Charlson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Charlson Foundation is a private foundation in Edina, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $560,000 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $65,000. 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$560,000
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$65,000
- Assets$8.1 million
- New grantees31%
Giving in 2025 was up from $385,000 the year before.
31% 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 | $330,000 | 18 | $7.7 million |
| 2024 | $385,000 | 15 | $8.0 million |
| 2025 | $560,000 | 19 | $8.1 million |
How to apply
Charlson 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 Charlson Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 19 | $560,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oasis for Youth | General Operations | $65,000 |
| Cornerstone | SBS + Clinical Services | $50,000 |
| Immigrant Law Center of MN | General Operations | $45,000 |
| HealthFinders Collaborative Inc | General Operations | $45,000 |
| True Friends | Capital Campaign | $40,000 |
| Normandale Community College Founda | Sirtify | $35,000 |
| Individual | General Operations and Building | $35,000 |
| Chum | Food Shelf and General Operations | $35,000 |
| Veap | Challenge Grant | $30,000 |
| Individual | Housing projects | $30,000 |
| The Lift Garage | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Park Nicollet Foundation | Growing through Grief | $25,000 |
| Individual | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Open Arms of Minnesota | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Community Action Center | Food Shelf | $15,000 |
| Calvary Lutheran Church | Food Shelf | $15,000 |
| Minnesota Orchestra | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Conversation with Friends | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Step | Food Shelf | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Leslie Stiles
- Karen McElrath
- Thomas Stiles
- Katie McElrath
- Ryan McElrath
Questions people ask
Does Charlson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Charlson Foundation give?
$560,000 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Charlson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Leslie Stiles (President), Karen McElrath (Secretary), Thomas Stiles (Director) and Katie McElrath (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Charlson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger.