Gardner Foundation
Historical FunderWakefield, Nebraska · EIN 36-3705723 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $7,000 and $38,210.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | BOARD OF TRUSTEES GARDNER FOUNDATIO |
|---|---|
| Address | P O BOX 629, WAKEFIELD NE 68784 |
| Phone | 4022872538 |
| Form and materials | USE GARDNER FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION. |
| Deadlines | NONE. |
| Restrictions | AS OUTLINED IN GARDNER FOUNDATION POLICY STATEMENT; CANNOT RESUBMIT IF REJECTED WITHIN 1 YEAR. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
4% of grants went outside Nebraska.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne State Foundation | Wayne, NE | Scholarships | $764,194 |
| Wayne State Foundation | Wayne, NE | Scholarships | $171,946 |
| St Peter's Catholic Church | Beaufort, SC | Tuition assistance | $100,000 |
| Little Red Hen Theatre | Wakefield, NE | Outreach | $75,000 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln, NE | Scholarships | $75,000 |
| City of Ponca | Ponca, NE | Playground equipment | $38,210 |
| Wisner Police Department | Wisner, NE | Radio systems | $35,000 |
| Stanton County Emergency Management Agency | Stanton, NE | Drone | $27,595 |
| Homer Volunteer Fire Department | Homer, NE | Lucas device | $19,550 |
| Dixon County | Ponca, NE | Drone | $17,104 |
| Project Pinkd Inc | Omaha, NE | Assistance | $15,000 |
| Emerson Veterans Memorialpost 60 | Emerson, NE | Veterans memorial | $10,250 |
| Harrison's Playmakers | Omaha, NE | Sports camps | $10,000 |
| Lindsay Area Development | Lindsay, NE | Education | $10,000 |
| Laurel-Concord-Coleridge Middle School | Coleridge, NE | Learning | $8,294 |
| Pioneer Senior Citizens | Pender, NE | New furnace | $7,000 |
| Epic Youth Ministry | Laurel, NE | Ministry | $5,000 |
| Omaha Pacesetter | Bennington, NE | Baseball program | $4,500 |
| Hillrise Elementary PTO | Elkhorn, NE | General funding | $2,000 |
| Emerson Hubbard School | Emerson, NE | One book, one school program | $795 |
| Wakefield Community School | Wakefield, NE | School fundraising | $750 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,397,188 | 21 |
| 2024 | $1,382,811 | 20 |
| 2023 | $1,356,056 | 21 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 14, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202631349349101623
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 36-3705723
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.