The Olseth Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Olseth Foundation is a private foundation in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $926,738 in 57 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$926,738
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$30.6 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $896,500 the year before.
20% 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 | $907,277 | 45 | $27.0 million |
| 2024 | $896,500 | 45 | $28.2 million |
| 2025 | $926,738 | 57 | $30.6 million |
How to apply
The Olseth 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 Olseth Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 30 | $457,750 |
| Oregon | 22 | $246,488 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $100,000 |
| California | 1 | $90,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $15,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $7,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| World Wildlife Fund Inc (WWF) | Operating ($100,000) | $100,000 |
| Recharge America Inc | America, minnesota, mankato | $90,000 |
| St Olaf College | Scholarship fund | $60,000 |
| The Advocates for Human Rights | Un training costs ($3,000), operations ($37,500), act now campaign ($12,500) | $53,000 |
| Greater Mankato Area United Way Inc | 4th grade book project ($24,000), kindness booth project ($2,500), general operation ($20,000) | $46,500 |
| Oregon Natural Resources Council Fund (Oregon Wild) | Operating | $35,000 |
| Path Home (Formerly PHFS) | General operating ($10,000); prevention program ($20,000) | $30,000 |
| The Library Foundation Inc | Summer reading and early learning playspaces | $30,000 |
| Mankato Area Foundation | Community impact fund($20,000); recharge mankato fund ($8,000) | $28,000 |
| Jungle Theater | Operating | $25,000 |
| Friends of the Hennepin County Library | Let's read and homework help programs ($22,000) | $22,000 |
| Meals on Wheels People Inc | Operating | $20,000 |
| Minneapolis American Indian Center | Operating | $20,000 |
| Oregon Food Bank Inc | Operating | $20,000 |
| Oregon Wildlife Foundation | Wanaket wildlife crossing project | $20,000 |
| People Serving People Inc | Operating | $20,000 |
| Planned Parenthood North Central States | Metro teen council | $20,000 |
| Minnesota Engagement on Shelter & Housing | Director's council/white earth project | $15,000 |
| Pear | Operating | $15,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette | Operating | $15,000 |
| Steger Center for Innovation & Leadership | Operating | $15,000 |
| University of Wisconsin | Nelson institute, academic program office and carnivore coexistence lab | $15,000 |
| Committee Against Domestic Abuse Inc (Cada) | Operating | $10,000 |
| Community Warehouse | Operating | $10,000 |
| Feeding Our Communities Partners | Backpack food program | $10,000 |
| Fort Lewis College Foundation | Operating | $10,000 |
| Fresh Energy | Operating | $10,000 |
| Mankato Youth Place Inc (My Place) | Operating | $10,000 |
| Oregon Public Broadcasting | Operating - science and environment | $10,000 |
| Playwrights' Center | Campaign for all narratives | $10,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Raptor center fund | $10,000 |
| Minnesota State University Mankato Foundation Incorporated | Student scholarships ($1,000); automotive technology ($5,000); theatre ($2,500) | $8,500 |
| Greater Mankato Growth | Ceo mentor program ($5,000)/growth pledge ($3,000) | $8,000 |
| Giving Voice Initiative | Operating | $7,500 |
| Multnomah Arts Center Association | Arts in the parks | $7,500 |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness | Operating | $7,500 |
| Second Harvest Heartland | Operating | $7,500 |
| The History Theatre Inc | Operating | $7,500 |
| Central Lakes College Foundation | Verse like water fund | $5,000 |
| Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota | Operating | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Karen L Solomon
- Jon P Olseth
- Cheryl A Olseth
- Margaret Cronin
Questions people ask
Does The Olseth Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Olseth Foundation give?
$926,738 in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Olseth Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Karen L Solomon (Treasurer), Jon P Olseth (Vice-President/Secretary), Cheryl A Olseth (President) and Margaret Cronin (Administrative Officer).
What does The Olseth Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and food and hunger.