Manitou Fund
Preselected recipients only
Manitou Fund is a private foundation in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In tax year 2024 it gave $20.1 million in 164 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $1.8 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$20.1 million
- Number of grants164
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$1.8 million
- Assets$847 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2024 was down from $264 million the year before.
27% of its 2024 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 | $264 million | 219 | $795 million |
| 2024 | $20.1 million | 164 | $847 million |
How to apply
Manitou Fund 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 Manitou Fund funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 22 states, the most to California. It also paid $50,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 77 | $6.9 million |
| Minnesota | 42 | $6.5 million |
| New York | 14 | $2.2 million |
| Florida | 1 | $1.8 million |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $1.0 million |
| District of Columbia | 6 | $775,000 |
| South Dakota | 3 | $225,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $125,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $100,000 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Schwab Charitable | Charitable gifts | $1.8 million |
| International Tennis Hall of Fame Inc | Historical grounds capital project ($750k) and teamfame & be legendary programs ($250k) | $1.0 million |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | College of design: kusske design initiative ($840k) and addiction project ($75k) | $915,000 |
| Century College Foundation | Start right program | $750,000 |
| St Catherine University | Katie leadership impact program | $750,000 |
| Save Venice Inc | Capital projects | $540,000 |
| Usta Foundation Incorporated | Various programs ($370k) and scholarship fund ($140k) | $510,000 |
| Friends of Fai the Italian Environment Foundation Inc | Accessibility initiative capital project | $500,000 |
| Big Sur Land Trust | Dog park capital project ($350k) and esalen tribe ($100k) | $450,000 |
| Redford Center Inc | Giants rising film ($250k) and various programs ($150k) | $400,000 |
| Deetjen's Inc | Building improvements capital project | $350,000 |
| College of St Scholastica Inc | Manitou fund nursing scholarships | $310,000 |
| Conservation Minnesota | Conservation crew program | $300,000 |
| Ganna Walska Lotusland | Education program ($100k) and lotusland presents ($50k) and arts & artifacts restoration ($150k) | $300,000 |
| Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy | Match | $300,000 |
| Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles | Environmental & education justice program ($250k) and capital project ($50k) | $300,000 |
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival Inc | Educational programming ($200k) and general operating ($100k) | $300,000 |
| The Whale Sanctuary Project | General operating | $300,000 |
| Uc Santa Barbara Foundation | Various programs ($230k) and bren school scholarships ($50k) | $280,000 |
| Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens | Adult teaching garden capital project | $275,000 |
| Tennis Patrons Association of Santa Barbara | Capital project ($225k) and general operating ($50k) | $275,000 |
| Cerenity Senior Care-White Bear Lake | Cerenity residence project match | $250,000 |
| North House Folk School | General operating | $250,000 |
| State Street Ballet | Live music fund | $250,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Dangermond preserve point conception institute & restoration | $250,000 |
| Community Human Services | Casa de noche buena | $225,000 |
| National Park Foundation | Various programs | $200,000 |
| Solid Ground | Capital campaign ($100k) and general operating ($75k) | $175,000 |
| Santa Barbara Zoological Foundation | Red panda habitat capital project ($135k) and foster feeder ($25k) and memorial plaque ($10k) | $170,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | Native americans pathway program ($100k) and hearing loop ($50k) | $150,000 |
| National Public Radio Inc | Tiny desk program ($100,000) and democracy program ($50,000) | $150,000 |
| Sansum Clinic | Physician housing program | $150,000 |
| The American Ireland Fund | Capital project ($100k) and heart of the community program ($50k) | $150,000 |
| White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf | Store front market | $150,000 |
| Saint Paul Urban Tennis | Leadership program | $135,000 |
| Jazz at Lincoln Center | Various programs | $125,000 |
| Santa Barbara Museum of Art | Education program ($25k) and impressionist show ($100k) | $125,000 |
| Academy Foundation | Education program ($50k) and accessible programs ($50k) | $100,000 |
| Aim for Mental Health Inc | General operating | $100,000 |
| Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade | Capital project ($70k) and utv station 1 ($30k) | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Oliver Din
- Greg McNeely
- Nora McNeely Hurley
Questions people ask
Does Manitou Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Manitou Fund give?
$20.1 million in tax year 2024, across 164 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Manitou Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists Oliver Din (President & Ceo), Greg McNeely (Chief Program Officer) and Nora McNeely Hurley (Chief Program Officer).
What does Manitou Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and arts and culture.