Nesholm Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,825,000 (2023)
• Total Assets: $33.2 million
• Decision Time: Up to 4 months
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: Seattle, Washington

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.nesholmfamilyfoundation.org/
• Email: grants@nesholmfoundation.org
• Mailing Address: PO Box 3586, Seattle, WA 98124-0000
• Phone: Contact via email

Overview

The Nesholm Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1987 through the Will of Elmer J. Nesholm (1910-1986), a Seattle and New York City resident who spent his working career as a key executive with United Parcel Service. With total assets of approximately $33.2 million and annual charitable disbursements of $3.8 million, the foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts exclusively on supporting organisations that benefit the people of Seattle. The foundation's grantmaking reflects Nesholm's concern for the welfare of others, future-oriented problem-solving outlook, and commitment to share his success with the community where he grew up.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation awards grants in three primary areas, all restricted to organisations benefiting the people of Seattle:

Performing Arts The foundation recognises Seattle as a nationally outstanding centre for the performing arts and supports organisations that:

• Encourage the highest professional performance standards
• Improve the availability and accessibility of the arts
• Support artistic and organisational development

Health and Human Services The foundation focuses on community, public health, and quality of life issues, with current emphasis on:

• Capital improvements for local organisations
• Programmes that assist teens and youth

Education The foundation believes educational opportunities provide the means for fulfilling human potential and enriching the community, with particular emphasis on public schools. Priorities include:

• Developing the potential of underachieving students
• Expanding opportunities for cultural education for public school children
• Bringing the community to the public schools

Current Status: Education funding is committed to the "Kids in the Middle Initiative" and is not accepting new applications. Health and human services grants are awarded by invitation only.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation will not consider applications for:

• Ongoing normal operations or operating deficits
• Debt retirement or endowment funds
• Loans of any kind
• Contributions to general fund drives, annual appeals, or federated campaigns
• Scholarships and fellowships, or the benefit of specific individuals
• Basic science research

The foundation will not consider requests for grants to:

• Conduit organisations (tax-exempt organisations that pass funds to organisations not tax-exempt in their own right)
• Organisations that carry on propaganda or attempt to influence legislation or elections
• Institutions that in policy or practice unfairly discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, or creed
• Activities of sectarian or religious organisations that principally benefit their own members or adherents

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, organisations must:

• Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Not be private foundations as defined in Section 509(a) (except qualified private operating foundations)
• Benefit the people of the City of Seattle

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees:

• John F. Nesholm - President
• Erika J. Nesholm - Executive Director
• Maneesh Batra - Trustee
• Joaquin M. Hernandez - Trustee
• Carol Lewis - Trustee
• Kirsten Nesholm - Trustee
• Laurel Nesholm - Trustee

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Performing Arts Organisations: The foundation accepts unsolicited applications with a deadline of November 1 each year. Applications should be emailed to grants@nesholmfoundation.org and include:

1. A two-page letter (minimum 12-point font and 1-inch margins) signed by the Executive Director containing:

   • Brief description of the organisation
   • For project support: description of the project for which funding is sought; OR for general operating support: description of your most important programmes
   • Statement explaining why the project is important or what need your work addresses

2. Completed application form (available on the foundation website)

3. Budget including expenses and anticipated sources of revenue

Health and Human Services Organisations: Applications accepted by invitation only. The foundation will contact selected organisations with details about application materials and deadlines.

Education Organisations: Not currently accepting applications. Education funding is committed to the "Kids in the Middle Initiative."

Grant Duration

Grants are usually awarded for one year. Occasionally, the foundation may invite renewal applications after evaluation of progress and review of plans for further work. From time to time, the foundation may solicit proposals to develop projects and programmes.

Decision Timeline

The entire application review process may require up to four months. If an application is accepted for further consideration, a site visit may be scheduled by foundation staff. The foundation is unable to receive personal presentations.

Application Success Factors

Organisations seeking support from the Nesholm Family Foundation should:

For Performing Arts Organisations (open application):

• Demonstrate clear benefit to Seattle residents
• Show commitment to professional excellence and accessibility
• Provide detailed project budgets with realistic revenue projections
• Submit well-prepared applications by the November 1 deadline
• Be prepared for potential site visits during the review process

For Health and Human Services Organisations (invitation only):

• Focus on programmes serving teens and youth or capital improvements
• Maintain strong reputation in the Seattle nonprofit community
• Build relationships through board member networks and community connections

For All Applicants:

• Align clearly with stated funding priorities
• Demonstrate strong organisational capacity and track record
• Show how the work addresses specific community needs in Seattle
• Ensure compliance with all eligibility requirements
• Avoid restricted categories (operating deficits, endowments, scholarships, etc.)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Nesholm Family Foundation is a significant funder in the Seattle philanthropic landscape with nearly $4 million in annual giving
• Application process varies by funding area: performing arts organisations may apply (deadline November 1); health and human services by invitation only; education currently closed
• Strong geographic restriction to Seattle-area beneficiaries
• The foundation was established by a UPS executive who grew up in Seattle and wanted to give back to his community
• Decision timeline of up to four months requires advance planning
• Site visits may be part of the review process
• The foundation does not accept personal presentations
• Grants typically awarded for one-year periods

References

• Nesholm Family Foundation website - https://www.nesholmfamilyfoundation.org/ - Accessed May 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Nesholm Family Foundation (EIN: 943055422) - Accessed May 2026