John and Denise Graves Foundation
Accepts applications
John and Denise Graves Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.2 million in 85 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $250,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$3.2 million
- Number of grants85
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$47.6 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.9 million the year before.
63% of its 2024 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 | $2.9 million | 96 | $46.7 million |
| 2024 | $3.2 million | 85 | $47.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Letter of Intent Accepted by E-Mail 2929 Chicago Avenue South Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55407 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (612) 389-9820, info@jdgravesfoundation.org |
| What to submit | Unsolicited letters of interest that are submitted following our guidelines will be read as the foundation staff is able. Proposals selected by foundation staff for approval will be reviewed at subsequent board meetings. |
| Deadlines | None/open application process |
| Restrictions | John and denise graves foundation funds fall into three categories: 1. Education - K-12 focused organizations, schools, and school systems on a path to creating strong, stable, well-governed schools and school systems, and making positive changes. 2. Youth power building - organizations that provide support, leadership development, and holistic mentorship to underserved youth as they leave the K-12 system and begin their journey to adulthood, and those that work towards bettering youth-involved systems and entitlements. 3. Community organizations that work to maintain the cultural vibrance and diversity of east lake street. John and denise graves foundation does not fund grants to individuals; for sacramental or theological functions of religious organizations; for annual fundraising events; to endowments; for propagandizing, influencing legislation, and/or elections, promoting voter registration, for political candidates, political campaigns, or for litigation. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What John and Denise Graves Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 74 | $2.6 million |
| New York | 2 | $55,000 |
| California | 1 | $50,000 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $40,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $30,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,650 |
| Ohio | 1 | $2,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Youthprise | Youth development | $250,000 |
| YMCA of the North | Housing | $190,000 |
| Venn Foundation | Discretionary | $150,000 |
| Achieve Twin Cities | Discretionary | $83,316 |
| Great MN Schools | Education | $75,000 |
| Peris Foundation | Housing | $65,000 |
| Youthprise | Youth development | $60,000 |
| Catholic Charities Twin Cities | Youth development | $50,000 |
| Ed Allies | Education | $50,000 |
| Education Evolving | Education | $50,000 |
| Educators 4 Excellence | Education | $50,000 |
| Foster Advocates | Youth development | $50,000 |
| Foster Advocates | Youth development | $50,000 |
| Friendship Academy of the Arts | Education | $50,000 |
| Improve Your Tomorrow | Education | $50,000 |
| Normandale Community College Foundation | Education | $50,000 |
| Project for Pride and Living | Youth development | $50,000 |
| Hope Academy | Education | $45,000 |
| People Serving People | Discretionary | $45,000 |
| Above the Rim Youth Sports Foundation | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Access Philanthropy Charities | Education | $40,000 |
| Bridgemakers | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Chartersource | Education | $40,000 |
| Circle of Discipline | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Closeknit | Discretionary | $40,000 |
| Friends of the Hennepin County Library | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Legal Rights Center | Education | $40,000 |
| Migizi | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Minnesota Alliance With Youth | Education | $40,000 |
| Pillsbury United Communities | Education | $40,000 |
| Pillsbury United Communities | Education | $40,000 |
| Uncommon Construction | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Why You Initiative | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Wildflyer Coffee | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Youthprise | Youth development | $40,000 |
| Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative | Housing | $35,000 |
| Hennepin Healthcare Foundation | Youth development | $35,000 |
| Heritage Youth Sports Foundation | Youth development | $35,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Youth development | $35,000 |
| Benilde-St Margaret's School | Discretionary | $34,700 |
Officers and trustees
- William G Graves
- John E Graves
- Denise A Graves
Questions people ask
Does John and Denise Graves Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: None/open application process.
How much does John and Denise Graves Foundation give?
$3.2 million in tax year 2024, across 85 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs John and Denise Graves Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists William G Graves (Trustee/President), John E Graves (Trustee) and Denise A Graves (Trustee).
What does John and Denise Graves Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and housing and homelessness.