The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Duluth, Minnesota, established in 1975 by Lloyd K. Johnson, a Grand Marais native who built his wealth through law practice, real estate, and the Superwood Corporation. The foundation formally established operations in 2007 and has since become a significant philanthropic force on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The foundation's mission centers on expanding opportunities for people and communities in this region through intentional giving, commitment to place, and active community partnership.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$31.0M
+12.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
-8.4% YoY
Grant Count
69
-11.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
+3.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Lloyd K Johnson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation expands opportunities for people and communities on the North Shore of Lake Superior through intentional giving, a commitment to place, and working with people to make this region and its future better for everyone.
Core Values:
- A Just and Equitable Region
- Stewardship
- Relationships
- Education
- The Power of Place
Funding Interest Areas:
- Education: Supporting activities that contribute to the development and advancement of quality educational and training opportunities, and promoting opportunities for lifelong learning
- Arts and Culture: Supporting activities that contribute to the creation and development of a healthy and vibrant arts community
- Environment: Supporting educational programs that promote respect for the natural environment and encouraging efforts to maintain quality air, water, and land resources for future generations
- Community and Economic Development: Enhancing the economic and social well-being of all residents and supporting opportunities for economic self-sufficiency, particularly for individuals and families with low incomes
- Human Services: Supporting social welfare programs
Grantmaking
The foundation offers two grant pathways:
Average Grant
amount: $294 to $100,000 (based on recent data)
Ready to take the next step with Lloyd K Johnson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves Cook, Lake, and southern St. Louis Counties in Minnesota (the North Shore region of Lake Superior) and the Grand Portage Nation. The foundation has a particular commitment to Cook County, where founder Lloyd K. Johnson was born and raised.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets:
- Total assets: Approximately $27.7 to $31 million (as of most recent filings)
Annual Giving:
- 2024: $1,180,350
- 2023: Total giving of $1,284,032
Historical Impact: Since establishing formal operations in 2007, the foundation has awarded more than $18 million in grants and $1 million in scholarships.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $31,039,493 | $27,710,160 | $25,255,307 |
| Revenue | $2,589,933 | $1,629,230 | $2,171,338 |
| Expenses | $1,816,651 | $1,746,652 | $1,903,166 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,583,366 | $1,700,661 | $1,782,073 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,389,235 | $1,320,496 | $1,972,459 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,458,629 | $1,275,110 | $1,329,741 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Chum ($100,000), Cook County Higher Education ($70,000), Chester Bowl Improvement Club ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ANIMAL ALLIES HUMANE SOCIETY DULUTH, MN | FELINE OBSERVATION AND ISOLATION KEN | $3,500 |
| ANIMIKII MAZINA'IGANAN THUNDERBIRD CLOQUET, MN | FUR TRADE NATION RELEASE | $3,500 |
| ARMORY ARTS AND MUSIC CENTER DULUTH, MN | BUILDING CAPACITY THROUGH A COMPREHE | $20,000 |
| ARROWHEAD CHORALE DULUTH, MN | MUSICAL STORYTELLING THROUGH PUPPETR | $7,500 |
| BIRCH GROVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL TOFTE, MN | 2024 SUMMER YOUTH CORPS | $3,500 |
| BOB TAVANI HOUSE FOR MEDICAL REPITE DULUTH, MN | BOB TAVANI HOUSE GENERAL OPERATING F | $15,000 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE NORTHLAND DULUTH, MN | CAPACITY BUILDING | $20,000 |
| CARE PARTNERS OF COOK COUNTY GRAND MARAIS, MN | BUILD OUT AND GENERAL FOR COOK COUNT | $23,500 |
| CENTER CITY HOUSING CORP DULUTH, MN | CCHC FAMILY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING | $20,000 |
| CHESTER BOWL IMPROVEMENT CLUB DULUTH, MN | GROWING UP CHESTER CHALET EXPANSION | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Executive Director: Erik Torch
- President/CEO: Stephen Surbaugh
- Vice President: Lynn Goerdt
- Grant Program Officer: Erica Kirsch
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERIK TORCH | EXECUTIVE DI | 40 | $150,485 |
| STEPHEN SURBAUGH | PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| LYNN GOERDT | VICE PRESIDE | 2 | — |
| JEFF STODDARD | TREASURER | 2 | — |
| CINDY HANSEN | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| RICK SMITH | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| PETE JERONIMUS | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| ED CRAWFORD | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| KIRSTEN CRUIKSHANK | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DOUG THOMPSON | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| SALAAM WITHERSPOON | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to the North Shore region. The foundation continues to expand its grantmaking reach while maintaining its focus on education as a transformative force for individuals, families, and communities.
BETTY WOLD JOHNSON FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $250,000 GRANT TO WOMEN'S SPORTS\The foundation also administers a scholarship program providing support to graduating seniors from Cook County High School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with a minimum GPA of 2.0, to continue their education at Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minnesota.
Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation Grant to support long distance students and student---
**Contact Information:**
Address: 130 West Superior Street, Suite 710, Duluth, Minnesota 55802
Phone: 218.726.9000
Website: https://lkjf.org
Email: ekirsch@lkjf.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation fund?
**Mission Statement:** The Lloyd K Johnson Foundation expands opportunities for people and communities on the North Shore of Lake Superior through intentional giving, a commitment to place, and working with people to make this region and its future better for everyone. **Core Values:** • A Just and Equitable Region • Stewardship • Relationships • Education • The Power of Place **Funding Interest Areas:** • **Education:** Supporting activities that contribute to the development and advancement o…
How do I apply for a grant from Lloyd K Johnson Foundation?
**Grant Structure:** The foundation offers two grant pathways: • **Quarterly Grants:** For funding requests over $3,500, with four application cycles per year • **Small Grants:** Up to $3,500, accepted year-round on a rolling basis **Grant Amounts:** • Typical award range: $1,000 to $100,000 • Average grant amount: $294 to $100,000 (based on recent data) **Recent Activity:** • 2024: 69 grants awarded totaling $1,180,350 • 2023: 78 grants awarded **Eligible Applicants:** • Nonprofit organization…
Where does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation make grants?
The foundation serves Cook, Lake, and southern St. Louis Counties in Minnesota (the North Shore region of Lake Superior) and the Grand Portage Nation. The foundation has a particular commitment to Cook County, where founder Lloyd K. Johnson was born and raised.
What size grants does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation award?
In 2024, Lloyd K Johnson Foundation awarded 69 grants totaling $1.3M — an average of about $19K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Lloyd K Johnson Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Lloyd K Johnson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.5M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's EIN?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 51-0180842. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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