The Sauer Family Foundation
Accepts applications
The Sauer Family Foundation is a private foundation in St Paul, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $13.9 million in 110 grants; the typical grant was $89,500 and the largest $900,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$13.9 million
- Number of grants110
- Typical grant$89,500
- Largest grant$900,000
- Assets$48.7 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was down from $21.2 million 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 | $12.5 million | 114 | $72.6 million |
| 2024 | $21.2 million | 125 | $61.4 million |
| 2025 | $13.9 million | 110 | $48.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Colleen O'Keefe Executive Director 952 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (651) 633-6165 |
| What to submit | Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that have programs and use funding to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and their families. |
| Deadlines | Call the foundation office before applying for funding. |
| Restrictions | State of Minnesota. Check our website for current funding priorities. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Sauer Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 105 | $13.5 million |
| Missouri | 1 | $240,000 |
| California | 1 | $100,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $35,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $9,800 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lutheran Social Services | Building strong family relationships | $900,000 |
| Amherst H Wilder Foundation | Building strong family relationships | $774,830 |
| Mobile Hope | Building strong family relationships | $685,000 |
| Black Men Teach | Building a diverse workforce | $530,000 |
| Serveminnesota | Building educational success | $440,000 |
| University of MN Foundation | Building strong family relationships | $372,732 |
| Keeping Families Connected MN | Building strong family relationships | $366,500 |
| Scott County Department of Health and Human Services Child Welfare | Building strong family relationships | $345,077 |
| Wallin Education Partners | Building a diverse workforce | $345,000 |
| Bellis | Building emotional well-being | $300,000 |
| West Central Initiative | Building emotional well-being | $300,000 |
| Wayside Recovery Center | Building strong family relationships | $258,561 |
| The Global Orphan Project (Aka Careportal) | Building strong family relationships | $240,000 |
| The Sanneh Foundation | Building emotional well-being | $236,250 |
| Washburn Center for Children | Building a diverse workforce | $225,000 |
| Swift County Human Services | Building strong family relationships | $223,300 |
| Hennepin County | Building strong family relationships | $208,500 |
| Augsburg University | Building support for youth in foster care | $200,000 |
| Carver County Health & Human Services | Building strong family relationships | $200,000 |
| Star House | Building strong family relationships | $200,000 |
| Great MN Schools | Building educational success | $195,000 |
| Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation | Building educational success | $182,780 |
| Friends of the Children | Building strong family relationships | $175,000 |
| University of St Thomas | Building emotional well-being | $169,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities | Building educational success | $155,000 |
| Canine Inspired Change | Building emotional well-being | $150,000 |
| Edallies | Building educational success | $150,000 |
| Goodwill Industries Inc DBA Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota | Building strong family relationships | $150,000 |
| YWCA of Minneapolis | Building resiliency to trauma | $138,921 |
| Main Street Family Services | Building strong family relationships | $134,099 |
| RS Eden | Building strong family relationships | $125,000 |
| Ampersand Families | Building strong family relationships | $120,355 |
| Hornets Hive DBA Cornerstone | Building strong family relationships | $117,300 |
| Otter Tail County Human Resources | Building strong family relationships | $110,400 |
| Montessori Center of Minnesota | Building a diverse workforce | $110,000 |
| Clay County | Building strong family relationships | $108,320 |
| Washington County Community Services | Building strong family relationships | $106,720 |
| Ascension Academies | Building emotional well-being | $105,000 |
| Playworks Education Energize | Building emotional well-being | $100,750 |
| Des Moines Valley Health and Human Services | Building strong family relationships | $100,650 |
Officers and trustees
- Colleen O'Keefe
- Gary B Sauer
- Patricia Sauer
- Corey Sauer
- Jessica Nickelson
- Stephanie Sauer
Questions people ask
Does The Sauer Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Call the foundation office before applying for funding..
How much does The Sauer Family Foundation give?
$13.9 million in tax year 2025, across 110 grants, with a typical grant of $89,500.
Who runs The Sauer Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Colleen O'Keefe (Executive Director & Trustee), Gary B Sauer (Former-Treasurer), Patricia Sauer (President) and Corey Sauer (Trustee) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Sauer Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, human services and community development.