D F Dillon Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $6,475,158 (2023)
Total Assets: $46.6 million
Number of Grants: 90 awards (2023)
Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,000,000
Median Grant: $30,000
Geographic Focus: Nebraska (emphasis on Lincoln area), with some grants in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Contact Details

Address: D F Dillon Foundation, P.O. Box 6368, Lincoln, NE 68506

Email: [email protected]

EIN: 91-1805591

Overview

The D F Dillon Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Lincoln, Nebraska, founded by philanthropist Donald F. Dillon. With assets totaling approximately $46.6 million, the foundation has provided millions of dollars to support education and direct service to those in need, mainly in Nebraska. In 2023, the foundation distributed $6,475,158 across 90 grants to nonprofit organizations. The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus, suggesting a broad philanthropic interest across various causes. While the foundation emphasizes the Lincoln area, it also funds projects in several other states. The foundation operates through trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grantmaking program distributed through trustee discretion rather than formal application cycles. Grants range from $1,000 to $1,000,000, with a median grant of $30,000.

Application Method: Invitation only - the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant recipients, the foundation supports:

Higher Education: Major support to University of Nebraska Foundation and Southeast Community College Foundation
Community Services: Support for organizations serving low-income families and vulnerable populations
Child Welfare: Grants to organizations like Cedars Home for Children
Environmental Conservation: Support for organizations like Audubon Nebraska
Capital Improvements: Significant funding for facility improvements and infrastructure projects
Program Support: Operating and program grants across various sectors

The foundation appears to have broad philanthropic interests without limiting itself to specific program areas, allowing flexibility to support diverse causes primarily within Nebraska.

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly documented, though the foundation's practice of funding only preselected organizations suggests they do not consider general public applications.

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

Joseph Kerrigan - President and Treasurer
Donald F. Dillon - Director and Founder (described as "a celebrated philanthropist")
Patrick J. Kerrigan - Vice President, Secretary, and Director
David B. Policky - Director

Donald F. Dillon is noted as the founder of the foundation and has been recognized for his philanthropic work supporting education and direct service to those in need, mainly in Nebraska.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grant applications can be requested by writing to the foundation at D F Dillon Foundation, P.O. Box 6368, Lincoln, NE 68506 or by email to [email protected], but this appears to be for organizations already in relationship with the foundation rather than for general inquiries.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented, as grants are made through trustee discretion to preselected organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Organizations that have received funding appear to receive repeat grants based on the trustees' ongoing relationships and assessment.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the key factors for receiving funding are:

Pre-existing Relationships: The foundation works exclusively with organizations already known to the trustees. Based on recent grants, organizations with existing relationships include:

University of Nebraska Foundation (received multiple grants totaling $2 million in 2023)
Southeast Community College Foundation ($300,000)
Audubon Nebraska ($250,000)
Cedars Home for Children
Willard Community Center ($20,000)

Nebraska Focus: While the foundation does fund some projects outside Nebraska, there is a clear emphasis on the Lincoln area and Nebraska organizations.

Broad Mission Alignment: The foundation does not specify particular subject areas, suggesting trustees consider diverse causes. Recent grants show support for education, community services, child welfare, and environmental conservation.

Capital and Program Support: The foundation funds both capital improvements (facility projects) and program support (operating grants), with major grants often designated for capital improvements.

Repeat Funding: Organizations appear to receive multiple grants over time, suggesting the foundation values long-term partnerships with trusted organizations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and only funds preselected organizations. Traditional grant writing approaches will not work here.
Relationship-Based: Access to funding requires pre-existing relationships with the foundation's trustees or being part of their established network of supported organizations.
Nebraska-Centric with Local Emphasis: While the foundation has made grants in other states, the vast majority of funding goes to Nebraska organizations, particularly in the Lincoln area.
Significant Grant Range: Grants vary widely from $1,000 to $1,000,000, with the median at $30,000, suggesting the foundation tailors grant amounts to organizational needs and projects rather than fixed tiers.
Broad Philanthropic Interests: Without specified focus areas, the foundation considers diverse causes, giving trustees flexibility to support various missions aligned with the foundation's values.
Education and Direct Service Priority: Founder Donald F. Dillon's stated focus on "education and direct service to those in need" suggests these areas may receive particular attention.
Long-term Partnerships: Repeat grants to organizations like University of Nebraska Foundation indicate the foundation values ongoing relationships with trusted partners.

References

All sources accessed December 27, 2025.