James Ford Bell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
James Ford Bell Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $565,955 in 57 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $210,000. 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$565,955
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$210,000
- Assets$9.0 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was up from $318,500 the year before.
14% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $324,000 | 58 | $7.4 million |
| 2024 | $318,500 | 62 | $8.5 million |
| 2025 | $565,955 | 57 | $9.0 million |
How to apply
James Ford Bell 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 James Ford Bell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 19 | $353,500 |
| Florida | 22 | $144,955 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
| South Dakota | 2 | $11,000 |
| New York | 3 | $6,500 |
| California | 3 | $6,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $3,500 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Foundation (Bell Museum) | General operations | $210,000 |
| The Source | General operations | $35,000 |
| Minnesota Historical Society | General operations | $26,000 |
| American Alliance of Museums | General operations | $25,000 |
| Learning Alliance | General operations | $25,000 |
| Minneapolis Institute of Arts | General operations | $25,000 |
| Riverside Theater | General operations | $15,000 |
| Senior Resource Foundation | General operations | $11,905 |
| Humane Society | General operations | $10,050 |
| Childcare Resources of Indian River | General operations | $10,000 |
| Minnesota Orchestra | General operations | $10,000 |
| Westminster Presbyterian Church | General operations | $10,000 |
| University of South Dakota Foundation (National Music Museum) | General operations | $9,000 |
| Belwin Conservancy | General operations | $8,000 |
| Dunwoody Institute | General operations | $7,000 |
| Firefighters for Healing | General operations | $6,000 |
| Hennepin Health Foundation | General operations | $6,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | General operations | $6,000 |
| Raptor Center | General operations | $6,000 |
| Associates of the James Ford Bell Library | General operations | $5,000 |
| Connecticut College | General operations | $5,000 |
| Hamm Clinic | General operations | $5,000 |
| Indian River Golf Foundation | General operations | $5,000 |
| Indian River Land Trust | General operations | $5,000 |
| Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River Inc | General operations | $5,000 |
| Millbrook School | General operations | $5,000 |
| Minnesota Landscape Arboretum | General operations | $5,000 |
| Minnesota Public Radio | General operations | $5,000 |
| Minnesota Zoo | General operations | $5,000 |
| Smithsonian American Art Museum | General operations | $5,000 |
| Macphail Center for the Arts | General operations | $4,000 |
| Monterey County Food Bank | General operations | $3,500 |
| Delta Waterfowl Foundation | General operations | $2,500 |
| Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival | General operations | $2,500 |
| Real Mission Inc | General operations | $2,500 |
| The Retreat | General operations | $2,500 |
| Vero Beach Museum of Art | General operations | $2,500 |
| Visiting Nurses Association | General operations | $2,500 |
| Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation | General operations | $2,000 |
| Moorings Educational Foundation | General operations | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ford W Bell
- Samuel H Bell Jr
- Ellen George
Questions people ask
Does James Ford Bell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does James Ford Bell Foundation give?
$565,955 in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs James Ford Bell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ford W Bell (Trustee), Samuel H Bell Jr (Trustee) and Ellen George (Executive Director).
What does James Ford Bell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.