Lowell N Johnson Charitable Foundation
The Lowell N. Johnson Charitable Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to providing charitable support primarily in the areas of education and community services. It focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and supporting local organizations, including schools, colleges, and community centers, with a notable emphasis on youth development and literacy initiatives. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including educational institutions, religious organizations, and community service clubs, primarily in Illinois and Iowa. Its mission reflects a commitment to fostering community engagement and improving the quality of life for individuals in its service areas.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A local Illinois nonprofit (especially schools, colleges, YMCA/youth organizations, libraries or community service groups) with demonstrated community impact seeking grants in the typical local size range.
Good Fit
- • Organizational presence in the Moline/Quad Cities area or elsewhere in Illinois.
- • Programs focused on education, youth development, community services, or literacy.
- • Requests for operating or project support in the common $5k–$25k range (with occasional larger awards).
- • Evidence of measurable local impact and established local partnerships.
Geography
Giving is highly local: in the latest year roughly 92% of dollars stayed in the foundation's home state (Illinois), with only a small share to one neighboring state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large and diverse set of independent organizations in the latest year (61 distinct grantees), spanning schools, colleges, YMCA, churches and multiple community nonprofits despite some dollar concentration among a few top recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows 12 new recipients in 2024 (about 20% of that year's grantees) and three years of filings indicate both returning and new grantees; additionally the filing includes application instructions and a mailing/phone contact, supporting realistic access for unfamiliar applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
