Alton Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Alton Foundation is a private foundation in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $145,400 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $31,400. 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$145,400
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$31,400
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $144,900 the year before.
15% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $154,800 | 28 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $144,900 | 29 | $2.3 million |
| 2025 | $145,400 | 27 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
Alton 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 Alton Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 15 | $102,400 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $15,000 |
| Florida | 3 | $11,000 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $7,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $5,000 |
| California | 2 | $2,000 |
| New York | 1 | $2,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic | Ai innovation support | $31,400 |
| Mayo Clinic | Alton fund for cancer research | $20,000 |
| Alumnae Association of Smith College | Program support | $15,000 |
| Allina Health Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Great River Children's Museum | Program support | $10,000 |
| Mitchell Hamline School of Law | Educational program support | $10,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Program support | $10,000 |
| Alzheimer Disease Research | Program support | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Clinic Florida | Program support | $5,000 |
| La Pointe Community Clinic | Program support | $5,000 |
| Palm Beach Day Academy | Program support | $5,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited | Program support | $2,000 |
| Minnesota Conservation Volunteer | Program support | $2,000 |
| Minnesota Land Trust | Program support | $2,000 |
| Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department | Program support | $1,000 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | Educational program support | $1,000 |
| Interfaith Outreach and Comm Partners | Program support | $1,000 |
| Jacksonville University | Educational program support | $1,000 |
| La Pointe Volunteer Fire Department | Program support | $1,000 |
| Lake Minnetonka Conservation District | Support for "save the lake" | $1,000 |
| Madeline Island Public Library | Program support | $1,000 |
| Minnetonka Center for the Arts | Program support | $1,000 |
| Orono Alliance for Education | Educational program support | $1,000 |
| Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | Program support - purple ride | $1,000 |
| Santa Clara University | Educational program support | $1,000 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Educational program support | $1,000 |
| The Lift Garage | Program support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patricia Alton Baker
- Michael Brausen
- Jeanine P Alton-Ryan
- Michelle Alton Bonomo
Questions people ask
Does Alton Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Alton Foundation give?
$145,400 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Alton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Patricia Alton Baker (President/Secretary/Director), Michael Brausen (Treasurer), Jeanine P Alton-Ryan (Director) and Michelle Alton Bonomo (Director).
What does Alton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and environment and conservation.