John Ruan Foundation Trust
Historical FunderUrbandale, Iowa · EIN 42-6059463 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$4M
Organizations funded52
Typical grant$10,000
Total assets$85.5M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $5,000 and $10,000.
From the return
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2024):
| Contact | John Ruan IV |
|---|---|
| Address | 11207 NW Aurora Avenue, Urbandale IA 50322 |
| Phone | 5152452575 |
| Form and materials | No special form |
| Deadlines | None |
| Restrictions | None |
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
13% of grants went outside Iowa.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy One Foundation | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $1,000,000 |
| University of Iowa Foundation | Iowa City, IA | General Operations | $1,000,000 |
| Mercy One Foundation | Des Moines, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $500,000 |
| Iowa Confluence Water Trails | Des Moines, IA | Sports, Athletic | $300,000 |
| Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $250,000 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Sports, Athletic | $250,000 |
| Ellipsis | Johnston, IA | Youth Activities | $250,000 |
| Bravo Greater Des Moines | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $100,000 |
| Dowling Catholic High School | West Des Moines, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $60,000 |
| Des Moines Symphony | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $25,000 |
| World Food Prize | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Isu Foundation | Ames, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $25,000 |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $20,000 |
| Des Moines Art Center | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Science Center of Iowa | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Civic Center of Greater Des Moines | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Blank Park Zoo Foundation | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Des Moines Metropolitan Opera | Indianola, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Ballet Des Moines | West Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $10,000 |
| Above and Beyond Cancer | West Des Moines, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $10,000 |
| Downtown Events Group | Des Moines, IA | Inner City or Community Activities | $10,000 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $10,000 |
| Bergman Academy | Des Moines, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $10,000 |
| Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $10,000 |
| Roosevelt High School Foundation | Des Moines, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $10,000 |
| YMCA | Des Moines, IA | Youth Activities | $10,000 |
| St Augustin Catholic School | Des Moines, IA | Youth Activities | $10,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | Des Moines, IA | Conservation, Environment and Beautification Activities | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Arts Festival | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $5,000 |
| Blue Ribbon Foundation | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Lost Tree Charitable Foundation | North Palm Beach, FL | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | Des Moines, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | Rochester, MN | Health Services and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| American Heart Association | Des Moines, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Avon Old Farms School | Avon, CT | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Culver Educational Foundation | Culver, IN | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Iowa Law School Foundation | Iowa City, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Iowa College Foundation | Des Moines, IA | Schools, COlleges and Related Activities | $5,000 |
| Variety the Childrens Charity | Des Moines, IA | Youth Activities | $5,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa | Des Moines, IA | Youth Activities | $5,000 |
| Macnider Art Museum | Mason City, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $2,500 |
| Iowa Historical Foundation | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $2,500 |
| Terrace Hill Partnership | Des Moines, IA | Cultural, Historical or Other Education Activities | $2,500 |
| Friends of Des Moines Parks | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $2,500 |
| Brenton Arboretum | Dallas Center, IA | General Operations | $2,500 |
| Des Moines Community Playhouse | Des Moines, IA | General Operations | $2,500 |
| Orchard Place | Des Moines, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $2,500 |
| Wesley Life | Johnston, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $2,500 |
| Multiple Sclerosis Society of Iowa | Clive, IA | Health Services and Related Activities | $2,500 |
| Des Moines University | Des Moines, IA | Schools, Colleges and Related Activities | $2,500 |
| Boy Scouts of America Mid Iowa Council | Des Moines, IA | Youth Activities | $2,500 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,042,500 | 52 |
| 2023 | $4,050,000 | 52 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Sep 5, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202522489349100312
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 42-6059463
- Profile updated Nov 4, 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.