The Graco Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Graco Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 38 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $214,000. 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$1.6 million
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$214,000
- Assets$24.3 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.6 million the year before.
41% 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 | $1.7 million | 532 | $22.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.6 million | 42 | $23.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 38 | $24.3 million |
How to apply
The Graco 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 The Graco Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 24 | $833,738 |
| Delaware | 2 | $243,592 |
| South Dakota | 5 | $240,000 |
| Michigan | 2 | $224,000 |
| North Dakota | 1 | $10,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $10,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Scholarships | $214,000 |
| Southeast Technical College | General operating support | $200,000 |
| Twin Cities Rse | General operating support | $200,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation - Aogf | Gift matching | $172,865 |
| University of St Thomas | General operating support | $113,000 |
| American Indian Oic | General operating support | $100,000 |
| Accessability | General operating support | $95,738 |
| Eastside Neighborhood Services | General operating support | $85,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation - Aogf | Dollars for doers | $70,727 |
| Individual | Scholarships | $42,500 |
| Achieve Twin Cities | General operating support | $30,000 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | General operating support | $30,000 |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | Scholarships | $20,000 |
| Cristo Rey High School | General operating support | $15,000 |
| Hearts & Hammers | General operating support | $15,000 |
| Page Education Foundation | Scholarships | $15,000 |
| Alexandria Technical College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Anoka Technical College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Erie Institute of Technology | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Kettering University | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Lake Area Technical College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Minneapolis Community & Technical College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Individual | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| North Dakota State University | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Saint Paul College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Soiutheast Technical College | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| South Dakota School of Mines | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| South Dakota State University | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| University of Akron | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| University of Minnesota - Duluth | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| University of St Thomas | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| University of Wisconsin - Stout | Scholarships | $10,000 |
| Camden High School | General operating support | $500 |
| Exploration High School | General operating support | $500 |
| Irondale High School | General operating support | $500 |
| Mounds View High School | General operating support | $500 |
| Rogers High School | General operating support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Mark Sheahan
- Joseph Humke
- Janel French
- Diane Olson
- David Lowe
- Ronita Banerjee
- Joseph Daniski
- Jeff Weber
- Dawn Svenkeson-Koubal
Questions people ask
Does The Graco Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Graco Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Graco Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mark Sheahan (President), Joseph Humke (Vice President), Janel French (Treasurer, Secretary & Manager) and Diane Olson (Director) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Graco Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and science and research.