Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation
The Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Its 2025 grants supported organizations in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., including an orchestra, a college, a theater, and a democracy-focused organization.
Key facts about Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation
In short: Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation gave $759K across 4 grants in 2025 (avg $190K), mostly in Minnesota. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 41-1876884
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $758,590
- Grants made (2025)
- 4
- Average grant
- $189,648
- Median grant
- $124,636
- Total assets
- $5,672,358
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.7M
+8.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$759K
+51.8% YoY
Grant Count
4
+100.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$190K
-24.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $250K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+17%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 304% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No foundation mission statement is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for the Minnesota Orchestral Association’s Music’s Moment Campaign, Smith College’s Marilyn Carlson Nelson Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund, the Guthrie Theater’s Illuminate Campaign, and the National Endowment for Democracy’s Carl Gershman Fund for Democrats At-Risk.
The Minnesota Orchestral Association describes its mission as enriching, inspiring, and serving its community as an enduring symphony orchestra recognized internationally for artistic excellence. Smith College’s grant was designated for a scholarship fund.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made four grants totaling $758,590. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $499,318, with a median grant of $124,636. The largest awards were $499,318 to the Minnesota Orchestral Association for the Music’s Moment Campaign, $149,304 to Smith College for the Marilyn Carlson Nelson Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund, and $99,968 to the Guthrie Theater for the Illuminate Campaign. The National Endowment for Democracy received $10,000 for the Carl Gershman Fund for Democrats At-Risk.
How to Apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, Minnesota recipients received 79% of grant dollars, Massachusetts recipients received 20%, and recipients in Washington, D.C., received 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 4 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $500K (2024) to $1.0M (2020). In 2025 it made 4 grants totaling $759K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 4 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Minnesota Orchestral Association ($499K). Together the top 4 received $759K.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 73 grants of 85 (86%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Orchestral Association Minneapolis, MN | Music's Moment Campaign | $499,318 |
| Smith College Northampton, MA | Marilyn Carlson Nelson Class of 1961 Scholarship Fund | $149,304 |
| Guthrie Theater Minneapolis, MN | Illuminate Campaign | $99,968 |
| National Endowment for Democracy Washington, DC | Carl Gershman Fund for Democrats At-Risk | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5,672,358 | $1,089,758 | $767,400 | $758,590 | 4 |
| 2024 | $5,229,553 | $1,744,481 | $527,946 | $499,859 | 2 |
| 2023 | $3,791,193 | $136,849 | $740,966 | $736,851 | 9 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,672,358 | $5,229,553 | $3,791,193 |
| Revenue | $1,089,758 | $1,744,481 | $136,849 |
| Expenses | $767,400 | $527,946 | $740,966 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $758,615 | $523,010 | $736,876 |
| Net Investment Income | $553,147 | $130,995 | $108,638 |
| Distributable Amount | $249,793 | $177,569 | $186,160 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Marilyn C. Nelson as president, CFO, and treasurer; C. David Nelson as secretary; and Diana L. Nelson and Wendy M. Nelson as directors.
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation is led by Marilyn C. Nelson, President, CFO & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Marilyn C. Nelson
President, CFO & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diana L. Nelson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wendy M. Nelson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
C. David Nelson
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 701 Carlson Pkwy Ste 1250, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone: (952) 404-5636
Frequently asked questions about Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation
How much does Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation give each year?
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation gave $759K across 4 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $500K across 2 grants.
What is Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $124,636, and its average grant was $189,648, across 4 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation give grants?
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Massachusetts (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were Minneapolis, MN (2 grants).
Does Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 4 grants with a stated purpose on Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
How large is Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation?
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation reported $5.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $759K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $250K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation fund?
No foundation mission statement is provided. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family 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 Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's EIN?
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1876884. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family 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.
Here's the math on researching Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Minnesota
The Minneapolis Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Minneapolis Foundation funds civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education, health, the environment, arts, and human services, with most grant dollars going to Minnesota. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. It says no funding opportunities are currently open; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,565
Total Given
$121.7M
United Way Worldwide
Alexandria, VA
United Way Worldwide funds community programs focused on youth opportunity, health, financial security, education, and disaster relief, with 2024 grants made across multiple U.S. states and internationally. Its 209 reported grants ranged from $5,100 to $736,333, with a median of $22,675. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$68.0M
Grants
209
Total Given
$11.4M
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
St. Paul, MN
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic opportunity, health and human services, youth and education, housing, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000; listed programs offer up to $50,000 for eligible East Metro work and up to $15,000 for qualifying Minnesota organizations. It accepts applications through specific programs, including rolling application opportunities; the Community Solutions Grant Program serves Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,473
Total Given
$107.2M
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
The Richard M Schulze Family Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation funds education, health care, and human services, including college scholarships, with most support benefiting working- and middle-class families in specified Minnesota and Florida counties; it also makes some national grants. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $50 to $10 million. It plans to move to invitation-only grantmaking in 2027; whether it currently accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$218.3M
Grants
1,431
Total Given
$47.9M
Wells Fargo Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
Wells Fargo Foundation funds financial opportunity, affordable housing, small business growth, and some other local community needs across national and eligible local communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $8 million, with a median of $35,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; eligible organizations may submit a grant interest form to be considered for an invitation.
Assets
$8.6M
Grants
1,376
Total Given
$157.4M
C K Blandin Foundation
Grand Rapids, MN
The C K Blandin Foundation funds rural Minnesota projects that build community wealth, improve rural places, strengthen small communities, and support capacity-building, with a primary focus on the Grand Rapids area. Rural grants are typically $25,000–$150,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests, offering opportunities through invitations or competitive RFPs.
Assets
$506.3M
Grants
931
Total Given
$15.8M
The McKnight Foundation
Minneapolis, MN
The McKnight Foundation funds arts and culture, resilient food systems, Midwest climate and energy, neuroscience, and equitable communities, with Minnesota a primary focus for several programs and work also extending beyond the state. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000; prospective applicants should first discuss fit with program staff, who provide proposal instructions if the work can be considered.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
790
Total Given
$145.9M
Neighborhood Development Center Inc
Saint Paul, MN
Neighborhood Development Center supports entrepreneurs and neighborhood revitalization through business financing, training, services, and affordable commercial space, primarily in Saint Paul and Minneapolis, with grants going to Minnesota recipients. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,100 to $207,211, with a median of $13,500. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; a specific small-business grant RFP described was a past cycle.
Assets
$55.3M
Grants
571
Total Given
$10.2M
Marshall H and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund
Duluth, MN
The Marshall H and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund awards scholarships to students from northern Minnesota pursuing approved mathematics, science, engineering, or medical fields, with eligibility depending on the scholarship pathway. Its typical award is $2,500 (2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $3,000), and the high-school pathway is limited to students from ten Minnesota counties. It uses applications available through its website; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$18.4M
Grants
566
Total Given
$1.5M
Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN
The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota funds tax-exempt organizations addressing the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Catholic community, including education, housing, and social services. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,150 to $6 million, with a median of $16,124; most grant dollars went to Minnesota organizations, though grants also went elsewhere. CCF-directed grants may be invitation-only or offered through open competitive applications; the Community Priorities application window is closed.
Assets
$751.7M
Grants
504
Total Given
$43.9M
Communitygiving
St Cloud, MN
COMMUNITYGIVING supports nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives through donor-established funds and some competitive grants, serving communities in Minnesota and Derby, Kansas. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,100 to $680,477, with a median of $15,528; listed competitive opportunities generally offer $5,000–$30,000. It accepts applications for competitive opportunities through its online grant system; availability and eligibility depend on each opportunity.
Assets
$282.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$16.7M
More Funders in Minnesota
Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?