The David & Phyllis Murphy Charitable
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on education, human services, and community development. Its mission includes providing program support, scholarships, and assistance to vulnerable populations, as well as enhancing community resources and services. The foundation actively funds initiatives related to food security, arts and culture, and veteran services, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in need. It predominantly serves organizations within North Central Iowa, emphasizing local impact through its grantmaking efforts.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A North Central Iowa-based 501(c)(3) or public agency seeking program or capital support with clear local impact and a request sized to the foundation's typical $5K–$50K awards.
Good Fit
- • Organization based in or serving North Central Iowa.
- • Request for program support, equipment, facility upgrades, or scholarships.
- • Ability to submit a complete written packet (proof of exempt status, financials, officers, contact, amount and purpose).
- • Asking for an amount in the foundation's common range (roughly $5,000–$50,000).
- • Local credibility or prior informal connection to Mason City-area civic networks.
Geography
Observed giving is geographically narrow: every recorded grant across the observed years went to organizations in Iowa, with the latest year funding concentrated entirely in the foundation's state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a broad set of independent recipients: 47 distinct grantees in the latest year and dozens across three years, with a mix of repeat and new organizations rather than a tiny recurring circle.
New Applicants
Behavioral evidence shows active turnover (25 new recipients in the latest year) and the filing provides explicit written-request submission instructions and a deadline, indicating a realistic path for unfamiliar applicants to be funded.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
