Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation
The Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation is a private foundation based in Grand Forks, an individual recipient In 2024, it gave $2,342,500 through 13 grants, with the listed grant purposes focused on scholarships and leadership programs at colleges and universities.
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation at a glance
In short: Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation gave $2.3M across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $180K), mostly in North Dakota. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,342,500
- -10.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- +8.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $180,192
- -17.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $160,000
- Total assets
- $50,590,875
- -0.1% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- North Dakota (92% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 19 Inland Hills Ct, Grand Forks, ND 58201-7948
Phone: (218) 791-4764
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Jamestown ($300K). Together the top 7 received $1.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 6 individual scholarships ($1,142,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
65 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 39 grants of 65 (60%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 92% of grant dollars went to recipients in an individual recipient and 8% to recipients in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+12%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 76% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2020) to $2.6M (2023). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $2.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 6 individual scholarships Recipients not named | — | $1,142,500 |
| University of Jamestown Jamestown, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $300,000 |
| University of North Dakota School of Medicine Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $200,000 |
| Concordia College Moorhead, MN | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $180,000 |
| University of North Dakota School of Engineering & Mines Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $150,000 |
| University of North Dakota School of Law Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $150,000 |
| University of Mary Bismarck, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $120,000 |
| University of North Dakota College of Business & Public Administration Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $100,000 |
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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 | $50,590,875 | $2,599,055 | $2,626,645 | $2,342,500 | 13 | $2,415,405 | $2,387,815 | $3,160,981 |
| 2023 | $50,618,465 | $1,792,486 | $2,961,051 | $2,625,000 | 12 | $2,678,052 | $1,569,570 | $2,564,896 |
| 2022 | $51,781,835 | $4,929,608 | $3,083,090 | $2,575,500 | 13 | $2,670,673 | $4,591,325 | $2,532,157 |
| 2021 | $49,885,317 | $8,448,045 | $2,446,688 | $2,100,000 | 15 | $2,148,741 | $4,835,037 | $2,668,634 |
| 2020 | $43,899,049 | $20,345,186 | $1,329,954 | $1,052,500 | 12 | — | $823,658 | $2,200,878 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.2M 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 foundation mission statement is provided. Its 2024 grants supported educational institutions, including university foundations and academic schools, for scholarships and leadership programs.
The supported organizations describe their missions in their own terms. Mayville State University Foundation says it supports activities of Mayville an individual recipient State University Foundation says it advances the university through scholarships and promotion. The University of Jamestown describes a focus on students’ wholeness, academic excellence, professional preparation, and growth in a Christian tradition. Concordia College says it aims to send thoughtful and informed people dedicated to the Christian life into society. The University of Mary says it serves the religious, academic, and cultural needs of people in its region and beyond.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 13 grants totaling $2,342,500. Grant amounts ranged from $75,000 to $400,000, with a median of $160,000. Among the largest grants were $400,000 to Mayville State University Foundation, $300,000 to the University of Jamestown, $200,000 to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, $197,500 to an individual recipient State University College of Business, and $180,000 to Concordia College. Each was designated for scholarships and a leadership program.
Other reported 2024 grants included $160,000 each to Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation and an individual recipient State College of Science and Alumni Foundation; $150,000 each to Minot State University Development Foundation, University of North Dakota School of Engineering & Mines, and University of North Dakota School of Law; and $120,000 to the University of an individual recipient State University Foundation reported receiving $75,000.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation’s 2024 filing lists Douglas A Christensen as President, Andrew B Kjos as Secretary/Treasurer, and Julie A Barner as Trustee.
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation is led by Douglas A Christensen, President on every filing since 2020; all 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Douglas A Christensen
President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$6K (2020) → $15K (2024)
Julie A Barner
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
$6K (2020) → $15K (2024)
Andrew B Kjos
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$6K (2020) → $15K (2024)
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 $15K, to Douglas A Christensen (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation
How much does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation give each year?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation gave $2.3M across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.6M across 12 grants.
What is Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's typical grant size?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $160,000, and its average grant was $180,192, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation give grants?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation gives mostly in North Dakota: 92% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Minnesota (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Grand Forks, ND (4 grants).
Does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Scholarships and Leadership program." (13 grants).
Who are Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's largest grantees?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Jamestown ($300,000), University of North Dakota School of Medicine ($200,000) and Concordia College ($180,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 6 individual scholarships ($1,142,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation reported $50.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.2M (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 Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation fund?
No foundation mission statement is provided. Its 2024 grants supported educational institutions, including university foundations and academic schools, for scholarships and leadership programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation?
The foundation 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 Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's EIN?
Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-1507358. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Edson & Margaret 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/edson-and-margaret-larson-foundation-morg_e512341b9eed4ff4940ec7109b60b618
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_271507358_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Edson \& Margaret Larson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/edson-and-margaret-larson-foundation-morg_e512341b9eed4ff4940ec7109b60b618},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. 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 Edson & Margaret 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.
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