Updated Oct 31, 2026
Private foundations based in St Paul, Minnesota
13 grantmaking foundations headquartered in St Paul, Minnesota, holding $1.6B in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 5 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bush Foundationsince 1972 | $54M148 grants · 2024 | $150K | Yes | $1.4B |
| Travelers Foundationsince 1999 | $5.9M94 grants · 2025 | $25K | Preselected only | $16M |
| Patterson Dental Foundationsince 2003 | $1.5M135 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Yes | $35M |
| George Frederick Jewett Foundation Eastsince 2010 | $1.2M39 grants · 2024 | $20K | Preselected only | $22M |
| Mary T and James J Hill Library Foundationsince 1923 | $995K10 grants · 2024 | $100K | Preselected only | $17M |
| George F Jewett Foundationsince 2010 | $463K15 grants · 2024 | $25K | Preselected only | $20M |
| Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Foundationsince 2000 | $426K52 grants · 2024 | $4,500 | Yes | $1.0M |
| Lillehei Family Charitable Foundationsince 2001 | $237K12 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $3.7M |
| Therese Foundationsince 1979 | $180K11 grants · 2025 | $20K | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| M Lowell Edwards Foundationsince 2000 | $112K12 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.2M |
| William S and Ruth M Rump Charitable Trsince 2021 | $100K2 grants · 2025 | $50K | Preselected only | $2.5M |
| Frances Curran Foundation Incsince 1972 | $70K8 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $1.2M |
| Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the Americansince 2003 | $51K1 grants · 2025 | $51K | Yes | $1.6M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Minnesota
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Minnesota State Arts Board — Organizational GrantsStateMinnesota State Arts Board | Minnesota State Arts Board | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Minnesota Humanities Center — Humanities GrantsStateMinnesota Humanities Center | Minnesota Humanities Center | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in St Paul, Minnesota?
Our directory lists 13 private grantmaking foundations in St Paul, Minnesota with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $1.6B. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.