Wilderness River Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Wilderness River Foundation is a private foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $288,000 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $120,000. 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$288,000
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$120,000
- Assets$5.0 million
- New grantees4%
Giving in 2025 was up from $235,000 the year before.
4% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $165,000 | 25 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $235,000 | 26 | $3.7 million |
| 2025 | $288,000 | 27 | $5.0 million |
How to apply
Wilderness River 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 Wilderness River Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 9 | $152,000 |
| Minnesota | 9 | $92,000 |
| North Dakota | 7 | $30,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Prescott College | General operations | $120,000 |
| Children and Nature Network | General operations | $40,000 |
| Wilderness Inquiry | General operations | $12,000 |
| Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center | General operations | $10,000 |
| Ecosa Institute | General operations | $10,000 |
| Young Life | General operations | $8,000 |
| Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch | General operations | $6,000 |
| Pelican Lake Sailing School | General operations | $6,000 |
| Ain Dah Yung Center | General operations | $4,000 |
| Amistad Worldwide | General operations | $4,000 |
| Friends of Chimbote | General operations | $4,000 |
| Grand Canyon River Guides | General operations | $4,000 |
| Granite Dells Preservation Fdn | General operations | $4,000 |
| Joni and Friends International Disability | General operations | $4,000 |
| Kamp Kace | General operations | $4,000 |
| Launch Pad Teen Center | General operations | $4,000 |
| Natural History Institute | General operations | $4,000 |
| Northland Cares | General operations | $4,000 |
| Pelican Lakes Community Fdn | General operations | $4,000 |
| Prescott Creeks Preservation Association | General operations | $4,000 |
| River Valley Riders | General operations | $4,000 |
| St Gabriel's Episcopal Church | General operations | $4,000 |
| TNT Kids Fitness | General operations | $4,000 |
| Unseen - Human Trafficking | General operations | $4,000 |
| Vivienne's Joy | General operations | $4,000 |
| Whale Foundation | General operations | $4,000 |
| Yavapai Exceptional Industries | General operations | $4,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas J Barry
- Dean Hoffrogge
- John Hinck
Questions people ask
Does Wilderness River Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Wilderness River Foundation give?
$288,000 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs Wilderness River Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Thomas J Barry (President/Director), Dean Hoffrogge (Treasurer/Director) and John Hinck (Secretary/Director).
What does Wilderness River Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and youth programs.