James And Aune Nelson Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting environmental conservation efforts. Its mission focuses on funding initiatives that promote the protection and rehabilitation of wildlife, as well as legal defense related to land trust activities. The foundation primarily serves organizations engaged in environmental protection, including those involved in general operations, water diversion projects, and educational grants. Through its grants, it aims to enhance community and economic development while fostering sustainability in environmental practices.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An Illinois-based conservation or land-trust nonprofit (or a conservation project with a strong local presence) that fits the foundation's pattern of supporting general operations, legal defense, or water/diversion work.
Good Fit
- • Primary operations or projects located in Illinois (foundation state).
- • Mission focused on land conservation, river/water issues, wildlife, or related environmental work.
- • Organizational capacity to absorb multi-year or large general‑operating support.
- • Existing relationship or introduction from a board member, local fundee, or regional conservation intermediary.
Geography
Grantmaking is almost entirely focused in Illinois (about 99% of dollars) with only one small grant outside the state, so the observed footprint is locally concentrated.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation funded nine distinct recipients spanning national intermediaries and small local groups, showing a modestly diverse recipient set even though dollars were concentrated among the top five grantees.
New Applicants
The filing explicitly indicates grants are only to preselected recipients and there is no public website or contact route; because only one year is available, long‑term turnover cannot be checked, but the invitation‑only statement and opaque access cues point to low likelihood for unfamiliar applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
