Foundations that fund arts and culture in Minnesota
These 25 foundations made grants to arts and culture in Minnesota in the most recent IRS filing I have for each. None of them ticked the box for giving only to preselected organizations, and each filing gives application instructions or a website. That doesn't prove a foundation takes applications, and some on this list may not. The text below is copied from the filings, most of them for tax year 2024, so check a foundation's website or call before you apply.
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The Mcknight Foundation
- $700,000 to Pangea World Theater, Minneapolis: for capital campaign support to purchase land and a building for the future home of...
- $300,000 to Pangea World Theater, Minneapolis: for capital campaign support to purchase land and a building for the future home of...
- $275,000 to Native American Community Development Institute, Minneapolis: for general operating support
How to apply: Please see the end of the return for the additional attachments containing the information for Lines 2b - 2d.
William Boss Foundation
- $18,000 to Compas Inc, St Paul: General operating fund
- $12,500 to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St Paul: General operating fund
- $12,500 to Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Society, St Paul: General operating fund
How to apply: The boss foundation encourages use of the minnesota common grant application form developed by the minnesota council on foundations. Organizations not in minnesota may also use this form. The form and other useful information is available online at the minnesota council on...
Deadlines: Proposals may be submitted at any time
Fr Bigelow Foundation
- $600,000 to Coalition of Asian American Leaders, Saint Paul: Linking leaders partnership support
- $75,000 to Filmnorth, Saint Paul: Filmnorth at 2441 university ave. W., st. Paul
- $40,000 to Coalition of Asian American Leaders, Saint Paul: Linking leaders general operating support
How to apply: Before applying, all interested applicants are encouraged to email a member of our grants team to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.
Deadlines: We have two grant rounds each year. Key application dates can be found on our website.
Restrictions: Our primary geographic focus is the greater saint paul metropolitan area, which includes dakota, ramsey and washington counties, with a particular emphasis on serving people who live or work in the city of saint paul. F.r. Bigelow...
Hugh J Andersen Foundation
- $500,000 to Science Museum of Minnesota, St Paul: Campaign for minnesota's future
- $500,000 to Science Museum of Minnesota, St Paul: Campaign for minnesota's future
- $58,000 to Franconia Sculpture Park, Franconia: Art and ecology & general op supp
How to apply: The annual report, application form and guidelines furnished upon request and available at www.srinc.biz/foundations/hugh-j-andersen-foundation/publi cations/
Deadlines: March 15, june 15, august 15, and november 15
Restrictions: The primary geographic focus is the st. Croix valley. This area includes washington county in minnesota and pierce, polk, and st. Croix counties in wisconsin. The secondary geographic focus is the st. Paul, minnesota metropolitan area.
Mortenson Family Foundation
- $100,000 to The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis: Unrestricted
- $40,000 to Commusication, Saint Paul: Unrestricted
- $20,000 to Chops Inc, Minneapolis: Unrestricted
How to apply: Online application forms may be found at www.mortensonfamily.org
Deadlines: Submission deadlines vary
Restrictions: Guidelines may be found at www.mortensonfamily.org
The Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation
- $40,000 to Arts Partnership, Saint Paul: Arts partnership all for one campagin- gos pledge 2 of 5
- $25,000 to Ramsey County Historical Society, Saint Paul: Gibbs transformational capital campaign- 4yr pledge, pmt 1
- $15,000 to Minnesota Orchestral Association, Minneapolis: Symphony ball 2024- donation in lieu of benefit tickets
How to apply: Summary form of the history and purpose of the organization, copy of irc section 501(c)(3) status letter, specific project or program that funds will be allocated to, and if funds are to be used for operating or non-operating expenses.
Deadlines: Most foundation activity takes place prior to end of calendar year
Mardag Foundation
- $50,000 to Bear Paws Cultural Art, Hinckley: General operations support
- $30,000 to State Street Theater Co, New Ulm: State street theater co. Of new ulm general operations support
- $25,000 to Kaddatz Galleries, Fergus Falls: Kaddatz galleries operating support fy2025
How to apply: Before applying, all interested applicants are encouraged to email a member of our grants team to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.
Deadlines: We have two grant rounds each year. Key application dates can be found on our website.
Restrictions: Grants are made to organizations located within or serving the residents of the state of minnesota. Mardag foundation funds projects and programs that improve the lives of children, youth and families; supports projects and programs that...
Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation
- $1,000,000 to Artspace Projects Inc, Minneapolis: Program or project
- $300,000 to Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Saint Paul: Program or project
- $60,000 to Science Museum of Minnesota, St Paul: General operating
How to apply: The foundation mission, funding priorities, and application can be found at fkandersen.org
Deadlines: March 30, june 30, and october 30
Restrictions: Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) public nonprofit organizations. Endowment funding does not fall within the guidelines of the foundation. The foundation also does not provide funding to individuals, political campaigns,...
Peravid Foundation Agency
- $75,000 to Arts Partnership, Saint Paul: General operating
- $35,000 to Ordway Center for Performing Arts, St Paul: General operatng
- $20,000 to Twin Cities Public Television, St Paul: General operating
How to apply: Applications may be submitted in letter form outlining the request together with such supporting materials as the applicant desires
Deadlines: November 1st
Restrictions: Fdn primarily makes grants to educational, cultural, youth, environme ntal, education and community support orgs in mn. No grants are made to individuals or orgs requiring expenditure responsibility.
Hardenbergh Foundation
- $20,000 to Scandia Heritage Alliance, Scandia: Start-up operating expenses
- $20,000 to Ramsey County Historical Society, St Paul: General operating
- $15,000 to Minnesota Childrens Museum, Saint Paul: General operating
How to apply: Grant requests must include a succinct 3-5 page letter providing information about the organization, financial statement (or form 990) and copy of irs determination letter
Deadlines: October 15th
Restrictions: See footnotes
The Bush Foundation
- $1,270,050 to Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network, Garrison: To spread ojibwe language revitalization by developing a bigger, shared infrastructure
- $718,858 to The Equity in Action Way Foundation, Minneapolis: Develop and test a black women and girls vulnerability index and pilot related trainings...
- $472,500 to Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment Through Research, Saint Paul: Building a network of latine organizations
How to apply: Varies by program, please see our website
Deadlines: Varies by program, please see our website.
Restrictions: Varies by program, please see our website.
The Shubert Foundation Inc
- $100,000 to Playwrights' Center Inc, Minneapolis: General operating support for theatrical productions and activities
- $75,000 to Penumbra Theatre Company, St Paul: General operating support for theatrical productions and activities
- $45,000 to History Theatre Inc the, Saint Paul: General operating support for theatrical productions and activities
How to apply: All requests must be submitted on the foundation's application form and include a copy of the applicant's letter from the u.s. Treasury department granting federal tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the u.s. Internal revenue code. To be eligible for a grant and if audited...
Deadlines: See general explanation attachment
Restrictions: The shubert foundation exclusively provides funds for general operating support. Funds are not provided for project support, nor allocated for capital or endowment campaigns, nor to individuals or conduit organizations.
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
- $25,000 to Duluth Art Institute Association, Duluth: General operating support
- $25,000 to Grand Marais Playhouse Inc, Grand Marais: Provide high quality theater and edu
- $20,000 to Armory Arts and Music Center, Duluth: Building capacity through a comprehe
How to apply: Email or call foundation staff to discuss proposed application. If request fits guidelines organizations submit application for consideration. Additional information may be requested by foundation.
Deadlines: January 15, april 15, july 15, and october 15 of each grant year.
Restrictions: The foundation accepts applications from organizations located or providing services within lake, cook, and southern st. Louis counties in minnesota. The foundation's areas of interest include arts and culture, community and economic...
Lenfestey Family Foundation Inc C/O Private Philanthropy Services
- $25,000 to The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis: General operations
- $4,000 to Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis: General operations
- $3,000 to Rain Taxi Inc, Minneapolis: General operations
How to apply: No standard form or application process is required by the foundation.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- $4,500,000 to Borealis Philanthropy, Minneapolis: 82080 supporting the black-led movement fund and disability inclusion fund in catalyzing...
- $1,163,050 to Borealis Philanthropy, Minneapolis: 82392 developing a vision for economic justice for black disabled youth and families...
- $375,000 to Borealis Philanthropy, Minneapolis: 82033 supporting leading racial-equity practitioners through the racial equity to...
How to apply: Most of rwjf's grants are made through targeted grant programs and funding partnerships. Rwjf's funding priorities and calls for proposals are described on www.rwjf.org.
Deadlines: No deadlines, except when foundation issues a call for proposal (cfp) or request for proposal (rfp).
Restrictions: Rwjf is dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We are a national philanthropy that advances transformative systems...
Cargill Foundation
- $112,500 to Twin Cities Public Television Inc, Saint Paul: Tpt stem academies 2024-2025
- $75,000 to Twin Cities Public Television Inc, Saint Paul: Operating support for tpts comprehensive services in fy24
- $55,000 to Minnesota Public Radio, Saint Paul: Mpr - arts/civic operating grant
How to apply: Https://www.cargill.com/about/community/cargill-foundation-headquarters
The Elizabeth C Quinlan Foundation
- $10,000 to Minnesota Orchestral Association, Minneapolis: Operating
- $7,000 to Macphail Center for Music, Minneapolis: Operating
- $7,000 to Twin Cities Public Television, St Paul: Operating
How to apply: The elizabeth c quinlan foundation accepts the minnesota common grant application. The applicaton can be submitted by email. A letter of inquiry needs to be submitted prior to june 30 for an organization not funded within the last 5 years.
Deadlines: September 1 full request june 30 letter of inquiry.
Restrictions: Must be located in minnesota, no grants awarded to individuals.
The Andrew W Mellon Foundation
- $1,400,000 to Forecast Public Artworks, Saint Paul: To support training, technical assistance, production, and documentation of new monuments...
- $900,000 to Pangea World Theater, Minneapolis: To continue support for the national institute for directing and ensemble creation and...
- $500,000 to New Native Theatre, Saint Paul: To support capacity building and artistic programs
Restrictions: Activities supported by foundation grants must be charitable, educational or scientific under the provisions of the u.s. Internal revenue code and the treasury regulations.
Athwin Foundation C/O Ctr for Organizational Development
- $20,000 to Cantus, Minneapolis: General operating
- $12,000 to Lakes Area Music Festival, Brainerd Mn: General operating
- $11,000 to Young Dance, St Paul: General operating
How to apply: The foundation requires that applicants prove their 501(c)(3) status. Applicants are expected to submit a written outline of the project for which they want a grant. The outline should be supported by financial and timing details where possible. At times, those materials are...
Deadlines: Letters of inquiry are due march 1st and october 1st.
Restrictions: There are no established restrictions or limitations on awards, although since the passage of the revenue act of 1969, the foundation has not made any grants to individuals because of the follow-up requirements in that law and within the...
The Kresge Foundation
- $250,000 to Springboard for the Arts, Saint Paul: General operating support
- $200,000 to Native American Community Development Institute, Minneapolis: General operating support
- $150,000 to Borealis Philanthropy, Minneapolis: General operating support
How to apply: See www.kresge.org or email grantsmanagement@kresge.org
Deadlines: See www.kresge.org or email grantsmanagement@kresge.org
Restrictions: See www.kresge.org or email grantsmanagement@kresge.org
Linsmayer James B Fdn Tr-Main
- $15,000 to Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, Minneapolis: General operating
- $15,000 to Hopewell Music Cooperative-North, Minneapolis: General operating
- $10,000 to Twin Cities Public Television Inc, St Paul: General operating
How to apply: Letter form
Winona Foundation the
- $6,500 to Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Winona: General use
- $6,500 to Pickwick Mill, Winona: General use
- $4,000 to Theatre Du Mississippi, Winona: Operating expenses
How to apply: Written application only. No specific form.
Deadlines: February 22
Restrictions: Contribute to cultural, historic, & education heritage of winona, mn
Knox Foundation
- $10,000 to Walker Art Center, Minneapolis: General operating
- $5,000 to Compas Inc, Saint Paul: General operating
- $5,000 to Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St Paul: General operating
How to apply: Applications may be submitted in letter form outlining the request together with such supporting materials as the applicant desires.
Deadlines: November 1st
Restrictions: Makes grants to educational, cultural, youth, environmental education and community support organizations located in minnesota
The Mcneely Foundation
- $45,000 to East Side Arts Council, Saint Paul: Arts for all/artsyes
- $30,000 to East Side Freedom Library, Saint Paul: Expanding the east side freedom library's "housing justice program"
- $25,000 to Indigenous Roots, Saint Paul: General operating support
How to apply: Letter form, include copy of exemption letter, describe intended use of funds
Deadlines: Submission deadlines are december 1st, march 1st, and june 1st.
Restrictions: Awards are primarily to minnesota charities; no awards are paid to individuals.
Sewell Family Foundation
- $51,000 to Ballet Works Inc, Minneapolis: Arts education & appreciation
- $5,000 to Twin Cities Catalyst Music, Burnsville: Arts eduction & appreciaiton
- $3,000 to Springboard for the Arts, St Paul: Arts education & appreciation
How to apply: Tax-exempt letter, past and present info on programs, budget, etc.
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