Nelson-Jameson Foundation
The Nelson-Jameson Foundation (NJF) is focused on supporting philanthropic organizations that enhance our core value as a Golden Rule Company. Grants are targeted toward charitable programs that are related to the food and dairy industries or support charities that are important to Nelson-Jameson employees and the communities in which they reside.
Our communities
NJF believes that supporting our communities is the shared responsibility of every citizen and corporation. Together, we can contribute to a more equitable and resilient world. Check out our recent community stories.
Who can apply for a grant?
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Your organization must be designated as a 501(c)(3)
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Your organization or program must be related to the food/dairy industry -OR- located in one of the following locations: Marshfield, WI; Turlock, CA; Jerome, ID; Amarillo, TX.
The Foundation reviews grant requests quarterly. If you would like the Foundation to review your request at its next meeting, please submit it by May 14, 2025.
Our employees
NJF empowers Nelson-Jameson and NEXT Logistics employees to positively impact their communities. Our Matching Gift program provides employees the opportunity to match their charitable giving dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 per employee annually. Our Volunteer Time Off program gives employees 8 hours of paid time off each year to volunteer at a 501(c)(3) organization/school. In addition, our Golden Rule Assistance Fund provides financial aid to employees experiencing hardship as a result of a federal, state, or locally declared emergency.
Our industry
NJF is committed to funding scholarships for students studying agriculture, food or dairy science at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-River Falls and the University of Idaho. It is our intent to expand this program nationwide to help educate future innovators in the industry.
The Golden Rule Scholarship
This scholarship program is for spouses and dependent children of Nelson-Jameson and NEXT Logistics employees to further their education. An independent committee of former educators selects the recipients following IRS rules. Scholarship awards are in the amount of $2,500.
Who can apply?
Please review the following requirements to determine if you are eligible to apply for a Golden Rule Scholarship:
Applicant must be a spouse or dependent child, step-child, or foster child of a Nelson-Jameson or NEXT Logistics employee. Siblings of the employee are not eligible.
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The spouse or parent employed by Nelson-Jameson or NEXT Logistics must be a full-time employee and have worked for the company for 31 days or more.
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Children of Nelson-Jameson board members, owners, or Foundation board members are not eligible for scholarships.
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You will be attending a two-year or four-year university or technical college in the United States at either the undergraduate or graduate level. First-year undergraduate students must provide a letter of acceptance from the university or college. Students in their second year and beyond must provide a transcript that shows a 2.75 GPA or higher.
Apply for a scholarship by April 1, 2026
Scholarship recipients will be announced on April 17, 2026. Please review the provided guidelines (above) to determine if you are eligible to apply.
Congratulations to 2025 Golden Rule Scholarship winner, Sophie Kempe!
Sophie is attending Boston University—Honors College and studying Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. Her father, Peter Kempe, is the Senior vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Ingredients at Nelson-Jameson.
"Sophie’s drive, dedication, and commitment to her education is unmatchable. Not only is Sophie an exceptional student, but her volunteer work and experiences affiliated with her major are outstanding and point to a successful and bright future,” the judging committee stated.
Read more about the third annual Golden Rule Scholarship here.
Questions about grants, scholarships or other donation opportunities? Let us know!
Community stories
Under our current IRS 501(c)(3) status, the Nelson-Jameson Foundation is unable to support individuals or families (other than through the Golden Rule Assistance Fund and the Scholarship Program). In addition, the Foundation is unable to fund programs for religious purposes, direct lobbying or political entities/campaigns.