David & Janis Larson Foundation
The David & Janis Larson Foundation is a private foundation based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It made 45 grants totaling $8.39 million in 2024, supporting organizations in Minnesota and other states.
David & Janis Larson Foundation at a glance
In short: David & Janis Larson Foundation gave $8.4M across 45 grants in 2024 (avg $186K), mostly in Minnesota. 35% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $8,390,000
- +4.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 45
- +25.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $186,444
- -16.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $139,838,749
- +2.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 35% first-time grantees (15 of 43, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (72% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to David & Janis Larson Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 250 Marquette Avenue 520, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (651) 330-5910
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who David & Janis Larson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Kansas University Endowment Association ($1.7M across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $5.7M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($7,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 38 grants of 144 (26%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 72% of grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota, 21% to Kansas, 4% to Wisconsin, and 3% to Missouri. California accounted for 0% of grant dollars.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 45 itemized grants.
Cities
Is David & Janis Larson Foundation open to new grantees?
35%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 43 grantees (35%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $120K; repeat grants $236K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $113K repeat.
- 65% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+11%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 86% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $7.5M (2020) to $9.3M (2022). In 2024 it made 45 grants totaling $8.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Sanneh Foundation St. Paul, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $1,301,500 |
| Kansas University Endowment Association Lawrence, KS | Larsons Scholars Fund | $1,051,000 |
| University of Minnesota Athletics Minneapolis, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $600,000 |
| Redwood Area Library Foundation Redwood Falls, MN | Children's Wing Addition | $500,000 |
| Central Square Cultural and Civic Center Glenwood, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $350,000 |
| Kansas University Endowment Association Lawrence, KS | Ku Leads Fund | $350,000 |
| YMCA of the North Minneapolis, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $300,000 |
| St Croix Valley Foundation Hudson, WI | Capistrant Parkinsons Fund | $300,000 |
| Pinky Swear Foundation Edina, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $250,000 |
| Pope County Historical Society Glenwood, MN | General Charitable Purposes | $250,000 |
Ready to take the next step with David & Janis Larson Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $139,838,749 | $12,333,771 | $9,381,235 | $8,390,000 | 45 | $8,532,321 | $11,707,236 | $9,875,742 |
| 2023 | $136,723,733 | $9,997,119 | $8,720,976 | $8,000,000 | 36 | $8,240,895 | $9,524,338 | $8,655,745 |
| 2022 | $135,472,119 | $5,520,335 | $10,522,687 | $9,300,000 | 30 | $9,411,908 | $4,718,001 | $8,113,148 |
| 2021 | $140,490,181 | $17,624,052 | $8,534,002 | $7,525,000 | 21 | $7,808,656 | $16,888,185 | $9,575,242 |
| 2020 | $131,263,001 | $-404,078 | $8,462,190 | $7,500,000 | 12 | — | $3,471,765 | $7,916,054 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, David & Janis Larson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $9.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations working in varied areas. For example, the Sanneh Foundation describes its work as using soccer to support youth development and educational attainment; Pinky Swear Foundation says it provides financial support to families with children battling cancer; and Voyageur Outward Bound School describes group learning adventures that help young people develop leadership skills. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 45 grants totaling $8,390,000. Grant amounts ranged from $7,500 to $1,301,500, with a median of $100,000.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $1,301,500 to the Sanneh Foundation for general charitable purposes; $1,051,000 to Kansas University Endowment Association for the Larsons Scholars Fund; $600,000 to University of Minnesota Athletics for general charitable purposes; and $500,000 to Redwood Area Library Foundation for a children’s wing addition. Other notable grants included $350,000 to Central Square Cultural and Civic Center for general charitable purposes, $300,000 to YMCA of the North for general charitable purposes, and $300,000 to St Croix Valley Foundation for the Capistrant Parkinsons Fund.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Janis L Larson, D Lance Larson, Reid M Larson, and First Trust Co LLC as trustees.
David & Janis Larson Foundation's 2024 filing lists 4 officers; 1 of 4 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
First Trust CO LLC
Trustee
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$158K (2020) → $202K (2024)
D. Lance Larson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janis L. Larson
Trustee
President, Sect'y, Treasurer & Trustee → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Reid M. Larson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $202K, to First Trust CO LLC (Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about David & Janis Larson Foundation
How much does David & Janis Larson Foundation give each year?
David & Janis Larson Foundation gave $8.4M across 45 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $8.0M across 36 grants.
What is David & Janis Larson Foundation's typical grant size?
David & Janis Larson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $186,444, across 45 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from David & Janis Larson Foundation that year got $120K on average.
Where does David & Janis Larson Foundation give grants?
David & Janis Larson Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 72% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Kansas (21%). The most frequent recipient cities were Minneapolis, MN (9 grants), St. Paul, MN (7 grants), Kansas City, MO (4 grants) and Lawrence, KS (3 grants).
Does David & Janis Larson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 67% of David & Janis Larson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (30 of 45) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are David & Janis Larson Foundation's largest grantees?
David & Janis Larson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Kansas University Endowment Association ($1,651,000 across 3 grants), The Sanneh Foundation ($1,301,500) and University of Minnesota Athletics ($600,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($7,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is David & Janis Larson Foundation?
David & Janis Larson Foundation reported $139.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $8.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $9.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does David & Janis Larson Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations working in varied areas. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from David & Janis Larson Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is David & Janis Larson Foundation's EIN?
David & Janis Larson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1957525. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does David & Janis Larson Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in David & Janis Larson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Jamf Nation Global Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Jamf Nation Global Foundation supports nonprofits aligned with its values and connected to Jamf employees’ local communities, including communities where employees live and work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,738 to $976,054, with a median of $27,476. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
5
Total Given
$1.4M
The Graco Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Graco Foundation funds local nonprofits, especially near its U.S. facilities, for capital projects, programs and technology, with emphasis on STEM education, workforce development and youth empowerment. In 2025, grants ranged from $500 to $214,000, with a median of $10,000; it prioritizes Minnesota and other states where Graco has facilities. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3M
Grants
38
Total Given
$1.6M
Butzow Family Foundation
Eden Prairie, MN
The Butzow Family Foundation supports preselected charities addressing needs such as children and youth, families, disability, veterans, and mental health, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Minnesota organizations. Its 22 grants ranged from $5,000 to $35,000, with a median of $15,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$6.3M
Grants
22
Total Given
$380K
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
Ch Robinson Worldwide Foundation
Sioux Falls, SD
The foundation funds community needs, supply-chain and logistics initiatives, and environmental sustainability, with a Twin Cities program focused on hunger, shelter, K–12 education, and workforce development. Its 2024 grants ranged from $750 to $2.69 million, with a median of $5,000; its Twin Cities program focuses on Minneapolis–St. Paul, while grants also went to organizations elsewhere. The Strategic Industry program is invitation-only, while the Twin Cities program has an application process.
Assets
$18.2M
Grants
87
Total Given
$4.0M
Boston Scientific Foundation Inc
Marlborough, MA
The Boston Scientific Foundation funds health and K–12 STEM education for economically disadvantaged people in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with emphasis on communities near its employees. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,000 to $600,000, with a median of $20,750. It does not accept unsolicited requests for regional grants; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$31.2M
Grants
60
Total Given
$2.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Minnesota
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). David & Janis Larson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/david-and-janis-larson-foundation-morg_de0e9c8b4f304fb0a863bd0aa9a6bd69
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_411957525_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{David \& Janis Larson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/david-and-janis-larson-foundation-morg_de0e9c8b4f304fb0a863bd0aa9a6bd69},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 David & Janis Larson Foundation'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.
David & Janis Larson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?