George W Neilson Foundation
Accepts applications
George W Neilson Foundation is a private foundation in Bemidji, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 34 grants; the typical grant was $25,500 and the largest $400,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.6 million
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$25,500
- Largest grant$400,000
- Assets$38.4 million
- New grantees68%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
68% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.5 million | 34 | $33.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 30 | $35.6 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 34 | $38.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Suzanne Liapis PO Box 692, Bemidji, MN 56619 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (218) 444-4963 |
| What to submit | General outline of proposal |
| Restrictions | Qualified charitable organizations |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What George W Neilson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 33 | $1.6 million |
| North Dakota | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford Foundation | Mobile mammo lab | $400,000 |
| Neilson Fieldhouse | Building renovation | $250,000 |
| Greater BEMIDJIMI2 | Workforce development | $125,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area | Programming 2025 | $100,000 |
| Headwaters Science Center | 3 year organizational support | $62,000 |
| Bsuntcgreater BEMIDJIMI2 | Market study | $50,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area | Capital project/storage, office | $50,000 |
| No MN Robotics Conference | Facility construction | $50,000 |
| Bemidji State University Foundation | Fund scholarships | $40,000 |
| Headwaters Shooting Sports Foundation | Equipment & infrastructure | $39,400 |
| Neilson Spearhead Center | Year 2 of 5 pledge | $38,950 |
| Bemidji State University Foundation | Fund internships | $37,500 |
| Bemidji State University Foundation | Full tuition scholarship | $36,818 |
| 218 Sports Inc | Sports marketing | $30,000 |
| Bemidji High School Pool | Timing system | $30,000 |
| Northwest Technical College Foundation | Fund scholarships | $30,000 |
| Neilson Spearhead Center | Storm recovery | $26,000 |
| Oak Hills College | Facilities truck purchase | $25,000 |
| Bemidji Symphony Orchestra | 2025-2026 concert programming | $23,000 |
| Oak Hills College | Fund scholarships | $20,000 |
| Beltrami County Historical Society | Programming, collections | $15,000 |
| Bemidji Downtown Alliance | Led rooftop lighting | $15,000 |
| Bemidji High School All School Reunion | 2025 organizational support | $15,000 |
| Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Club | Storage facility | $12,000 |
| Loon Country Arts Collective | Facility upgrade | $10,000 |
| Northern Lights Council | Scouting america exploring | $10,000 |
| Beltrami County Agricultural Association | Grandstand handrail project | $9,544 |
| First National Bank Foundation | 2024-2025 donation | $8,000 |
| Lakes Area Dive Team | Towfish sonar | $7,500 |
| Bemidji Vex Robotics | Bms booster club support | $6,000 |
| New Musical Theater Exc | Water from snow musical | $3,000 |
| Headwaters Music & Art | W african drip workshop | $2,000 |
| Individual | Scholarships | $2,000 |
| Bemidji High School Class of 2025 | Graduation party | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Suzanne Liapis
- Paul Welle
- James Naylor
- Glen Lindseth
- Mark Dickinson
Questions people ask
Does George W Neilson Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does George W Neilson Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $25,500.
Who runs George W Neilson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Suzanne Liapis (Trustee), Paul Welle (Trustee), James Naylor (Trustee) and Glen Lindseth (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does George W Neilson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and community development.