Carlson Family Foundation
The Carlson Family Foundation is a Minnesota-based private philanthropic foundation headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Founded in 1959, the organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grantmaking foundation with a vision of uplifting youth through leadership at the intersection of love and insight. The Foundation works with communities to create opportunity, hope, and a sense of belonging for young people.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+9.4% YoY
Grant Count
32
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$58K
+9.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission centers on youth development and community empowerment. Primary funding areas include:
- Constellation Initiative: Supporting K-12 schools, parents and caregivers, and out-of-school youth programs
- Sex Trafficking Prevention: Funding initiatives and programs that prevent sex trafficking and support positive youth-adult relationships
- Vibrant Communities: Supporting community development and economic opportunity
- General Community Support: Funding in areas where Carlson company operates, including youth services, food security, and counseling services
Grantmaking
The Foundation made 29 grants in 2024, with typical award ranges of $5,000–$550,000. Recent notable grants include:
How to Apply
**For Current Grantees (2026 Funding):**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation primarily funds organizations in Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. Additionally, a portion of the Foundation's giving supports people and communities where Carlson company operates.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $5,803,483
- Total Revenues: $1,052,606
- Total Expenses: $1,877,147
- Total Giving: $1,870,000
- Number of Employees: 0 (listed on tax filings)
Revenue Breakdown (2024):
- Investment Income and Dividends: $265,125
- Net Gain from Sale of Non-Inventory Assets: $787,481
- Total Grants and Contributions: $0
Historical Context (2023):
- Total Assets: $6.63M
- Total Revenue: $1.82M
- Total Expenses: $1.71M
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
121 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Aretha Green-Rupert: Program Director
- Dana Jensen: Program Director
The Foundation employs 3 staff members.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEAN CARLSON | President | 15 | — |
| SANDRA CARLSON | Secretary | 1 | — |
| TIMOTHY A CARLSON | Vice President | 1 | — |
| JODY CARLSON | Director | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Foundation announced grants in July 2024 supporting sex trafficking prevention and positive youth-adult relationships. The organization continues to expand its Constellation initiative across multiple youth-focused program areas and maintains active partnerships with grantees through collaborative grant-making processes.
July 2024 Grants Announced - Carlson Family FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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FORT DODGE, IA
Assets
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Grants
1
Total Given
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John & Beverly Anderson Charitable Trust
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Assets
—
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Total Given
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Barbara Jean Couturier Charitable T
DAVENPORT, IA
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The Joseph Andres Family Foundation
OKOBOJI, IA
Assets
—
Grants
6
Total Given
$7K
Lohse Family Foundation
BONDURANT, IA
Assets
—
Grants
2
Total Given
$400K
Vande Brake Family Foundation
ORANGE CITY, IA
Assets
$172K
Grants
6
Total Given
$47K
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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