Dakota Medical Charities
Dakota Medical Charities is a public charity based in Fargo, North Dakota, formed in 1982. Its stated aim is to improve health in its region; its filing describes grant and initiative work addressing access to healthcare, organizational effectiveness, health and wellbeing, and donor fulfillment.
Dakota Medical Charities at a glance
In short: Dakota Medical Charities gave $3.7M across 32 grants in 2025 (avg $116K), mostly in North Dakota. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $3,724,487
- +99.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 32
- +45.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $116,390
- +37.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $89,489,295
- +1.7% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- North Dakota (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Dakota Medical Charities
- Contact
Mailing address: 4321 20Th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103-7191
Phone: (701) 271-0263
Website: https://dakmed.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Dakota Medical Charities funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Dakota Medical Foundation ($3.4M). Together the top 10 received $3.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($8,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
104 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 88 grants of 104 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The filing describes the foundations’ work as serving people across North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. In 2025, 99% of Dakota Medical Charities’ grant dollars went to recipients in North Dakota and 1% to recipients in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 32 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Dakota Medical Charities gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $905K (2023) to $3.7M (2025). In 2025 it made 32 grants totaling $3.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dakota Medical Foundation Fargo, ND | support DMF Center of Excellence non-profit center | $3,356,174 |
| UND Alumni Association & Foundation Grand Forks, ND | fund student scholarships, enhance campus resources and support groundbreaking programs | $55,000 |
| Soul Solutions Recovery Center Inc Fargo, ND | support for people suffering from substance use disorders | $31,000 |
| YWCA Cass Clay Fargo, ND | provide emergency shelter services for women and children and other health related services. | $24,000 |
| Churches United for the Homeless Moorhead, MN | support shelter and food for homeless | $15,550 |
| North Dakota Dental Foundation Fargo, ND | support Mission of Mercy free dental care clinic | $15,000 |
| Red River Children's Advocacy Center Fargo, ND | provide support, healing, and justice for children who have experienced abuse or trauma. | $14,500 |
| Lend A Hand Up Fargo, ND | financial and community support for individuals experiencing a medical crisis | $14,000 |
| Saint Gianna's Home Inc Minto, ND | program support for health-related services | $12,500 |
| Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley Fargo, ND | provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for those affected by memory loss | $11,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $89,489,295 | $6,282,949 | $7,134,867 | $3,724,487 | 32 | $6,246,716 |
| 2024 | $88,007,312 | $3,693,033 | $5,399,213 | $1,863,370 | 22 | $3,656,800 |
| 2023 | $79,621,913 | $3,717,977 | $3,861,374 | $905,279 | 19 | $3,699,977 |
| 2022 | $75,876,524 | $7,834,745 | $4,853,110 | $1,981,190 | 19 | $7,830,078 |
| 2021 | $89,730,178 | $5,927,412 | $4,163,450 | $2,269,305 | 12 | $5,720,919 |
| 2020 | $81,107,368 | $3,853,049 | $3,441,568 | $1,519,000 | 7 | $3,764,499 |
| 2019 | $78,784,307 | $4,165,518 | $3,440,405 | $1,571,200 | 8 | $4,164,847 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Dakota Medical Charities’ stated mission is to positively impact health in its region. Its filing says its grants and initiatives focus on access to healthcare, organizational effectiveness, health and wellbeing, and donor fulfillment.
The filing describes the Lend A Hand Up initiative as providing financial and fundraising assistance to eligible families and individuals facing hardship from critical health issues or other specified circumstances. It also describes training and coaching to help charities strengthen fundraising and leadership, and donor-advised funds and endowments as ways to support regional health and quality of life.
The grantees’ own mission statements illustrate the kinds of organizations receiving support. The UND Alumni Association and Foundation says it engages alumni, friends, and partners in building the University of North Dakota. YWCA Cass Clay says it is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. Churches United says it provides safe shelter, stable housing, nutritious food, and a path toward healing. The North Dakota Dental Foundation says it works to enhance oral health through access to care, education, and workforce development. Red River Children’s Advocacy Center says it facilitates healing and justice for children affected by abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Dakota Medical Charities reported 32 grants totaling $3,724,487. Grant amounts ranged from $5,250 to $3,356,174, with a median grant of $10,000. The largest grant was $3,356,174 to Dakota Medical Foundation to support the DMF Center of Excellence nonprofit center.
Other notable 2025 grants included $55,000 to the UND Alumni Association and Foundation for scholarships, campus resources, and programs; $31,000 to Soul Solutions Recovery Center for people affected by substance use disorders; $24,000 to YWCA Cass Clay for emergency shelter and health-related services; and $15,550 to Churches United for shelter and food for people experiencing homelessness. The North Dakota Dental Foundation received $15,000 for its Mission of Mercy free dental care clinic, and Red River Children’s Advocacy Center received $14,500 for support, healing, and justice for children who have experienced abuse or trauma. Lend A Hand Up received $14,000 for financial and community support for people experiencing a medical crisis.
No application process, materials, restrictions, or deadline are stated in the available information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing are Rob Lauf, DDS, Chair; Nola McNeally, JD, Vice Chair; Chris Kennelly, Secretary; Eric Monson, Treasurer; and Susan Mathison, MD, Past Chair. Directors listed are David Akkerman, MD; Barbra Brookshire, OD; Julene Brown, RN; Jessica Kuhn, CNP; and Kim Meyer.
Dakota Medical Charities is led by Damon Gleave CFOInterim, Executive Director on the 2025 filing; 5 of 17 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Damon Gleave CFOInterim
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
22 hrs/week
$68K (2025)
Rob Lauf DDS
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Sayre Giving Hearts
Day Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$123K (2025)
J Patrick Traynor Executive
Director
New on the 2025 filing
20 hrs/week
$177K (2025)
Jeana Peinovich Lend a
Hand Up Director
New on the 2025 filing
35 hrs/week
$101K (2025)
Barbra Brookshire OD
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Akkerman MD
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julene Brown RN
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Meyer
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Thompson
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Kuhn CNP
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vanessa Coulter APRN CNP
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Schumacher CIODirector
For the Center of Excellence
New on the 2025 filing
17 hrs/week
$108K (2025)
Chris Kennelly
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Monson
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nola McNeally JD
Vice Chair
Director → Director & Vice Chair, 2023
Director & Vice Chair → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Mathison MD
Past Chair
Director → Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Amanda Thomas (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: J Patrick Traynor (2019–2024) — Executive Director
- Former: John Deutsch Pharm D (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Michael Schumacher (2019–2024) — CFO & CIO
- Former: Damon Gleave (2024) — CFO
- Former: Hope Yongsmith MD (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Seth Novak (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Rob Lauf DDS Vice Chair (2023) — Chair
- Former: Ben Meland (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Nancy Slotten (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Richard Vetter (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Sindy Keller (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Ann Malmberg RN (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Robert Bakkum (2019–2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $177K, to J Patrick Traynor Executive (Director (Until June)). 5 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Dakota Medical Charities
How much does Dakota Medical Charities give each year?
Dakota Medical Charities gave $3.7M across 32 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 22 grants.
What is Dakota Medical Charities's typical grant size?
Dakota Medical Charities's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $116,390, across 32 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Dakota Medical Charities give grants?
Dakota Medical Charities gives mostly in North Dakota: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Fargo, ND (18 grants), Moorhead, MN (2 grants), Bismarck, ND (2 grants) and West Fargo, ND (2 grants).
Does Dakota Medical Charities give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 32 grants with a stated purpose on Dakota Medical Charities's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Dakota Medical Charities's largest grantees?
Dakota Medical Charities's largest 2025 grantees include Dakota Medical Foundation ($3,356,174), UND Alumni Association & Foundation ($55,000) and Soul Solutions Recovery Center Inc ($31,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($8,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 92% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Dakota Medical Charities?
Dakota Medical Charities reported $89.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.3M.
What does Dakota Medical Charities fund?
Dakota Medical Charities’ stated mission is to positively impact health in its region. Its filing says its grants and initiatives focus on access to healthcare, organizational effectiveness, health and wellbeing, and donor fulfillment. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Dakota Medical Charities?
Dakota Medical Charities has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check dakmed.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Dakota Medical Charities's EIN?
Dakota Medical Charities's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-0368679. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 17, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Dakota Medical Charities funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/dakota-medical-charities-morg_12c5a6ff09074356a1e770745e99878d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_450368679_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Dakota Medical Charities funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/dakota-medical-charities-morg_12c5a6ff09074356a1e770745e99878d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Dakota Medical Charities's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Dakota Medical Charities down — hundreds of funders to go?