Wilson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Wilson Foundation is a private foundation in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In tax year 2024 it gave $11.1 million in 20 grants; the typical grant was $155,000 and the largest $7.3 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$11.1 million
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$155,000
- Largest grant$7.3 million
- Assets$203 million
- New grantees68%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.0 million the year before.
68% of its 2024 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 | $2.0 million | 11 | $179 million |
| 2024 | $11.1 million | 20 | $203 million |
How to apply
Wilson 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 Wilson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $7.3 million |
| Minnesota | 19 | $3.8 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Philanthropic Trust | Discretionary board member gifts from daf | $7.3 million |
| Beacon Interfaith Housing | Poverty/housing grant | $400,000 |
| Center for Energy and the Environment | Climate/policy, workforce/poverty grant | $400,000 |
| Fresh Energy | Climate/policy grant | $400,000 |
| Great Plains Institute | Climate/policy grant | $400,000 |
| Project for Pride in Living | Poverty/housing/workforce grant | $400,000 |
| Youthprise | Poverty/multiple grant | $400,000 |
| Hired | Joint/workforce grant | $300,000 |
| Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity | Poverty/housing grant | $250,000 |
| Summit Academy Oic | Joint/workforce grant | $160,000 |
| One Roof Housing - Duluth | Poverty/housing grant | $150,000 |
| ECOLIBRIUM3 - Duluth | Climate/multiple grant | $100,000 |
| Community Action Duluth | Joint/workforce grant | $71,000 |
| Hired | Joint/workforce grant | $66,000 |
| Avivo | Joint/workforce grant | $52,000 |
| MN Council on Foundations | Climate/policy grant | $50,000 |
| Workforce Development Inc | Joint/workforce grant | $40,000 |
| Minnesota Training Partnership | Joint/workforce grant | $39,000 |
| Initiative Foundation | Joint/workforce grant | $36,000 |
| Unidos MN Education | Joint/workforce grant | $36,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John Wilson
- Terry O'Reilly
- Brenda Furlow
- Dan Fick
Questions people ask
Does Wilson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Wilson Foundation give?
$11.1 million in tax year 2024, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $155,000.
Who runs Wilson Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists John Wilson (President), Terry O'Reilly (Treasurer/Secretary), Brenda Furlow (Secretary) and Dan Fick (Director).
What does Wilson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, community development and environment and conservation.