The Helgeson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Helgeson Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $186,000 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $15,000. 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$186,000
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$3.7 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was up from $136,000 the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $146,000 | 30 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $136,000 | 31 | $3.5 million |
| 2025 | $186,000 | 29 | $3.7 million |
How to apply
The Helgeson 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.
What The Helgeson Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 29 | $186,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Generation | General Funding | $15,000 |
| Voyageur Outward Bound School | General Funding | $13,500 |
| Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center | General Funding | $13,500 |
| Cedar Cultural Center | General Funding | $13,000 |
| Brownbody | General Funding | $11,500 |
| Interact | General Funding | $11,500 |
| The Loppet Foundation | General Funding | $10,500 |
| Penumbra Theatre Company Inc | General Funding | $10,000 |
| Wilderness Inquiry | General Funding | $10,000 |
| Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop | General Funding | $9,000 |
| American Composers Forum | General Funding | $7,500 |
| Twin Cities Jazz Festival | General Funding | $7,000 |
| Center For Irish Music | General Funding | $6,500 |
| Tru Art Speaks | General Funding | $5,500 |
| Friends of the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge | General Funding | $5,000 |
| Indigenous Roots | General Funding | $4,500 |
| Spark-Y | General Funding | $4,500 |
| Paramount Center for the Arts | General Funding | $4,000 |
| Walker West Music Academt | General Funding | $3,500 |
| Ernest Oberholtzer Foundation | General Funding | $3,000 |
| Hopewell Music Cooperative - North | General Funding | $3,000 |
| Minnesota Men's Conference | General Funding | $2,500 |
| ComMUSICation | General Funding | $2,000 |
| Great River Greening | General Funding | $2,000 |
| WTIP Cook County Community Radio | General Funding | $2,000 |
| American Indian Community Housing Organization | General Funding | $1,500 |
| Articulture | General Funding | $1,500 |
| Jazz Central Studios | General Funding | $1,500 |
| KBEM Radio | General Funding | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Glen Helgeson
- Rita Penrod Helgeson
- Mariah Kathan
Questions people ask
Does The Helgeson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Helgeson Foundation give?
$186,000 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Helgeson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Glen Helgeson (Pres & Treas), Rita Penrod Helgeson (Exec Dir & S) and Mariah Kathan (Vice President).
What does The Helgeson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and education.