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 totalling 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 organisations. The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus, suggesting a broad philanthropic interest across various causes. While the foundation emphasises 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 Programmes

The foundation operates a single grantmaking programme 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 organisations.

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 organisations serving low-income families and vulnerable populations
• Child Welfare: Grants to organisations like Cedars Home for Children
• Environmental Conservation: Support for organisations like Audubon Nebraska
• Capital Improvements: Significant funding for facility improvements and infrastructure projects
• Programme Support: Operating and programme grants across various sectors

The foundation appears to have broad philanthropic interests without limiting itself to specific programme 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 organisations 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 recognised 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 organisations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Organisations 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 organisations already known to the trustees. Based on recent grants, organisations with existing relationships include:

• University of Nebraska Foundation (received multiple grants totalling $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 organisations.

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

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

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and only funds preselected organisations. 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 organisations.
• Nebraska-Centric with Local Emphasis: While the foundation has made grants in other states, the vast majority of funding goes to Nebraska organisations, 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 organisational 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 organisations like University of Nebraska Foundation indicate the foundation values ongoing relationships with trusted partners.

References

• D F Dillon Foundation - Grantmakers.io Profile
• D F Dillon Foundation - Instrumentl 990 Report
• D F Dillon Foundation - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• D F Dillon Foundation - GuideStar Profile
• Willard Community Center - D F Dillon Foundation Grant Announcement
• Don Dillon Regis Gives Matching Gift - Regis University
• Donald F. Dillon Scholarship Fund - University of Nebraska Foundation

All sources accessed December 27, 2025.