority Populations

• The foundation has expanded its giving to honor Mr. Nelson's wishes to:
  • Assist students with their education
  • Support the disabled population
  • Assist the homeless and economically challenged members of the community
  • Support organizations that help those who need it most

Geographic Connection

• Strong preference for Los Angeles County and Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Organizations where Mr. Nelson had historical involvement or connection

Community Impact Focus

• Projects that "enhance communities" and demonstrate measurable impact
• Organizations filling critical gaps in services (as evidenced by Village for Vets grant description)

Modest Budget Alignment

• Most grants range from $5,000-$10,000, suggesting the foundation prefers to support multiple organizations rather than making a few large grants
• Larger grants ($45,000-$80,000) appear reserved for significant educational initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation identifies and invites grantees rather than accepting applications, making it unsuitable for proactive grant seeking
• Education in Broadcasting is Core: Mr. Nelson's 40-year career in radio/television drives the foundation's passion for supporting the next generation of media professionals
• Two Geographic Centers: Focus heavily on Los Angeles (where Mr. Nelson worked) and Grand Rapids, Michigan (where he was from)
• Small, Strategic Grants: With 27 grants totaling ~$427,000 in 2024, the foundation makes targeted investments averaging $5,000-$10,000 per organization
• Values-Driven: "Integrity, Excellence, Kindness" are not just words—they reflect Mr. Nelson's character and guide all funding decisions
• Student Success Pathway: The foundation has created a clear pathway for journalism/multimedia students at GVSU and Cal State LA through scholarships and fellowships
• Vulnerable Population Focus: Beyond education, the foundation supports homeless services, disability services, veterans, and economically disadvantaged communities

References

1. Robert Nelson Foundation Official Website - https://www.robertnelsonfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
2. Robert Nelson Foundation About Page - https://www.robertnelsonfoundation.org/about/ (Accessed January 2026)
3. Robert Nelson Foundation Focus Areas - https://www.robertnelsonfoundation.org/focus/ (Accessed January 2026)
4. Robert Nelson Foundation Grants - https://www.robertnelsonfoundation.org/category/grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Robert Nelson Foundation Form 990-PF - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821673538 (Accessed January 2026)
6. GuideStar Profile - Robert Nelson Foundation - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-1673538 (Accessed January 2026)
7. Charity Navigator Profile - Robert Nelson Foundation - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/821673538 (Accessed January 2026)
8. Instrumentl 990 Report - Robert Nelson Foundation - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/robert-nelson-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
9. Grand Valley State University - Robert Nelson Foundation Scholarship Announcement - https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnext/2023/camp-honors-vision-legacy-of-longtime-broadcaster-to-help-high-school-students-explore-profession-.htm (Accessed January 2026)
10. GVSU School of Communications Scholarships - https://www.gvsu.edu/soc/scholarships-fellowships-and-grants-15.htm (Accessed January 2026)