The Gilchrist Foundation Awards More Than $1.8 Million in 2025
The Gilchrist Foundation’s commitment to mission-driven philanthropy remained strong in 2025. Over the course of the year, the Foundation awarded nearly $1.9 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working in the arts, wildlife and conservation and disaster relief, supporting projects that create lasting benefits across Siouxland.
Supporting The Arts
The Foundation’s founder, Jocelyn Gilchrist, loved the arts and film and was a supporter throughout her lifetime. As a young woman, Jocelyn frequented The Chicago Symphony and the Chicago Art Institute and enjoyed the theater. She grew a deep fondness for the arts, both live and on the radio.
In 2025, awards were given to organizations that used the money to support art exhibits, music programs, sculptures, performances and many more.
The Gilchrist Foundation awarded a project grant of $150,000 to Saturday in the Park, Sioux City’s annual music festival. This continued backing ensures free, high-quality live music for tens of thousands of area residents and visitors.
The Foundation awarded the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra a $135,000 project grant to fund the Gilchrist Pops Series and a season featuring Ben Folds with the orchestra, bringing innovative concert experiences to the region.
REACH Youth and Family Theatre was awarded two micro-grants totaling $7,500 for its productions of The Velveteen Rabbit and The Lightening Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, supporting youth engagement in theatrical arts.
A $3,000 micro-grant was awarded to Art SUX to help fund its Kids Art Affair event, which brings hands-on art creation and celebration to local youth.
Supporting Wildlife and Conservation
Parks, wildlife and conservation are also areas of philanthropic interest for the Gilchrist Foundation, just as it was for Jocelyn, who loved fishing and visiting wildlife parks and habitats.
One of the largest awards of the year was a $250,000 project grant to The Nature Conservancy of Iowa to support the Folsom Point Wildlife Complex addition, advancing habitat protection and ecological conservation in the region.
The Foundation awarded the Izaak Walton League of America a $14,250 project grant to support efforts in Missouri River conservation and recovery, strengthening local ecosystems and waterways.
A $20,000 project grant helped fund the Rapp Park Connector Trail through Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, enhancing outdoor recreation and access to natural landscapes.
Two $5,000 micro-grants supported the Monona County Conservation Board in purchasing an aluminum skid unit and to update display cases, boosting safe land management and conservation work.
Supporting Disaster Relief
Jocelyn was deeply concerned about supporting people in need and was specifically interested in disaster relief.
In response to devastating wildfires, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded the American Red Cross a $50,000 disaster grant to support relief efforts and recovery services for affected communities.
A separate $10,000 disaster grant was provided to the American Red Cross for local emergency support following an apartment fire in Sioux City, helping families recover in the aftermath.
How the Grant Process Works
The 2026 grant review process opens in March. The Foundation is passionate to support the causes that were near and dear to Jocelyn Gilchrist’s heart by awarding four types of grants: project grants, micro-grants, endowment grants and capital campaign grants. Organizations whose missions align with the interests of the Gilchrist Foundation - the arts, wildlife and conservation, public broadcasting and disaster relief - may apply for a Request for Invitation. Organizations have until April 1, 2026, to request an Invitation to Apply. This request is a pre-qualifier and can be submitted online or a PDF can be downloaded and mailed to:
Security National Bank
601 Pierce St.
Sioux City, IA 51101
You can learn more about the entire application process here.