Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation
The Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation is a private independent foundation established in North Dakota and designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the foundation operates as a grantmaking organization focused on supporting educational and leadership initiatives, primarily in the Upper Midwest region.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$50.6M
-0.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.3M
-10.8% YoY
Grant Count
13
+8.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$180K
-17.6% YoY
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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation was established by Edson and Margaret Larson, who were members of the Mayville community and recognized the importance of education to their region. The foundation's primary funding areas include:
- Education: Scholarships and educational programs at higher education institutions
- Leadership Development: Programs designed to build leadership characteristics and prepare students for future leadership roles
- Professional Societies & Associations: Support for professional development initiatives
The foundation emphasizes support for North Dakota residents and institutions, reflecting the founders' commitment to their home state.
Grantmaking
The foundation makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Grants support scholarships with specific criteria, including requirements that recipients demonstrate community service, leadership, and academic achievement, with preference for North Dakota residents who intend to work or pursue graduate studies in North Dakota or Minnesota institutions.
Average Grant
amount: $208,000
Ready to take the next step with Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking is concentrated in North Dakota and Minnesota, with a particular emphasis on North Dakota institutions and residents. Scholarship programs specifically target North Dakota high school graduates and residents.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $50.6 million
- Total Revenue: $1.79 million
- Total Expenses: $2.96 million
- Total Liabilities: $0
Asset Growth: Total assets have grown from $15.3 million in 2011 to $50.6 million in 2023, demonstrating significant growth over the foundation's operational period.
Annual Distribution: The foundation has distributed between $2.6 million annually in recent years (2022-2023).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $50,590,875 | $50,618,465 | $51,781,835 |
| Revenue | $2,599,055 | $1,792,486 | $4,929,608 |
| Expenses | $2,626,645 | $2,961,051 | $3,083,090 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,415,405 | $2,678,052 | $2,670,673 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,387,815 | $1,569,570 | $4,591,325 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,160,981 | $2,564,896 | $2,532,157 |
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
65 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Mayville State University Foundation ($400,000), University of Jamestown ($300,000), University of North Dakota School of Medicine ($200,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Concordia College Moorhead, MN | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $180,000 |
| Dickinson State University Heritage Foundation Dickinson, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $160,000 |
| Mayville State University Foundation Mayville, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $400,000 |
| Minot State University Development Foundation Minot, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $150,000 |
| North Dakota State College of Science and Alumni Foundation Fargo, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $160,000 |
| North Dakota State University College of Business Fargo, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $197,500 |
| University of Jamestown Jamestown, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $300,000 |
| 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 |
| University of North Dakota School of Engineering & Mines Grand Forks, ND | Scholarships and Leadership program. | $150,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Douglas A Christensen: President
- Andrew B Kjos: Treasurer and Secretary
- Julie A Barner: Trustee
- Wells Fargo Bank ND NA: Principal Officer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas A Christensen | President | 2 | $15,000 |
| Andrew B Kjos | Secretary/Treasurer | 1 | $15,000 |
| Julie A Barner | Trustee | 0.5 | $15,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been actively supporting integrated leadership programs at regional institutions. A notable initiative includes funding for an integrated leadership program at Mayville State University, which established six key leadership traits as the foundation for curriculum development: leading by example, ethical judgment, leading with purpose, communication, always learning, and leadership self-direction.
: Mayville State University :: Mayville, NDThe foundation has also supported the development of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, reflecting its commitment to institutionalizing leadership development within educational institutions.
Community Foundation Awards $615K through Larson Endowment | Grand TraverseSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation fund?
The foundation was established by Edson and Margaret Larson, who were members of the Mayville community and recognized the importance of education to their region. The foundation's primary funding areas include: • **Education**: Scholarships and educational programs at higher education institutions • **Leadership Development**: Programs designed to build leadership characteristics and prepare students for future leadership roles • **Professional Societies & Associations**: Support for professio…
How do I apply for a grant from Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical grant awards range from $40,000 to $450,000 • Average grant amount: $208,000 • Median grant amount: $200,000 • The foundation has made 25 grants totaling $5.2 million across available records **Recent Grant Activity (2023):** • Mayville State University Foundation: $400,000 (Scholarships and Leadership Program) • University of Jamestown: $350,000 (Scholarships and Leadership Program) • University of Mary: $150,000 (Scholarships and Leadership Program) **Gran…
Where does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking is concentrated in North Dakota and Minnesota, with a particular emphasis on North Dakota institutions and residents. Scholarship programs specifically target North Dakota high school graduates and residents.
What size grants does Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation award?
In 2024, Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation awarded 13 grants totaling $2.3M — an average of about $180K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.2M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
North Dakota Right to Life Association
BISMARCK, ND
Assets
$164K
Grants
3
Total Given
$26K
Tp Mulick Family Education Foundation
MINOT, ND
Assets
$2.4M
Grants
1
Total Given
$62K
Ronald and Duska LaCount Family
MINOT, ND
Assets
—
Grants
5
Total Given
$3.9M
Fishes and Loaves From Jesus Christ Inc
FARGO, ND
Assets
—
Grants
9
Total Given
$17K
Inspiritus Community Health Foundation
MINOT, ND
Assets
$7K
Grants
47
Total Given
$1.1M
Offutt Family Foundation
FARGO, ND
Assets
$380.7M
Grants
114
Total Given
$9.6M
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Edson & Margaret Larson Foundation to a real strategy.