The Leonard Rydell Foundation
Accepts applications
The Leonard Rydell Foundation is a private foundation in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In tax year 2025 it gave $54,000 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $6,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$54,000
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$6,000
- Assets$1.7 million
- New grantees65%
Giving in 2025 was down from $96,000 the year before.
65% 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 | $60,000 | 28 | $1.5 million |
| 2024 | $96,000 | 40 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $54,000 | 23 | $1.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Matt Jacobson Alerus Financial PO Box 6001, Grand Forks, ND 58206-6001 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (701) 795-3200 |
| What to submit | Prescribed application form |
| Deadlines | July preceding the beginning of the school year |
| Restrictions | Educational scholarships only - maximum of $2,000 per award. |
What The Leonard Rydell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 8 | $18,000 |
| North Dakota | 2 | $8,000 |
| South Dakota | 3 | $6,000 |
| Arizona | 2 | $6,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $4,000 |
| Nebraska | 2 | $4,000 |
| Idaho | 1 | $2,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $2,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $2,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
Officers and trustees
- Wes Rydell
- Dennis Lunde
- Ivan Gandrud
- Randy Nehring
- Jim Rydell
- Connie Mondry
Questions people ask
Does The Leonard Rydell Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: July preceding the beginning of the school year.
How much does The Leonard Rydell Foundation give?
$54,000 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Leonard Rydell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Wes Rydell (President & Director), Dennis Lunde (Vice-Pres. & Director), Ivan Gandrud (Treasurer & Director) and Randy Nehring (Secretary & Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Leonard Rydell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.