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Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$40k
Granted FY2025still arriving
2
Grants FY2025still arriving
2
States reached
$20k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
0195% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Religion$173kEducation$32kHuman Services$26kHealth$22kPublic Benefit$20kFood & Nutrition$20kPhilanthropy$16kCrime & Legal$14kOther$0
02FY2025 · 2 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

$20,000
Median grant
2
States reached
$879k
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
FRIENDS OF ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT$20,000
FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION$20,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY17–24, $7k) land where the poverty rate runs at 8%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 30% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants skew toward lower-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%A SHOT FOR LIFE: $105 → 8%BAND OF PARENTS: $200 → 18%CATHEDRAL KITCHEN: $500 → 12%TREE OF LIFE MINISTRIES: $2k → 4%PERC INC: $2k → 9%WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT: $1k → 14%TREE OF LIFE MINISTRIES: $1k → 4%WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT: $500 → 14%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

VT
MN
IL
NY
MA
OR
IA
OH
PA
NJ
RI
CO
VA
MD
DE
KS
TN
NC
HI
OK
AL
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

60%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$220k · 15 repeat orgs$147k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +80% since the first grant, against +34% for those funded once.

15 repeat relationships: 0 still active in FY2025, 15 since wound down; 2 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

15
52

Total granted

$220k
$107k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+80%
+34%

Still filing today

60%
50%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 0% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $40k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
HealthHuman ServicesEducationReligionInternationalPhilanthropyOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • EC
    EMORY CHRISTIAN CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP INC
    5× · 2019–2024 · $82k · revenue +128%
  • AF
    AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION
    3× · 2017–2020 · $16k · revenue +137%
  • ST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL INC
    5× · 2017–2021 · $14k · revenue +145%

Funded once

  • UA
    USAF ACADEMY FOUNDATION
    one grant, 2023 · $20k
  • SL
    STMARKS LUTHERAN CHURCH
    one grant, 2017 · $13k
  • FD
    FAYETTE-SPAULDING DRUG COURT FOUNDA
    one grant, 2022 · $8k
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Fdn Group

Susan g. komen 's mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities & investing in breakthrough research to prevent & cure breast cancer.

—
2
Asco Association

Asco association promotes the common business interests of its members by: (1) advocating for policies that improve the quality of cancer care; (2) maintaining the highest standards of oncology medical care through programs supporting…

Community Improvement
3
American Society of Clinical Oncology Inc

See schedule o:asco is a professional oncology society committed to conquering cancer through research, education, and promotion of the highest quality patient care.

Health
4
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The mission of mit is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

Education
5
City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. PLEASE SEE SCHEDULE O FOR A CONTINUATION OF OUR MISSION

Health
6
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States Inc

The fsmb serves as the voice for state medical boards, supporting them through education, assessment, research and advocacy while providing services and initiatives that promote patient safety, quality health care and regulatory best…

Health
7
American Academy of Neurology

The Academy's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all.

Community Improvement
8
Children's Hospital Corporation

Provider of pediatric healthcare, education, research & community service

Health
9
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Sanford burnham prebys medical discovery institute's mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn,…

Health
10
Personal Care Products Council Foundation Inc

The foundation is set up to deliver one program - look good feel better. the mission of this nationwide program is to improve the quality of life of women, men, and teens undergoing cancer treatment by offering advice on how to cope with…

Health
11
Furman University

The primary mission of furman as a liberal arts institution is to provide a distinctive education in fine arts, humanities, social sciences, mathematics and the sciences, as well as selected professional disciplines.

Education
12
Trustees of Boston University

Organization's mission: boston university is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world.…

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Wounded Warrior Project Inc; the most unlike its peers is Friends of Albert Whitted Airport Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

38 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 38 of the 69 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

0
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
6
Early backer (in before they grew)
37/38
Grantees still filing
28/38
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

ST MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH: $27,000 · OtherST MARK LUTHERAN CHURCHNEW LIFE CHURCH: $21,142 · OtherNEW LIFE CHURCHUSAF ACADEMY FOUNDATION: $20,000 · OtherUSAF ACADEMY FOUNDATIONFISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION INC: $20,000 · OtherFISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION INCNEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCH: $17,512 · OtherNEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CHURCHSouth Lakes PTSA Food Pantry: $15,000 · OtherSouth Lakes PTSA Food PantrySTMARKS LUTHERAN CHURCH: $13,200 · OtherSTMARKS LUTHERAN CHURCHFAYETTE-SPAULDING DRUG COURT FOUNDA: $7,500 · OtherUSAFA: $7,000 · OtherHOPE COTTAGE: $7,000 · Other+32 more: $44,950 · Other+32 moreEMORY CHRISTIAN CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP INC: $81,500 · ReligionEMORY CHRISTIAN CAMPUS FELL…HOUSE OF MERCY: $4,060 · ReligionSAMARITAN'S PURSE: $3,000 · ReligionFRIENDS OF ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT INC: $20,000 · Public BenefitST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL INC: $14,000 · HealthTHE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA: $1,000 · Health+8 more: $2,400 · HealthAIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION: $16,000 · PhilanthropyAmerican National Red Cross & Its Constituent Chapters and Branches: $5,000 · Human ServicesWOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT INC: $3,500 · Human ServicesTOL Ministries Inc: $3,000 · Human ServicesP E R C INC: $2,000 · Human ServicesTHE CATHEDRAL SOUP KITCHEN INC: $500 · Human Services+3 more: $505 · Human ServicesPACIFIC UNIVERSITY: $10,000 · Education+3 more: $400 · Education
Other$200,304Religion$88,560Public Benefit$20,000Health$17,400Philanthropy$16,000Human Services$14,505Education$10,400

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetEMORY CHRISTIAN CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP INC: $81,500 over 5y, 3.9% of budgetFRIENDS OF ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT INC: $20,000 over 1y, 3.7% of budgetAIR FORCE ACADEMY FOUNDATION: $16,000 over 3y, 0.1% of budgetST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL INC: $14,000 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetPACIFIC UNIVERSITY: $10,000 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetAmerican National Red Cross & Its Constituent Chapters and Branches: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetHOUSE OF MERCY: $4,060 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetTHE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS: $4,000 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetWOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT INC: $3,500 over 3y, 0.0% of budgetSAMARITAN'S PURSE: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTOL Ministries Inc: $3,000 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetPACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION: $3,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetCompassion International Incorporated: $2,500 over 5y, 0.0% of budgetDULLES SOUTH FOOD PANTRY INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetP E R C INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSOUTHWESTERN YOUTH ASSOCIATION INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetLOUDOUN FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetPROJECT ORBIS INTERNATIONAL INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE CATHEDRAL SOUP KITCHEN INC: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSHATTERPROOF A NONPROFIT CORPORATION: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNational Kidney Foundation Inc: $500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION INC: $500 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetALZHEIMER'S DISEASE & RELATED DISORDERS ASSOCIATION INC: $400 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetBAND OF PARENTS INC: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE MICHAEL J FOX FOUNDATION FOR PARKINSON'S RESEARCH: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetOLNEY HELP INC: $200 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetST GEORGE'S SCHOOL: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetBest Buddies International Inc: $200 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetA SHOT FOR LIFE INC: $105 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetAMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INC: $100 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCaringBridge: $100 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetUniversity of Illinois Foundation: $100 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGRACELAND UNIVERSITY: $100 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetThe Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc: $100 over 1y, 0.0% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The Pfizer Foundation…The Blackbaud Giving …Charities Aid Foundat…Vanguard Charitable E…Network for GoodAmerican Online Givin…American Endowment Fo…National Philanthropi…Fidelity Investments …The Bank of America C…Natl Christian Charit…Donor Advised Charita…
The Pfizer Foundation IncNY7.8× affinity4 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Pfizer Foundation Inc · The Blackbaud Giving Fund · Charities Aid Foundation America · Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program · Network for Good · American Online Giving Foundation Inc · American Endowment Foundation · National Philanthropic Trust · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc · Natl Christian Charitable Fdn Inc · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 40%0%1%3%5%funder's share of their income ↑0%8%15%22%30%share of the org’s income from government →median 2%
  • University of Delaware: 30% of income from government
  • Best Buddies International Inc: 4% of income from government
  • Shatterproof a Nonprofit Corporation: 2% of income from government
  • Pacific University: 2% of income from government
  • Wounded Warrior Project Inc: 0% of income from government
no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
4get no government money at all
6report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
0rely on government for over half their income
⤢ axis zoomed · 0–30%
typical government reliance, FY20–25
How this is measured
Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
05Through Plinth

Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

How do I get to Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation?

Find your warmest path to Louis P & Lela Busch Foundation through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 69 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

How this is measured
Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

Source object · view filing

Play a game based on Louis P & Lela Busch’s filings →

More from the funding graph

The unnamed billions
grants reported with no recipient in the public record
The regranting layer
51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
The DAF merry-go-round
$9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
The endowment market
who holds foundation money, and what just moved
The camps
funders cluster by geography, not ideology
By state
where grant money is based, and what stays home