Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation is a private foundation based in Duluth, Minnesota, that supports people and communities on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Founded in 1975, it says its mission is to expand opportunities in the region through intentional giving, a commitment to place, and work with community members.
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation at a glance
In short: Lloyd K Johnson Foundation gave $2.7M across 72 grants in 2025 (avg $38K), mostly in Minnesota. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,745,657
- +113.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 72
- +4.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $38,134
- +104.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $31,261,701
- +0.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (21 of 71, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The filing lists January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 as application deadlines. The website lists inquiry-window dates of December 10, March 10, June 10, and September 10. These dates for the 2025 filing-year cycles are past.
- Deadline
- The filing lists January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 as application deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Erik Torch
Mailing address: 130 West Superior Street, Suite 520, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-9000
Website: https://lkjf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
Who Lloyd K Johnson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior ($1.3M). Together the top 10 received $1.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
375 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 348 grants of 375 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation describes its mission as serving the North Shore of Lake Superior. Its filing states that it accepts applications from organizations located in or providing services within Lake, Cook, and southern St. Louis counties in Minnesota. In 2025, all reported grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 72 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Lloyd K Johnson Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 21 of 71 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $12K; repeat grants $50K. How we count
Medians: $4K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 49% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 82% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 199% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $873K (2020) to $2.7M (2025). In 2025 it made 72 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Grand Portage, MN | To Support Land Restoration Costs Fo | $1,265,000 |
| Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Grand Marais, MN | New Electronic Health Records System | $130,000 |
| Cook County Schools- ISD 166 Grand Marais, MN | Playground Improvements and Ada-Comp | $100,000 |
| Lake Superior College Duluth, MN | Scholarships | $73,527 |
| Cook County Higher Education Grand Marais, MN | Tuition Scholarships for Cook County | $70,000 |
| Wtip Cook County Community Radio Grand Marais, MN | General Operating Expenses as Wtip W | $65,000 |
| Violence Prevention Center Grand Marais, MN | General Operating Costs to Sustain C | $53,000 |
| National Parks of Lake Superior Fou St. Paul, MN | An Interpretive Exhibit at the New G | $50,000 |
| Divine Konnections Inc Duluth, MN | The Development and Implementation O | $50,000 |
| Maji Ya Chai Land Sanctuary Two Harbors, MN | Security and Infrastructure Improvem | $50,000 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,261,701 | $2,197,057 | $3,332,728 | $2,745,657 | 72 | $3,034,562 | $1,984,880 | $1,522,561 |
| 2024 | $31,039,493 | $2,589,933 | $1,816,651 | $1,284,032 | 69 | $1,583,366 | $2,389,235 | $1,458,629 |
| 2023 | $27,710,160 | $1,629,230 | $1,746,652 | $1,402,203 | 78 | $1,700,661 | $1,320,496 | $1,275,110 |
| 2022 | $25,255,307 | $2,171,338 | $1,903,166 | $1,506,814 | 84 | $1,782,073 | $1,972,459 | $1,329,741 |
| 2021 | $33,611,867 | $3,026,919 | $1,628,922 | $1,083,513 | 72 | $1,312,928 | $2,828,772 | $1,550,176 |
| 2020 | $30,573,834 | $1,324,012 | $1,411,057 | $873,188 | 54 | — | $1,156,818 | $1,346,222 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Lloyd K Johnson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.5M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to expand opportunities for people and communities on the North Shore. Its funding interests are social welfare, arts and culture, education, community and economic development, and the environment. It describes social welfare as including community health and well-being and healthy youth development; its other interests include arts activity, education and lifelong learning, economic self-sufficiency, and environmental education and stewardship.
Applicants may be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public entities such as school districts, local government units, or Native Nations, or organizations working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Grants may not be used for election campaigns, lobbying, or direct religious purposes. The foundation does not make grants to private foundations, businesses, or individuals.
Grantees’ stated missions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Sawtooth Mountain Clinic says it provides access to comprehensive primary healthcare in Cook County regardless of a user’s ability to pay. Cook County Higher Education says it provides local access to college and vocational training. The Violence Prevention Center says it serves people affected by domestic and sexual violence and works to build healthy relationships. Other 2025 grantees include organizations whose missions address youth support, community care, traditional crafts, and land-based gathering and healing.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 72 grants totaling $2,745,657. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $1,265,000, with a median of $15,000. It offers four quarterly grant cycles for requests over $3,500 and accepts small grant proposals of $3,500 or less year-round.
The largest reported 2025 grant was $1,265,000 to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior for land restoration costs. Other large grants included $130,000 to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic for a new electronic health records system; $100,000 to Cook County Schools–ISD 166 for playground improvements and ADA-related work; $73,527 to Lake Superior College for scholarships; and $70,000 to Cook County Higher Education for tuition scholarships. WTIP Cook County Community Radio received $65,000 for general operating expenses, and the Violence Prevention Center received $53,000 for general operating costs.
For quarterly grants, the foundation’s website asks prospective applicants to contact it before the inquiry-window dates to arrange a conversation. The filing says organizations should email or call foundation staff to discuss a proposed application; if the request fits the guidelines, the organization submits an application, and additional information may be requested. The website says grants over $3,500 require an invitation to apply after the inquiry. The filing states that awards are restricted to organizations located in or providing services within Lake, Cook, and southern St. Louis counties in Minnesota.
The foundation also runs a scholarship program for eligible Cook County high school seniors. It pays tuition, books, and fees for up to 2.5 academic years at specified Minnesota colleges and provides student support services. This is a scholarship program for students, separate from grants to outside applicants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Erik Torch as executive director, Lynn Goerdt as president, Kirsten Cruikshank as vice president, and Jeff Stoddard as treasurer. It also lists Ed Crawford, Cindy Hansen, Pete Jeronimus, Stephen Surbaugh, and Doug Thompson as directors.
The foundation’s website identifies Erik Torch as executive director, Erica Kirsch as program officer, Rachel Forsyth as scholarship program officer, and Jenna Wagoner as administrative specialist.
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation is led by Lynn Goerdt, President since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 9 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Lynn Goerdt
President
Director → Vice President, 2024
Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Hansen
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen Surbaugh
Director
President → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pete Jeronimus
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Doug Thompson
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ed Crawford
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erik Torch
Executive Di
Executive Director M → Executive Di, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$99K (2023) → $157K (2025)
Jeff Stoddard
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kirsten Cruikshank
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Rick Smith (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Salaam Witherspoon (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Joan Gardner-Goodno (2020–2023) — Executive Director J
- Former: Susan Michels (2020–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Darryl E. Coons (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Scott Harrison (2020) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $157K, to Erik Torch (Executive Di).
Frequently asked questions about Lloyd K Johnson Foundation
How much does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation give each year?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation gave $2.7M across 72 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 69 grants.
What is Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's typical grant size?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $38,134, across 72 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Lloyd K Johnson Foundation that year got $12K on average.
Where does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation give grants?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Duluth, MN (38 grants), Grand Marais, MN (16 grants), St. Paul, MN (3 grants) and Minneapolis, MN (3 grants).
Does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 72) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Scholarships" (3 grants).
Who are Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's largest grantees?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior ($1,265,000), Sawtooth Mountain Clinic ($130,000) and Cook County Schools- ISD 166 ($100,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Lloyd K Johnson Foundation?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation reported $31.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Lloyd K Johnson Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to expand opportunities for people and communities on the North Shore. Its funding interests are social welfare, arts and culture, education, community and economic development, and the environment. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Lloyd K Johnson Foundation?
Lloyd K Johnson Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check lkjf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
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 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 23, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 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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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Lloyd K Johnson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/lloyd-k-johnson-foundation-morg_3974ec5ff7d7468183629321af673d48
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_510180842_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Lloyd K Johnson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/lloyd-k-johnson-foundation-morg_3974ec5ff7d7468183629321af673d48},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Lloyd K Johnson 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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