Cottonwood Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Cottonwood Foundation is a private foundation in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $9,000 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $1,000. 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$9,000
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$1,000
- Assets$19,410
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was down from $11,000 the year before.
27% 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 | $9,500 | 15 | $18,082 |
| 2024 | $11,000 | 16 | $20,980 |
| 2025 | $9,000 | 15 | $19,410 |
How to apply
Cottonwood 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Cottonwood Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 5 | $3,000 |
| Colorado | 2 | $2,000 |
| California | 2 | $1,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $500 |
| Florida | 1 | $500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $500 |
| Oregon | 1 | $500 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $500 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Land Tenure Foundation | Land acquisition | $1,000 |
| Southern Plains Land Trust | Land acquisition | $1,000 |
| Wild Animal Sanctuary | Land acquisition | $1,000 |
| Chicken Run Rescue | Materials purchase | $500 |
| Compassionate Action for Animals | Outreach and education | $500 |
| Friends of Animals | Program support | $500 |
| Friends Boundary Waters Wilderness | Outreach and education | $500 |
| Kerulos Center for Nonviolence | Improvements to sanctuary | $500 |
| Land Loss Prevention Project | Education and outreach | $500 |
| Monarch Butterfly Fund | Tree planting | $500 |
| Rainbow World Fund | Humanitarian assistance | $500 |
| Red Lake Rosies Rescue | Materials purchase | $500 |
| Save the Chimps | Materials purchase | $500 |
| The Wildcat Sanctuary | Food for sanctuary animals | $500 |
| The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee | Support for animals in sanctuary | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul Moss
- Craig Miller
- Jamie Podratz
Questions people ask
Does Cottonwood Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Cottonwood Foundation give?
$9,000 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs Cottonwood Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul Moss (Chair & Exec Dir), Craig Miller (Treasurer & Vice Chair) and Jamie Podratz (Secretary).
What does Cottonwood Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals and education.