The Second Step Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Second Step Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $600,400 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $40,000. 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$600,400
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$2.8 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $300,000 the year before.
32% 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 | $290,000 | 27 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $300,000 | 27 | $2.5 million |
| 2025 | $600,400 | 29 | $2.8 million |
How to apply
The Second Step 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 Second Step Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 4 | $80,000 |
| North Dakota | 3 | $80,000 |
| Minnesota | 3 | $60,000 |
| Montana | 3 | $60,000 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $60,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $40,000 |
| Nebraska | 2 | $40,000 |
| Wyoming | 2 | $40,000 |
| South Dakota | 1 | $40,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding South Dakota | Program support to reduce hunger | $40,000 |
| Great Plains Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $40,000 |
| Billings Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Dicsa - Nutritional Services | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Edible Prairie Project - Summer Weekend Meals for Kids | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of Lincoln | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of Siouxland | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of the Heartland | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Friends in Need Food Shelf | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Friends With Food | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Great Falls Community Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Great Plains Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Horizons Meals on Wheels | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Meals on Wheels of NW Indiana | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Montana Food Bank Network | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Needs Inc Food Pantry | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| North Country Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Now Nutrition on Weekends | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| River Bend Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Rock River Valley Pantry | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Rocori Area Food Shelf | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Sacramento Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Second Harvest Heartland | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| St Mary's Food Bank | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| The Hope Market | Program support to reduce hunger | $20,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire | Program support to reduce hunger | $400 |
Officers and trustees
- Travis Penrod
- Debra Penrod
- Aaron M Johansen
- Mary Johansen
- Brittany Domier
- Dana Domier
- Samantha Rains
- Benjamin Rains
Questions people ask
Does The Second Step Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Second Step Foundation give?
$600,400 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Second Step Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Travis Penrod (Chair), Debra Penrod (Director of the Foundation), Aaron M Johansen (Director & Treasurer) and Mary Johansen (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does The Second Step Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, environment and conservation and seniors.