The Rum Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Rum Fund is a private foundation in Wayzata, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $288,592 in 40 grants; the typical grant was $1,300 and the largest $103,333. 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$288,592
- Number of grants40
- Typical grant$1,300
- Largest grant$103,333
- Assets$5.5 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was down from $470,099 the year before.
43% 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 | $407,236 | 41 | $4.8 million |
| 2024 | $470,099 | 36 | $5.0 million |
| 2025 | $288,592 | 40 | $5.5 million |
How to apply
The Rum Fund 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 Rum Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 25 | $260,442 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 4 | $8,000 |
| New York | 2 | $5,500 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $550 |
| Illinois | 2 | $500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $250 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $250 |
| Maine | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Orchestra Association | General operations | $103,333 |
| Guthrie Theater | General operations | $54,167 |
| Minneapolis Jewish Federation | General operations | $25,000 |
| Children's Theatre Company | General operations | $19,842 |
| Temple Israel | General operations | $18,800 |
| Washington University | General operations | $10,000 |
| Minnesota Hillel | General operations | $7,500 |
| The Sholom Foundation | General operations | $7,200 |
| Film Independent | General operations | $5,000 |
| Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research | General operations | $5,000 |
| Jewish Community Relations Council | General operations | $3,600 |
| University of MN Foundation | General operations | $2,750 |
| Minneapolis Institute of Arts | General operations | $2,500 |
| The Blake School | General operations | $2,500 |
| American Film Institute | General operations | $2,000 |
| University of PA Law School | General operations | $2,000 |
| Herzl Camp Foundation | General operations | $1,800 |
| TC Jewfolk | General operations | $1,800 |
| Lake Minnetonka Association | General operations | $1,500 |
| 180 Degrees Inc | General operations | $1,400 |
| Minnesota Zoo Foundation | General operations | $1,200 |
| Greater Twin Cities United Way | General operations | $1,000 |
| Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation | General operations | $1,000 |
| Mission Animal Hospital | General operations | $1,000 |
| Oratorio Society of Minnesota | General operations | $1,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General operations | $1,000 |
| Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) | General operations | $550 |
| The Film Society | General operations | $550 |
| California Women's Law Center | General operations | $500 |
| Julliard School | General operations | $500 |
| Library Foundation of Los Angeles | General operations | $500 |
| Evan's Scholars Foundation | General operations | $250 |
| Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy | General operations | $250 |
| Friends of the Hennepin County Library | General operations | $250 |
| Minnetonka Center For The Arts | General operations | $250 |
| MN Public Radio | General operations | $250 |
| Pan-Mass Challenge | General operations | $250 |
| Twin Cities PBS | General operations | $250 |
| USA Swimming Foundation | General operations | $250 |
| Farm Aid | General operations | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Abigail Rose
- Michael Blum
Questions people ask
Does The Rum Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Rum Fund give?
$288,592 in tax year 2025, across 40 grants, with a typical grant of $1,300.
Who runs The Rum Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Abigail Rose (President) and Michael Blum (Vice President).
What does The Rum Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and youth programs.