John Ruan Foundation Trust

OVERVIEW: The John Ruan Foundation Trust supports arts and culture, education, health, mental health, employment, and human services in Iowa and beyond.

IP TAKE: This is a low-key corporate funder with strong family connection and an accessible grant pathway for local nonprofits in Des Moines. It lacks transparency, which restricts information about its grantmaking guidelines.

PROFILE: Established in 1955, the John Ruan Foundation Trust (JRFT) is a corporate foundation based in Des Moines, Iowa. Ruan (1914-2010) was the former CEO of the Ruan Companies and chairman emeritus of the World Food Prize. He was involved in the transportation, banking, financial services, real estate, and trading industries. John Ruan III is the current foundation manager and also serves as the current chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation, Ruan Transportation Management Systems, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. JRFT funds local efforts for arts and culture, education, health, mental health, employment, and human services.

Grants for Arts and Culture, Education, Public Health and Access, Mental Health, Work and Economic Opportunity, and Community Development

The John Ruan Foundation Trust does not have a website to guide grantseekers. But according to past tax filings, JRFT often gives to steadily to schools, colleges, youth activities, conservation, and cultural activities. Funding is often for program and project support. JRFT is known to give out several million dollars per year for grants and contributions.

Past local grantees include America’s Family Coaches, Bergman Academy, and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation.

Important Grant Details

Grants range between about $5,000 and $100,000. Grantmaking largely focuses on Des Moines, Iowa, but the funder considers other geographic locations as well.

According to tax records, this foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Organizations should submit application materials to the foundation by mail and to the attention of John Ruan III. There are no specific application forms to use, no submission deadlines, and no restrictions on awards. Direct general questions to the staff at 515-245-2552.

PEOPLE:

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