Max and Betty Swanson Foundation
The Max and Betty Swanson Foundation is a private foundation based in Missoula, Montana. Its 2024 filing reports 60 grants totaling $139,750, with giving generally limited to the Missoula area.
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation at a glance
In short: Max and Betty Swanson Foundation gave $140K across 60 grants in 2024 (avg $2K), mostly in Montana. 9% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $139,750
- -19.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 60
- +1.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $2,329
- -20.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $3,250,979
- +0.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (5 of 58, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Montana (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Max and Betty Swanson Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Contact David Cotner and use the application form attached to the filing.
- Review Cycle
- None at this time, according to the filing.
- Deadline
- None at this time, according to the filing.
- Contact
Application contact: David Cotner
Mailing address: 321 W Broadway Ste 500, Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: (406) 541-1111
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Max and Betty Swanson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Montana ($31K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $88K.
Grant Size Distribution
290 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 290 grants of 290 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 98% of grant dollars went to recipients in Montana and 2% to recipients in Nebraska. The filing says awards are generally limited to the Missoula area.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 60 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Max and Betty Swanson Foundation open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 58 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $2K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $1K repeat.
- 90% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+11%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 95% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $126K (2021) to $173K (2023). In 2024 it made 60 grants totaling $140K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Montana Missoula, MT | Athletic Service Fund - Educational Scholarship | $16,000 |
| Loving Loic Foundation Bozeman, MT | Help Fund Pkan Gene Therapy Development. | $14,000 |
| University of Montana Missoula, MT | University of Montana - college of business dean's impact scholarship | $14,000 |
| Greater Missoula Family YMCA Missoula, MT | Renovate Existing Russell Street Campus | $10,000 |
| Montana Meth Project Missoula, MT | Operating Expenses | $10,000 |
| Christian Life Center Missoula, MT | Operating Expenses | $6,500 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters Missoula, MT | General Operations | $4,000 |
| Daly Mansion Hamilton, MT | Operating Expenses | $4,000 |
| Humane Society Missoula, MT | Access to basic medical and behavioral services for pets. | $3,000 |
| Missoula Aging Services Missoula, MT | Meals on Wheels Program | $3,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Max and Betty Swanson Foundation?
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 | $3,250,979 | $275,467 | $252,387 | $139,750 | 60 | $173,274 | $206,396 | $181,760 |
| 2023 | $3,234,069 | $225,154 | $270,956 | $172,500 | 59 | $201,003 | $161,703 | $171,880 |
| 2022 | $3,286,649 | $177,627 | $266,489 | $165,576 | 62 | $191,605 | $118,383 | $177,402 |
| 2021 | $3,381,928 | $373,509 | $236,696 | $126,000 | 55 | $146,000 | $265,247 | $187,203 |
| 2020 | $3,201,190 | $267,246 | $217,411 | $127,250 | 54 | — | $232,529 | $159,910 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Max and Betty Swanson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $182K for 2024 — 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 available filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in areas including youth development, health, education, environmental education, and social services. For example, the Montana Natural History Center says it promotes appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of nature through education; Mountain Home Montana says it provides a safe, stable, nurturing home for young mothers and their children; and Watson Children’s Shelter says it provides a safe, nurturing environment for children affected by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or family crisis.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 60 grants totaling $139,750. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $16,000, with a median of $1,000. Among the largest grants were $16,000 to the University of Montana for its Athletic Service Fund educational scholarship; $14,000 to Loving Loic Foundation to help fund PKAN gene therapy development; $14,000 to the University of Montana College of Business Dean’s Impact Scholarship; and $10,000 each to Greater Missoula Family YMCA for campus renovations and Montana Meth Project for operating expenses.
The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It directs applicants to contact David Cotner and see the application form attached to the filing. The filing says awards are generally limited to the Missoula, Montana area.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists David B. Cotner as president, Annette Gustafson as vice president, and Kurt Ingold as secretary/treasurer.
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation is led by David B. Cotner, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); all 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David B. Cotner
President
Secretary & Treasurer → Vice President, 2023
Vice President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$7K (2020) → $8K (2024)
Kurt Ingold
Secretary & Treasurer
Vice President → President, 2023
President → Secretary & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$7K (2020) → $8K (2024)
Annette Gustafson
Vice President
President → Secretary & Treasurer, 2023
Secretary & Treasurer → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$7K (2022) → $8K (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Clifford Gustafson (2020–2021) — Secretary & Treasurer
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 $8K, to David B Cotner (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Max and Betty Swanson Foundation
How much does Max and Betty Swanson Foundation give each year?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation gave $140K across 60 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $173K across 59 grants.
What is Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's typical grant size?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,000, and its average grant was $2,329, across 60 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Max and Betty Swanson Foundation that year got $3K on average.
Where does Max and Betty Swanson Foundation give grants?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation gives mostly in Montana: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Missoula, MT (51 grants) and Hamilton, MT (2 grants).
Does Max and Betty Swanson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 53% of Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (32 of 60) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's largest grantees?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Montana ($30,500 across 3 grants), Loving Loic Foundation ($14,000) and Greater Missoula Family YMCA ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 39% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Max and Betty Swanson Foundation?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation reported $3.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $173K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $182K (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 Max and Betty Swanson Foundation fund?
The available filing does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants supported organizations working in areas including youth development, health, education, environmental education, and social services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Max and Betty Swanson Foundation?
Contact David Cotner and use the application form attached to the filing. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's EIN?
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-0535708. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 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 Max and Betty Swanson 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
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Max and Betty Swanson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Bill & Rosemary Gallagher Foundation
Missoula, MT
The Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations serving Western Montana residents in areas including education, arts and culture, community enrichment, healthcare, and support for people in need. Awards are typically around $5,000, with listed averages of $3,000 for small program grants, $8,000–$10,000 for program grants, and $50,000 for capital campaigns. Unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed; applicants should contact the executive director for details and may apply after a preliminary review.
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
46
Total Given
$380K
The Llewellyn Foundation
Springfield, OH
The Llewellyn Foundation funds work supporting health, education, and community well-being, including education, food access, housing, environmental projects, and community programs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000, and were concentrated in Montana and Massachusetts, with smaller amounts in Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. It accepts proposals by invitation only; organizations may submit a website inquiry to be considered.
Assets
$13.0M
Grants
51
Total Given
$1.0M
The William H & Margaret M Wallace
Missoula, MT
The William H. & Margaret M. Wallace Foundation funds Montana organizations working in areas such as food assistance, scholarships, youth programs and education, cancer-related services, and organizational operations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $80,000, with a median of $15,000. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.3M
Grants
30
Total Given
$549K
Voice Foundation
Missoula, MT
Assets
$125K
Grants
10
Total Given
$8K
Sample Foundation Inc
Billings, MT
The foundation supports Montana nonprofits serving health, social welfare, and underserved populations, primarily for equipment and building projects rather than operating costs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $20,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts annual online applications, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$7.7M
Grants
76
Total Given
$555K
Treacy Foundation
Helena, MT
The Treacy Foundation supports nonprofits, primarily for capital campaigns, capital improvements, and maintenance, and provides college scholarships to eligible Montana and Idaho students. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $102,500, with a median of $15,000; it is based in Helena, Montana, and supports organizations in its community. Applicants may submit a one-page letter of intent, after which the foundation decides whether to invite a full application.
Assets
$43.7M
Grants
103
Total Given
$2.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Montana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Max and Betty Swanson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/max-and-betty-swanson-foundation-morg_69be5f7c9256422d9ca392db75cdf40a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_810535708_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Max and Betty Swanson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/max-and-betty-swanson-foundation-morg_69be5f7c9256422d9ca392db75cdf40a},
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 Max and Betty Swanson 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.
Max and Betty Swanson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?