Valley News Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Valley News Foundation is a private foundation in Mankato, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $50,884 in 43 grants; the typical grant was $700 and the largest $7,000. 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$50,884
- Number of grants43
- Typical grant$700
- Largest grant$7,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $46,822 the year before.
19% 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 | $51,602 | 44 | $977,190 |
| 2024 | $46,822 | 42 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $50,884 | 43 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
Valley News 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 Valley News Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 39 | $49,084 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| Florida | 1 | $500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $500 |
| Texas | 1 | $300 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State Athletics | Unrestricted General Fund | $7,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House | Unrestricted General Fund | $4,800 |
| Mankato Youth Place | Unrestricted General Fund | $4,500 |
| Minnesota State University Foundation | Unrestricted General Fund | $3,000 |
| Tee It Up For The Troops | Unrestricted General Fund | $2,700 |
| B The Light Foundation (Breast Cancer) | Unrestricted General Fund | $2,694 |
| Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota | Unrestricted General Fund | $2,500 |
| Mankato Area United Way | Unrestricted General Fund | $2,500 |
| Educare Foundation | Unrestricted General Fund | $1,500 |
| Kiwanis Holiday Lights | Unrestricted General Fund | $1,250 |
| Twin Rivers Council For The Arts | Unrestricted General Fund | $1,250 |
| Bethany Lutheran College & Seminary Inc | Unrestricted General Use | $1,000 |
| Feeding Our Communities Partners | Unrestricted General Fund | $1,000 |
| Junior Achievement | Unrestricted General Fund | $800 |
| Best Christmas Ever | Unrestricted General Use | $750 |
| Bridges School Advisory Committee | Unrestricted General Fund | $750 |
| One Bright Star | Unrestricted General Fund | $750 |
| Open Door Health Center | Unrestricted General Fund | $750 |
| Salvation Army of Mankato | Unrestricted General Fund | $750 |
| Vine | Unrestricted General Fund | $750 |
| South Central College - Mankato Foundation | Unrestricted General Fund | $740 |
| Minnesota State University Athletics Sponsorship | Unrestricted General Fund | $700 |
| Blue Earth County Historical Society | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Cada | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Echo Food Shelf | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Habitat For Humanity | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Holiday Sharing Tree | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| House of Hope | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Lake Washington Fireworks Association | unrestricted General FUND | $500 |
| Lynn Sage Breast Cancer | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Mankato Area Hockey Association | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Greater Mankato Rotary Foundation | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Mankato YWCA | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Minnesota Pheasants | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Smiles | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| Wounded Warriors Project | Unrestricted General Fund | $500 |
| American Heart Association | Unrestricted General Fund | $300 |
| Holy Rosary Catholic Church | Unrestricted General Fund | $250 |
| Mankato East High School | Unrestricted General Fund | $250 |
| Mankato Area Baseball Association (MABA) | Unrestricted General Fund | $200 |
Officers and trustees
- Troy Leiferman
- Margaret Leiferman
Questions people ask
Does Valley News Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Valley News Foundation give?
$50,884 in tax year 2025, across 43 grants, with a typical grant of $700.
Who runs Valley News Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Troy Leiferman (President) and Margaret Leiferman (Secretary).
What does Valley News Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and arts and culture.