Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation is a private foundation in Bloomington, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.5 million in 26 grants; the typical grant was $40,716 and the largest $479,337. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$40,716
- Largest grant$479,337
- Assets$16.3 million
- New grantees88%
Giving in 2025 was up from $238,000 the year before.
88% 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 | $300,000 | 5 | $23,434 |
| 2024 | $238,000 | 7 | $656,003 |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | 26 | $16.3 million |
How to apply
Mary Ruth Weisel 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 Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 23 | $1.5 million |
| New York | 1 | $50,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Semcac | Support non-emergency medical transportation for underserved rural mn populations. | $479,337 |
| Allina Foundationcourage Kenny Grant #2 | Support spinal cord rehabilitation research. | $138,700 |
| Advocates for Human Rights Grant #1 | Emergency legal assistance for underresourced clients | $100,000 |
| Tubman Grant #2 | Support programming for underresourced human services clients. | $100,000 |
| Wayside Recovery Grant #1 | Support recovery programs for underresourced pregnant and parenting persons. | $100,000 |
| Senior Community Services Grant #1 | Support development and delivery of technology education and support services for low-income seniors. | $90,000 |
| The Power of People Leadership Institute | Support entrepreneurship among underserved populations. | $60,000 |
| Advocates for Human Rights Grant #2 | Matching gift: 2025 fundraising campaign | $50,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | Develop and deliver digital tools to improve program access for underserved populations. | $50,000 |
| Planned Parenthood-North Central States | Support maternal and child health to improve health outcomes for underserved persons. | $50,000 |
| Senior Community Services Grant #2 | Support outreach and caregiver services for uderserved seniors and their families. | $50,000 |
| Tubman Grant #3 | Support programming for underresourced human services clients. | $50,000 |
| Wayside Recovery Grant #2 | Support recovery programs for underresourced pregnant and parenting persons. | $50,000 |
| Allina Foundationcourage Kenny Grant #1 | Improve utility and access for outdoor spaces for clients and staff. | $31,433 |
| Advocates for Human Rights Grant #4 | Legal services for underresourced clients | $30,000 |
| The Power of People Leadership Institute | Support job fair for underserved populations. | $25,000 |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) | Support veterinary intern training program and related community initiatives | $25,000 |
| Advocates for Human Rights Grant #3 | 2025 human rights awards dinner | $10,000 |
| Beyond the Dance Network | Food and clothing for unhoused persons. | $10,000 |
| Equamore Foundation | Improved utility for the care of rescued hourses and donkeys. | $10,000 |
| Helping Paws | In honor of hortman family: support training and placement of companion animals for first responders, veterans. | $10,000 |
| Tubman Grant #1 | Support provision of household essentials for underresourced clients. | $10,000 |
| A Fund of Their Own Grant #1 | Girls and womens sports participation | $5,500 |
| A Fund of Their Own Grant #2 | Fundraising event november 2025 | $5,000 |
| Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary | Support feline rescue and rehoming. | $5,000 |
| Girl Scouts River Valley | Support girl's leadership programs. | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Ruth Weisel
- Elizabeth E Michaelis
- Deb Taylor
- Robert J Michaelis
Questions people ask
Does Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $40,716.
Who runs Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Ruth Weisel (Director), Elizabeth E Michaelis (Ceo/Director), Deb Taylor (Executive Vp/Director) and Robert J Michaelis (Cfo/Director).
What does Mary Ruth Weisel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, human services and science and research.