Gaedke Charitable Trust
This organization is a private foundation focused on providing financial support primarily for general operating expenses of various charitable organizations. Its mission centers around health-related initiatives, particularly those addressing Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, as evidenced by its funding to organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and the American Parkinson Disease Association. The foundation supports a range of health charities and community foundations, indicating a commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting community resources. Its grantmaking activities predominantly benefit organizations across multiple states, with a notable emphasis on recipients in Iowa and Illinois.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid-sized charities or community intermediaries in the Iowa/nearby region working in health/aging, museums, higher education, or community support that can be recommended or introduced by existing grantees or local intermediaries.
Good Fit
- • Located in Iowa or nearby states (IL, NY) or served by a local community foundation.
- • Requests align with general operating support and match observed grant sizes ($15k–$30k).
- • Has an existing relationship with a previous grantee, community foundation, or a trustee contact.
- • Work in health/aging, dementia/Alzheimer’s, cultural institutions, or university-affiliated programs.
Geography
Latest-year grants span three states (Iowa, Illinois, New York) but are regionally concentrated, with about 60% of dollars flowing to Iowa; the footprint is regional rather than national.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded seven distinct recipients each year across multiple institution types (health charities, a community foundation, museums, university foundations); five recipients recur, indicating a stable core plus some turnover, which implies moderate variety for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
Public documentation and the foundation's stated policy show grants are limited to preselected recipients and no public application route or website is available; although 2 new recipients appeared in the latest year, that turnover looks invitation- or referral-driven rather than evidence of an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
