The BWBR Foundation
Accepts applications
The BWBR Foundation is a private foundation in St Paul, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $70,700 in 69 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $3,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$70,700
- Number of grants69
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$3,000
- Assets$1.2 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $63,617 the year before.
19% of its 2025 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 | $66,222 | 62 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $63,617 | 71 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $70,700 | 69 | $1.2 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Ryan Johansen 380 St Peter Street Ste 600, St Paul, MN 55102 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (651) 222-3701 |
| What to submit | Letter outlining project request which includes financial data |
| Restrictions | Public charities |
What The BWBR Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 35 | $35,500 |
| Wisconsin | 17 | $17,700 |
| Nebraska | 7 | $6,500 |
| South Dakota | 2 | $3,500 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,000 |
| Louisiana | 2 | $1,500 |
| Iowa | 2 | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,000 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Avera Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $3,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | General capital campaign | $3,000 |
| University of MN Foundation | General capital campaign | $3,000 |
| Canvas Health Inc | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| Hennepin Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| Latino Academy of Workforce Development | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| Pine Rest Foundation | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| The Family Partnership | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| University of St Thomas | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| University of Wisconsin River Falls Foundation | General capital campaign | $2,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,500 |
| Ace Madison | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Ace Mentorship Program of the Twin Cities Inc | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Advocate Charitable Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Architectural Foundation of Nebraska | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Boys Town Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Carleton College | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Centracare Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Chi Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Essentia Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Food Bank for the Heartland | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Froedtert Hospital Foundation Inc | Froedtert & the medical college of wisconsin | $1,000 |
| Greater Twin Cities United Way | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Journey Mental Health Center Inc | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Lakeview Health Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Memorial Medical Center Inc | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Merrick Community Services | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Minnesota Architectural Foundation | Clarence wigington scholarship | $1,000 |
| NAMI Dane County | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| NAMI Minnesota | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| NAMI Nebraska | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| National Organization of Minority Architects Minneapolis - St Paul | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| North Dakota State University Foundation | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Saint Catherine's University | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Saint John's University | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| Science Museum of Minnesota | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
| United Way of Dane County Inc | General capital campaign | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ryan Johansen
- Megan Flynn
- Melanie Baumhover
Questions people ask
Does The BWBR Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The BWBR Foundation give?
$70,700 in tax year 2025, across 69 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The BWBR Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ryan Johansen (President), Megan Flynn (Treasurer) and Melanie Baumhover (Secretary).
What does The BWBR Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.