Private foundation · EIN 32-6537290 · Saint Paul, Minnesota · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Esther N Nielsen Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 5 grants paid, $82K total, median $16K. 20% of grants stayed in Minnesota.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
5
$82K
Median grant
$16K
Stays in MN
20%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.5M

Grants paid in 2025

5 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
American Heart AssociationSt Petersburg, FLGeneral operating$16K
Churches United for the HomelessMoorhead, MNGeneral operating$16K
Homeward Animal Shelter IncFargo, NDGeneral operating$16K
Sanford Health Foundation NorthFargo, NDGeneral operating$16K
The Salvation ArmyHoffman Estates, ILGeneral operating$16K

By state: North Dakota 2 · Florida 1 · Minnesota 1 · Illinois 1

About this foundation

Esther N Nielsen Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Saint Paul, Minnesota, administered in care of US Bank Na Ttee, tax-exempt since 2021. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Esther N Nielsen Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Esther N Nielsen Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $82K across 5 grants, a median of $16K.

Where does Esther N Nielsen Foundation give?

North Dakota (2 grants), Florida (1 grants), Minnesota (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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