Lester & Frances Johnson Foundation Inc
Invitation OnlyEdwardsville, Illinois · EIN 39-1988285 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$410K
Organizations funded34
Typical grant$10,000
Total assets$5.1M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $5,000 and $15,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2025 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
85% of grants went outside Illinois.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The River Food Pantry | Madison, WI | Food bank | $100,000 |
| Timothy's Ministry | Wheaton, IL | General operations | $40,000 |
| Angel's Wish | Verona, WI | Animal rescue | $15,000 |
| Courage Connection | Urbana, IL | For support of women in crisis | $15,000 |
| Eastern Illinois Food Bank | Urbana, IL | Food bank | $15,000 |
| Health by All Means | Madison, WI | General operations | $15,000 |
| Heroes and Helpers | Muncie, IN | General operations | $15,000 |
| International Institute of Metro St Louis | St Louis, MO | Immigrant services support | $15,000 |
| St Louis Public Radio | St Louis, MO | General operations | $15,000 |
| Agape Ranch | Verona, WI | Services for foster children | $13,000 |
| Blood Cancer United | New York, NY | Research and support services | $10,000 |
| Colorectal Cancer Alliance | Washington DC, DC | Research and support services | $10,000 |
| Gio's Garden | Middleton, WI | Support of family programs | $10,000 |
| Glen-Ed Pantry | Edwardsville, IL | Food pantry | $10,000 |
| Good Shepard Lutheran Church Food Pantry | Madison, WI | Food pantry | $10,000 |
| Saint Louis Area Food Bank | Bridgeton, MO | Food bank | $10,000 |
| St Louis Pbs | St Louis, MO | General operations | $10,000 |
| Tenth Life Cat Rescue | St Louis, MO | Animal rescue | $10,000 |
| Inspiring Hope Ministries | Middleton, WI | Social services | $7,000 |
| St Jude Children's Hospital | Memphis, TN | Research and support services | $7,000 |
| Community Food Pantry of Spring Green | Spring Green, WI | Food pantry | $6,000 |
| New Beginings | Dodgeville, WI | General operations | $6,000 |
| Action Stl | St Louis, MO | General operations | $5,000 |
| Aspca | Washington DC, DC | Animal rescue | $5,000 |
| California Community Foundation | Los Angeles, CA | General operations | $5,000 |
| Ruby's Pantry | Moorhead, MN | Food pantry | $5,000 |
| Uw Foundation | Madison, WI | General operation | $5,000 |
| Wayforward Food Pantry | Middleton, WI | Food pantry | $5,000 |
| Welcome Neighbor Stl | St Louis, MO | Social services | $5,000 |
| Wisconsin Youth | Hartland, WI | Social services | $5,000 |
| Gateway Pet Guardians | East St Louis, IL | Animal shelter | $2,500 |
| Madison Dugout Club | Madison, WI | Youth sports | $1,500 |
| Black Earth Historical Society | Black Earth, WI | Summer program | $1,000 |
| Contemporary Art Museum | St Louis, MO | General operations | $1,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $410,000 | 34 |
| 2024 | $287,000 | 25 |
| 2023 | $257,000 | 23 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Aug 26, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202622389349100912
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 39-1988285
- 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.