Minnesota Power Foundation
Accepts applications
Minnesota Power Foundation is a private foundation in Duluth, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $654,700 in 143 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $99,500. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$654,700
- Number of grants143
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$99,500
- Assets$961,025
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was down from $870,790 the year before.
75% 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 | $797,200 | 160 | $930,458 |
| 2024 | $870,790 | 168 | $840,837 |
| 2025 | $654,700 | 143 | $961,025 |
How to apply
| Contact | Minnesota Power Foundation 30 West Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (218) 355-3169 |
| What to submit | Applicants must submit the following information: organization: provide the organization's name and address, plus contact person's name, title and telephone number. Also include the organization's web site and contact's e-mail address if applicable. Organization history: include mission statement. List any financial or other type of Minnesota power involvement with the organization. Request: describe the project, program or use for which funds are requested. Include a range of donation levels describing how each level would assist the organization. Amount: requested: state the dollar amount requested from the Minnesota power foundation. Project budget: include a detailed budget. List other funding partners involved with the project and indicate whether they are confirmed or tentative and what their respective financial commitments are to the specific project. Employee involvement: list any Minnesota power or allete employees currently volunteering with your organization |
| Deadlines | Grant applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. |
| Restrictions | The Minnesota power foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where the company conducts business. The Minnesota power foundation focuses its giving in the following areas: education environment community services youth development arts and culture health and human services in general, all awards are considered one-time grants. Highest priority is given to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within our service territory that submit well-defined requests for projects or programs that meet the following criteria: improve the community's quality of life have a broad base of support take an innovative and cost-effective approach do not duplicate other efforts already in existence increase public awareness |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Minnesota Power Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 134 | $648,200 |
| Wisconsin | 6 | $4,000 |
| North Dakota | 3 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Head of the Lakes United Way | Foundation grant | $99,500 |
| Second Harvest Northland | Mpf board - final installment | $50,000 |
| United Way of 1000 Lakes | Foundation grant | $41,000 |
| United Way of Northeastern MN | Foundation grant | $30,000 |
| Boral Waters Community Foundation | Positively powerful scholarship program | $25,000 |
| Lake Superior Zoo | Capybara barn | $20,000 |
| Veterans Resilience Projects | Minnesota power foundation grant | $20,000 |
| YMCA - Duluth | Food access grant | $20,000 |
| United Way of Pine and Carlton Counties | Foundation grant | $16,000 |
| Duluth Library Foundation | Foundation grant | $15,000 |
| North Central MN Farm and Antique | Building and climate cooling project | $15,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Foundation grant | $15,000 |
| Second Harvest Northland | Duluth operations food grant | $14,600 |
| City of Aurora | Foundation grant | $10,000 |
| Duluth Children's Museum | Foundation board | $10,000 |
| Iaff Duluth Local 101 | Youth combat program | $10,000 |
| Iedc | Foundation grant | $10,000 |
| Morrison County United Way | Foundation grant | $10,000 |
| Smart North | Foundation grant | $10,000 |
| Churches United in Ministry (Chum) | Food shelf grant | $8,750 |
| Ecumen Lakeshore | Foundation grant | $8,000 |
| Regional Committees | Regional committees | $7,700 |
| International Falls High School | Contributions committee | $7,500 |
| Hartley Nature Center | Positively powerful & classroom update grant (cc) | $5,500 |
| College St Scholastica | Foundation grant | $5,000 |
| Community Cafe Inc | Contribution committee | $5,000 |
| Damiano Center | Foundation grant | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County | Contributions committee | $5,000 |
| Holiday Gift Giving Program | Contributions committee | $5,000 |
| Iron Mosquitos Robotics | Contributions committee | $5,000 |
| Mesabi East School District | Contributions committee | $5,000 |
| Union Gospel Mission | Foundation grant | $5,000 |
| Union Gospel Mission | Light up the plaza grant | $5,000 |
| Walker Food Bank | Contributions committee | $5,000 |
| Youth Emergency Shelter | Foundation grant | $5,000 |
| Second Harvest Northland | Grand rapids distribution food grant | $4,600 |
| Lakewood Township Fire Department | 2025 jim gibeau grant | $4,000 |
| Superior Hiking Trail Association | Contribution committee | $4,000 |
| Lakes Area United Way | Foundation grant | $3,500 |
| Floodwood Volunteer Fire Department | Jim gibeau award | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Bethany Owen
- Kelly Desormey
- Jeffery Scissions
- Frank Fredrickson
- Jennifer Cady
- John Muehlbauer
- Melissa Weglarz
- Lori Hoyum
- Eric Clement
- Jodi Piekarski
Questions people ask
Does Minnesota Power Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Grant applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.
How much does Minnesota Power Foundation give?
$654,700 in tax year 2025, across 143 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Minnesota Power Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bethany Owen (President), Kelly Desormey (Vice President), Jeffery Scissions (Treasurer) and Frank Fredrickson (Director) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does Minnesota Power Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, education and food and hunger.