WMN Foundation
Preselected recipients only
WMN Foundation is a private foundation in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $480,788 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $250,074. 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$480,788
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$250,074
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $426,568 the year before.
40% 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 | $480,525 | 20 | $1.3 million |
| 2024 | $426,568 | 21 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $480,788 | 27 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
WMN 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 WMN Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 16 | $398,942 |
| Illinois | 2 | $29,637 |
| New York | 3 | $20,069 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,101 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,039 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $6,000 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $5,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Guthrie Theater | Illuminate Campaign | $250,074 |
| Guthrie Theater | General Operating Support | $35,023 |
| Northwestern University | Honorarium gift for President Morton Shapiro | $29,505 |
| Minnesota Public Radio | Glen Nelson Center | $24,461 |
| Allina Health Foundation | Center for Mental Health and Addiction | $21,761 |
| Breck School | General Operations (Annual Gift) | $20,201 |
| Alia | General operating support | $13,000 |
| Colorado College | General Operating Support | $10,101 |
| Family Equality | General Operating Support | $10,069 |
| Harvard University | Friends of Harvard Lacrosse | $10,039 |
| Women's Foundation of Minnesota | General Operating Support | $9,922 |
| A call to men | "What Are You Really Searching For?" Campaign | $5,000 |
| Grand Teton National Park Foundation | General Operating Support | $5,000 |
| Center For Victims of Torture | Kenya Program Support | $5,000 |
| Center for Reproductive rights | Special Event Support | $5,000 |
| Children's Theatre Company | General Operating Support | $5,000 |
| Human Rights Campaign Foundation | General Operating Support | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood North Central States | General Operating Support | $5,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Give to the Max Day | $3,000 |
| Inner City Tennis Foundation | General Operating Support | $2,500 |
| Project Success | Dreams to Action Event | $1,000 |
| The Link | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| The Mountain School | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| Queerspace Collective | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| National Park Foundation | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| Walker Art Center | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| Northwestern University | Honorarium gift for President Morton Shapiro | $132 |
Officers and trustees
- Diana Nelson
- Wendy M Nelson
- C David Nelson
Questions people ask
Does WMN Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does WMN Foundation give?
$480,788 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs WMN Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Diana Nelson (Trustee, Treasurer), Wendy M Nelson (Trustee, President) and C David Nelson (Trustee, Secretary).
What does WMN Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.