Border States Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Border States Foundation is a private foundation in Fargo, North Dakota. In tax year 2025 it gave $434,736 in 30 grants; the typical grant was $6,268 and the largest $200,000. 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$434,736
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$6,268
- Largest grant$200,000
- Assets$13.1 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.2 million the year before.
60% 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 | $0 | 0 | $10.7 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 33 | $11.6 million |
| 2025 | $434,736 | 30 | $13.1 million |
How to apply
Border States 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 Border States Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to North Dakota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 24 | $506,381 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $104,855 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $6,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $5,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation | Innovate28 - cultivating regional growth in Fargo-Moorhead | $200,000 |
| UND Center for Innovation Foundation | Equipment to support center for innovation entrepreneurial incubator | $114,736 |
| Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity | Support for 2025 Build | $100,000 |
| Down Home | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $50,000 |
| United Way of Cass-Clay | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $25,000 |
| YWCA Cass Clay | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $15,000 |
| TNT Kid's Fitness | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $12,500 |
| United Way of Cass-Clay | LIVE United Partner | $12,000 |
| BIO Girls Inc | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $10,000 |
| The Justin Wren Foundation | Support for providing clean water, education, and empowerment to Pygmy communities in Africa | $10,000 |
| Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $8,402 |
| Heart-N-Soul Community Cafe Inc | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $8,000 |
| Homeward Animal Shelter Inc | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $7,656 |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $7,095 |
| BIO Girls Inc | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $6,535 |
| Leflore County Humane Society | Support to provide protection, shelter, food, and medical care for cats and dogs | $6,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Funds to support Walk and Roll Chicago - 8Y5LAVPO | $5,000 |
| Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation | Support for young people diagnosed with rare diseases such as CTEPH, POVD, heart failure, or those in need of heart or lung transplants | $5,000 |
| Tri-City United Soccer Club | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $5,000 |
| North Dakota FFA Foundation | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $5,000 |
| Jeremiah Program | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $4,855 |
| 4 Luv of Dog Rescue | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $4,855 |
| Make-a-Wish Foundation of America | Support for fulfilling the wishes of seriously ill children | $2,500 |
| Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley | Community support | $2,000 |
| Great North Pole | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $1,867 |
| Hope Blooms | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $1,681 |
| Hope Inc | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $1,120 |
| Essentia Health Foundation | Funds to support patient care, advanced medical technology, and community health programs | $1,000 |
| Hope Blooms | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $1,000 |
| Furniture Mission of the Red River Valley | Support for Giving Hearts Day | $934 |
Officers and trustees
- Jeremy Welsand
- Jason Stein
- Lisa Monson
- James Sipe
Questions people ask
Does Border States Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Border States Foundation give?
$434,736 in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $6,268.
Who runs Border States Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jeremy Welsand (President/Treasurer/CEO/CFO/Director), Jason Stein (Vice President/Director), Lisa Monson (Secretary/Director) and James Sipe (Director).
What does Border States Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly housing and homelessness, human services and youth programs.