Foundations are a major source of educational funding in Minnesota. A foundation is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization that has its own assets and is managed by a board of trustees. Foundations aid charitable, educational, religious or other activities that serve the public good.

This section profiles 28 Minnesota Foundations that have funded education-related projects.  This is not an exhaustive list, but a good place for educators to begin their search for private funders. Always check the funder’s web site or call the foundation to obtain the most recent guidelines and proposal due dates. (For more information on foundation grants and other foundation search options, see below.)

Click on the MN Foundations below to visit their websites:

• ADC Foundation
• Andersen, Hugh J.
• Andersen Corporate Foundation
• Bemis Company Foundation
• Best Buy Children's Foundation
• Cargill Foundation
• Deluxe Foundation
• Ecolab Foundation and Corporation
• General Mills Foundation
• Graco Foundation
• IBM Foundation
• Imation
• W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• Medtronic Foundation
• Minneapolis Foundation
• 3M Foundation
• McKnight Foundation
• Pentair Foundation
• Qwest Minnesota High Tech Association
• RBC Wealth Management
• Minnesota Community Foundation/St. Paul Foundation
• St. Paul Travelers
• Target Corporation
• TCF Foundation
• U.S. Bancorp
• Xcel Energy

Foundations are more likely to fund programs that are close to home. Be sure to check if the funder covers your geographic area.  Also note that funders usually have special areas of interest. It is best to apply to a funding organization only when your program’s focus falls squarely within the organization’s giving area.

Remember that working with private foundations is different from working with the Department of Education or other government organizations. In many cases, working with private foundations involves relationship-building: introductions, getting to know one another, courtship, and ongoing communication. As a result, a private funder may be an outstanding source of funding for the future, as the relationship has developed and the funding organization has become familiar with your work.

Many Minnesota Foundations require you to follow a grant template. To learn more about this form, go to the Minnesota Common Grant Application information page.

Where Can I Search for other Foundations?

Detailed listings of all of the Minnesota-based foundations and corporate giving programs are available from:

• Minnesota Council of Foundations (MCF) Grant Makers On-Line
  A membership is required to search their database. To learn more:
  www.mcf.org/mngrants/learnmore.htm
   
• Minnesota’s Foundation Center Cooperating Collections
  You can utilize this collection for FREE at the Minneapolis Public Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (612/630-6300); http://foundationcenter.org/collections/

These other education sites may be helpful in your search for funding:

• Education World: www.education-world.com/grants/