Swenson Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Swenson Family Foundation is a private foundation in Orange, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $6.1 million in 33 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.6 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$6.1 million
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.6 million
- Assets$91.9 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $6.0 million the year before.
36% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $4.5 million | 17 | $117 million |
| 2023 | $9.4 million | 30 | $94.5 million |
| 2024 | $6.0 million | 36 | $91.4 million |
| 2025 | $6.1 million | 33 | $91.9 million |
How to apply
Swenson Family Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Swenson Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | $3.6 million |
| Minnesota | 3 | $1.8 million |
| Wisconsin | 6 | $566,082 |
| Alabama | 1 | $125,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $62,500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $25,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $25,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $5,120 |
| Arizona | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University MN Duluth | Swenson sail program 2025 | $1.6 million |
| Choc Children's Foundation | Wells spaces 2025 | $1.0 million |
| California Lutheran University | Engineering building | $500,000 |
| Chapman University | Engineering building - 2024 | $500,000 |
| Chapman University | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $500,000 |
| Friends of Holy Innocents | Science building | $500,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Superior Foundation Inc | 2025-2026 swenson scholars - 1st semester | $218,041 |
| University of Wisconsin Superior Foundation Inc | Spring 2026 semester - swenson scholars | $218,041 |
| University MN Duluth | Glensheen, 2025 | $132,000 |
| The Dollywood Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $125,000 |
| Olive Crest | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $100,000 |
| Ocean Institute | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $70,000 |
| Hungry for Music | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $62,500 |
| Lutheran Bible Translators | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $62,500 |
| Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars | Stem scholars | $50,000 |
| California Lutheran University | Cares day- student employment | $50,000 |
| Concordia Lutheran Church | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| First Evangical Covenant Church | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $50,000 |
| Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Children's programs | $50,000 |
| Chapman University | Student scholarships/hardship fund | $41,667 |
| Choc Children's Foundation | 2026 surp and burst summer research | $41,667 |
| Lutheran High School Association of Orange County | Student scholarships/endowment | $41,667 |
| Living Desert | Boxes of food for cancer patients | $25,000 |
| Mission San Juan Capistrano | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Phil's Friends | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| Raising Hope | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| University MN Foundation | To further the exempt purpose of the organization | $25,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Superior Foundation Inc | Surf summer 2025 scholars | $25,000 |
| Lutheran High School Association of Orange County | Lancer legacy endowment fund | $15,000 |
| World Vision | For wildfire relief efforts | $5,120 |
| Across the Pond | Veterans park in iron river, wi | $5,000 |
| Arizona State University Alumni Association | Schloraships for pima/azu | $5,000 |
| La Fire Foundation | For wildfire relief efforts | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan G Swenson
- Rosie Swenson
- Cheryl L Lentz
- Eoin L Kreditor
- Christopher Lentz
- Timothy J Swenson
Questions people ask
Does Swenson Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Swenson Family Foundation give?
$6.1 million in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Swenson Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan G Swenson (President), Rosie Swenson (Secretary), Cheryl L Lentz (Treasurer) and Eoin L Kreditor (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Swenson Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and youth programs.