FundersMinnesota

Tradition Family Foundation

Lakeville, MN · EIN 41-1958548. Reported 239 grants totalling $2,178,141 to 188 organizations across tax years 2021-2024. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.

Yesaccepts unsolicited requests
$1,500median grant
$2,178,141granted, 2021-2024
188organizations funded
16%of grantees funded again the next year
$6,835assets, latest filing

Does this foundation accept applications?

Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. Tradition Family Foundation did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.

This is the foundation's own statement to the IRS, not our judgement, and it says nothing about whether they have a form, a deadline, or an appetite for new grantees. Treat it as the reason this foundation is worth your research time, not as an invitation. Many small foundations of this kind have no website and no application process -- a letter of inquiry is the normal first step.

How big are its grants?

The median grant is $1,500. Half of everything it gave fell between $500 and $3,000; the smallest was $250 and the largest $400,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.

Under $1,000
67 grants
$1,000 - $5,000
127 grants
$5,000 - $10,000
20 grants
$10,000 - $25,000
14 grants
$25,000 - $50,000
3 grants
$50,000 - $100,000
2 grants
$100,000 and Up
6 grants

Every organization it funded

This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which the organization received money -- more than one means a real relationship rather than a one-off.

OrganizationLocationTotal receivedGrantsYears fundedLast
Whispers of HopeNorthfield, MN$574,215332023
Every Third SaturdayMinneapolis, MN$405,000332023
The RanchDuluth, MN$225,000112023
United Heros LeagueHastings, MN$175,500112023
Eagles Healing NestSauk Centre, MN$75,000222023
DinomightsMinneapolis, MN$63,500442024
Center City Housing CorpDuluth, MN$59,907222022
Education Foundation of BloomingtonBloomington, MN$52,000112021
Lakes Area Habitat for HumanityBrainerd, MN$35,000112021
Hope KidsEden Praire, MN$31,035442024
Park Nicollet FoundationSt Louis Park, MN$26,500222023
Edina Hockey AssociationEdina, MN$20,000222024
Legacy Fishing RetreatRogers, MN$20,000112022
Peacemaker MinnesotaRoseville, MN$16,500222022
Corner HouseMinneapolis, MN$12,000332024
Courage Kenny FoundationMinneapolis, MN$12,000222022
Mn Hockey Fights CancerRosemount, MN$11,500332023
Gillette Children's Speciality HealSt Paul, MN$11,000222022
Edina Community FoundationEdina, MN$10,334332024
Hockey LimitedRoseville, MN$10,000112022
Minnesota Hockey IncSt Paul, MN$10,000222024
Tom Kurver's Scholarship FundBloomington, MN$10,000112021
Two Rivers Dollars for ScholarsMendota Heights, MN$10,000112021
Bash for BrainsWoodbury, MN$9,000222022
Team Tucker AssociationHopkins, MN$8,500332023
Faith's LodgePlymouth, MN$7,500222023
Healing Hearts RescueMaplewood, MN$7,500222023
Children's Minnesota FoundationEdina, MN$7,000112021
Edina Robotics FoundationEdina, MN$7,000222023
Edina Robotics First Team 1816Edina, MN$5,500112021
Carver Scott Humane SocietyChaska, MN$5,000112021
Edina Rotary FoundationEdina, MN$5,000222024
Hydrocephalus AssociationBethesda, MD$5,000222022
University of Minnesota FoundationMinneapolis, MN$5,000112021
A Breath of Hope Lung FoundationWayzata, MN$4,000112021
Alzheimer's AssociationEdina, MN$4,000112021
St Jude Children's Research HospitMemphis, TN$3,650222022
Hope Chest for Breast CancerOrono, MN$3,500112021
Interfaith OutreachPlymouth, MN$3,500222023
Kaposia IncLittle Canada, MN$3,500222023
Sophie's SquadLino Lakes, MN$3,500222023
The Open DoorEagan, MN$3,500222023
Youth AdvantageStillwater, MN$3,500442024
Animal Humane SocietyGolden Valley, MN$3,000112021
Bountiful Basket Food ShelfChaska, MN$3,000112021
Demontreville Jesuit Retreat HouseLake Elmo, MN$3,000112022
Diocese of ToledoToledo, OH$3,000112022
Down Syndrome Association of MnSt Paul, MN$3,000112021
Grace of God Evangelical LutheranEdina, MN$3,000112021
Hopeful Halos FoundationDeephaven, MN$3,000112021
JdrfNew York, NY$3,000112022
Just Cause CharityLakeville, MN$3,000112021
Living WellMendota Heights, MN$3,000112021
Luekemia & Lymphoma SocietyRye Brook, NY$3,000112021
Mercy MultipliedNashville, TN$3,000112021
Mn Assistance Council for VeteransSt Paul, MN$3,000112021
Northfield Youth Baseball AssociatiNorthfield, MN$3,000112023
Project for Pride in LivingMinneapolis, MN$3,000112021
St Mary of the Immaculate ConceptiPortage, WI$3,000112021
The Food GroupNew Hope, MN$3,000112021
Thug Life MinistrySomerset, WI$3,000112021
VFW Post 7929Amery, WI$3,000112021
Vs CancerAsheville, NC$3,000112021
WithallSt Louis Park, MN$3,000112021
Young LifeColorado Springs, CO$3,000112021
AcesMinneapolis, MN$2,500112022
Housing First Minnesota FoundationSt Paul, MN$2,500112023
Mankato Area Hockey AssociationMankato, MN$2,500112023
Second Harvest HeartlandSt Paul, MN$2,500112021
The Als Association Mnndsd ChapteSt Paul, MN$2,500332023
Young Life North Star RegionColorado Springs, CO$2,500112022
CastSalem, OR$2,250332024
Aitkin County Habitat for HumanityAitkin, MN$2,000112021
Community ThreadStillwater, MN$2,000112021
Emma NortonSt Paul, MN$2,000112021
Family of Christ Lutheran ChurchChanhassen, MN$2,000112021
Familys of the FallenForest City, IA$2,000222023
Feed My Starving ChildrenCoon Rapids, MN$2,000112021
Greater Minneapolis Crisis NurseryMinneapolis, MN$2,000112021
Jdrf One WalkNew York, NY$2,000112021
Side Out FoundationFairfax, VA$2,000112021
The Senneh FoundationSt Paul, MN$2,000112021
Youth With a MissionChula Vista, CA$2,000222022
360 CommunitiesBurnsville, MN$1,800332023
YounglifeHarlan, IA$1,800112024
Baby Space EdMinneapolis, MN$1,500112022
Bridge for Community LifeHudson, WI$1,500112021
Christian Cupboard Er Food ShelfOakdale, MN$1,500112021
Fergus Falls Salvation ArmyFergus Falls, MN$1,500112021
Hayward Community Food Shelf IncHayward, WI$1,500112021
Kids 'n KinshipApple Valley, MN$1,500112021
Last Hope Animal RescueFarmington, MN$1,500112021
Legacy Christian AcademyAndover, MN$1,500112022
Legacy RefugeZimmerman, MN$1,500112022
Leukemia & Lymphoma SocietyRye Brook, NY$1,500112023
Natl Alliance on Mental Illness MnSt Paul, MN$1,500112021
Pheasants ForeverSt Paul, MN$1,500112021
Rise Up RecoveryHastings, MN$1,500112021
River Falls Sunshine FundRiver Falls, WI$1,500222023
Tee It Up for the TroopsBurnsville, MN$1,500112021
The HydrousSan Francisco, CA$1,500112022
The Lutheran Church-MissouriSt Louis, MO$1,500112021
The Salvation Army Grace PlaceNew Richmond, WI$1,500112021
Trinity AcademyHudson, WI$1,500112022
Twins Cities Habitat for HumanitySaint Paul, MN$1,500112021
Welcome HouseFergus Falls, MN$1,500112021
Adult & Teen ChallengeMinneapolis, MN$1,000112023
Athletes in ActionOrlando, FL$1,000112022
Bio GirlsFargo, ND$1,000112023
Burnsville Police & Fire FoundationBurnsville, MN$1,000112024
Calvary Lutheran ChurchGolden Valley, MN$1,000222022
Cathedral of the PinesMinneapolis, MN$1,000112023
Edina Basketball AssociationEdina, MN$1,000112022
Edina Give and GoEdina, MN$1,000112024
Happy Tails RescueMaple Grove, MN$1,000112021
Healing Opportunity Provided EqualAitkin, MN$1,000112021
Helping PawsHopkins, MN$1,000112022
Hosanna ChurchRosemount, MN$1,000112021
Infants Remembered in SilenceFaribault, MN$1,000112021
Jesuit Retreat HouseLake Elmo, MN$1,000112021
Little Voyageurs Montessori SchoolColumbia Heights, MN$1,000112021
Mayo ClinicRochester, MN$1,000112021
Minneapolis Heart Institute FoundatMinneapolis, MN$1,000112021
Neighborhood HouseSt Paul, MN$1,000112021
Oasis for YouthBloomington, MN$1,000112021
Parkinson's FoundationMiami, FL$1,000112021
Pet Project RescueMinneapolis, MN$1,000112021
Pinkyswear FoundationEdina, MN$1,000112021
Range Regional Animal RescueHibbing, MN$1,000112021
Rhino's FoundationRiver Falls, WI$1,000112021
River Valley CharitiesHudson, WI$1,000112021
Ruff Start RescuePrinceton, MN$1,000112021
Saving Shepherds of MnRoseville, MN$1,000112021
Second Hand HoundsMinnetonka, MN$1,000112022
The Epilepsy Foundation MinnesotaSt Paul, MN$1,000112022
The Lift Community Development CorpSaint Paul, MN$1,000112021
Tradition Community AssistanceEdina, MN$1,000112024
Trintiy School at River RidgeEagan, MN$1,000112023
Youth Service BureauStillwater, MN$1,000112023
Retrieve a Golden of the MidwestMinnetonka, MN$900222022
Living Well Disability ServiceMendota Heights, MN$750112023
Minnesota Dakotas District Key ClubMaplewood, MN$750112023
Feline RescueSt Paul, MN$650112022
Great River RescueBemidji, MN$600112021
New York Mills Education FoundationNew York Mills, MN$600112021
Nym Fire Dept Relief Assoc IncNew York Mills, MN$600112021
Aitkin Area Chamber of CommerceAitkin, MN$500112022
Aitkin Sno Drifters Snowmobile ClubAitkin, MN$500112022
Angel FoundationMendota Heights, MN$500112021
Anoka Ramsey Athletic AssociationAnoka, MN$500112021
Bitty Kitty BrigadeMaple Grove, MN$500112023
Bolder OptionsMinneapolis, MN$500112021
Catholic CharitiesMinneapolis, MN$500112023
Community TableElk River, MN$500112021
Cresent CoveBrooklyn Center, MN$500112023
Dav Dept of MnSt Paul, MN$500112021
Family EqualityNew York, NY$500112021
Fellowship of Christian AthletesKansas City, MO$500112022
God's Mercy to HaitiCedar Falls, IA$500112022
Heartstrings Unlimited IncBloomington, MN$500112023
Hill City ChurchRichmond, VA$500112023
Hillsdale CollegeHillsdale, MI$500112021
Hope 4 YouthAnoka, MN$500112021
Join the JourneyRochester, MN$500112023
Lutheran Church Missouri SynodSt Louis, MO$500112023
Mama Bear ApologeticsWheaton, IL$500112022
PropEden Prairie, MN$500112021
Runestone Detachment 1409 MarineAlexandria, MN$500112021
Sharing & Caring HandsMinneapolis, MN$500112023
Shine a LIGH7 FoundationSt Louis Park, MN$500112021
St Faustine ParishPardeeville, WI$500112023
The Grief ClubChanhassen, MN$500112023
The Kiran Anjali ProjectMercer Island, WA$500112021
The Reel Hope ProjectMinneapolis, MN$500112021
Timber BayMedina, MN$500112022
Urban VenturesMinneapolis, MN$500112021
Uw-Eau Claire FoundationEau Claire, WI$500112022
Voices for Racial JusticeMinneapolis, MN$500112021
We Got Your Back Dba Santa for SeniAlexandria, MN$500112021
West Central InitiativeFergus Falls, MN$500112021
Women's AdvocatesSt Paul, MN$500112021
Can Do CaniesNew Hope, MN$300112022
Agape Christi AcademyEden Prairie, MN$250112023
Breast Cancer Research FoundationNew York, NY$250112023
Community Connections of Sauk CentrSauk Centre, MN$250112021
Junior AchievementSauk Centre, MN$250112021
Prairiecare FundBrooklyn Park, MN$250112023
Woodbury Community FoundationWoodbury, MN$250112023

36 of 188 (19%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.

Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 16%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is less consistent than most. A high number means its list is close to settled and a newcomer has to displace someone; a low one means it is still moving money around, which is where an opening is.

What the money was for

Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.

What kind of organizations it funds

By the recipient's own IRS classification, for the 121 grants where we could identify the organization. These are assigned categories, not our guesses.

Education
16 grants
Human Services
15 grants
Recreation & Sports
14 grants
Animal Welfare
12 grants
Youth Development
10 grants
Community Improvement
9 grants
Philanthropy & Grantmaking
8 grants
Public & Societal Benefit
6 grants

Giving by year

Tax yearGrantsTotalMedian grant
2021121$578,800$1,500
202253$783,556$1,500
202352$761,176$750
202413$54,609$2,000

Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.

Where its money goes

Foundations concentrate geographically far more than their mission statements suggest. 97% of this one's giving went to organizations in Minnesota. If you are outside its footprint, that matters more than how well your programme fits.

Minnesota
$2.1M
Wisconsin
$20K
New York
$10K
Tennessee
$7K
Colorado
$6K
Maryland
$5K
Iowa
$4K
California
$4K

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Funders that support the same organizations

These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are the strongest available signal that two funders have overlapping priorities, and a funder already backing your peers is a far warmer prospect than one that merely lists your cause.

Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund64 shared recipientsDonor Advised Charitable Giving Inc59 shared recipientsAmerican Online Giving Foundation Inc57 shared recipientsMightycause Charitable Foundation43 shared recipientsThe Minneapolis Foundation38 shared recipientsThe Blackbaud Giving Fund38 shared recipients

How to approach this foundation

  1. Check you are its size. The median grant is $1,500. Asking for ten times that is the most common way small organizations waste a submission.
  2. Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in Minnesota.
  3. Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
  4. Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.

Where these numbers come from

Everything above is taken from Tradition Family Foundation's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2021-2024). Nothing here is scraped, inferred, or estimated.

Address of record on the latest return: 16972 Brandtjen Farm Drive, Lakeville, MN, 55044. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.

EIN 41-1958548 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this

This is history, not an open call. Foundation returns are published about a year after the tax year ends. Nothing on this page is a deadline. It is a record of who this foundation has actually funded, which is the best available predictor of who it will fund next -- and a much better basis for deciding whether to write to them than a mission statement.

Is something here wrong about your foundation? Email [email protected] and we will correct it.