Foundations that fund organizations in Madison, Minnesota
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Madison nonprofits
8 private foundations gave $187K to Madison organizations in their latest filings; 6 of the 8 that say either way accept applications.
15 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Madison around $15K. 7 of these funders are based in Minnesota; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 8
- Accept applications
- 6
- of 8 that state a policy
- Dollars to Madison
- $187K
- latest filings
- Grants
- 15
- Typical median grant
- $15K
- Based in MN
- 88%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Madison organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C K Blandin Foundation | Grand Rapids, MN | 2 | $75K | $38K | Yes | Project support for placemaking in rural minnesota |
| Nibbe Family Charitable Foundation | Zumbrota, MN | 5 | $38K | $5,000 | Preselected only | Support of various school activities and events; food program; Educational learning program support |
| Mardag Foundation | St Paul, MN | 1 | $20K | $20K | Yes | Madison art and innovation center operations |
| The McKnight Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | 1 | $20K | $20K | Yes | for general operating support |
| Olga B Hart Education Foundation | Two Harbors, MN | 1 | $15K | $15K | Preselected only | For educational purposes |
| The Martinson Foundation C/O Farmers & Merchants State Bank | Appleton, MN | 2 | $12K | $5,750 | Yes | General |
| Land O'Lakes Foundation | St Paul, MN | 2 | $6,000 | $3,000 | Yes | Member co-op matches |
| Valley Queen Charitable Foundation | Milbank, SD | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | Yes | Donation |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Madison, Minnesota?
C K Blandin Foundation, Nibbe Family Charitable Foundation, Mardag Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, Olga B Hart Education Foundation and 3 others reported grants to Madison organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Madison. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.