Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation is a private foundation in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $60,000 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$60,000
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $64,000 the year before.
44% 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 | $58,000 | 16 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $64,000 | 17 | $1.3 million |
| 2025 | $60,000 | 18 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
Walter and Leona Schmitt Family 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 Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 15 | $51,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $4,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $3,500 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hill-Murray | General fund | $10,000 |
| University of St Thomas | 360 journalism program | $7,000 |
| Alight | General fund | $5,000 |
| Prodeo Academy | General fund | $5,000 |
| Friends of San Lucas | General fund | $4,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | General fund | $4,000 |
| Adoptaclassroomorg | General fund | $3,500 |
| National Park Service | General fund | $3,500 |
| Friends of the Boundary Waters | General fund | $3,000 |
| Open Windows Books | General fund | $3,000 |
| Damiano Center | General fund | $2,000 |
| Domestic Abuse Project | General fund | $2,000 |
| Minnesota Public Radio | General fund | $2,000 |
| Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault | General fund | $2,000 |
| Dodge Nature Center | General fund | $1,000 |
| Groves Academy | General fund | $1,000 |
| University of Iowa Center for Advancement | General fund | $1,000 |
| White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf | General fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Nicklawske
- Michael Nicklawske
- Mark Nicklawske
- Ann Nicklawske McGee
- Andrew James McGee
Questions people ask
Does Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation give?
$60,000 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Nicklawske (President), Michael Nicklawske (Trustee), Mark Nicklawske (Trustee) and Ann Nicklawske McGee (Secretary) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Walter and Leona Schmitt Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and environment and conservation.