The Olseth Foundation
The Olseth Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It supports charitable organizations in the arts, education, environment, and service to underserved people, with giving organized around five initiatives: species conservation; carbon reduction and clean energy; dignity, respect and equality; food and housing security; and arts, culture and education.
The Olseth Foundation at a glance
In short: The Olseth Foundation gave $927K across 57 grants in 2025 (avg $16K), top state Minnesota. 21% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $926,738
- +3.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 57
- +26.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $16,259
- -18.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $18,828,292
- +1.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (12 of 56, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (49% 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 The Olseth Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its grant portal is for invited applicants, who need a password to submit a request.
- Contact
Mailing address: 601 Carlson Parkway Suite 1050, Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone: (612) 267-3287
Website: https://olsethfamilyfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Olseth Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was World Wildlife Fund Inc (WWF) ($100K). Together the top 10 received $498K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($8,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
253 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 234 grants of 253 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, grant dollars went to recipients in Minnesota (49%), Oregon (27%), Washington, DC (11%), California (10%) and Wisconsin (2%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 57 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Olseth Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 12 of 56 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $19K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 73% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+1%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 106% 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 $897K (2024) to $1.1M (2021). In 2025 it made 57 grants totaling $927K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| World Wildlife Fund Inc (WWF) Washington, DC | Operating ($100,000) | $100,000 |
| Recharge America Inc Fairfax, CA | America, Minnesota, Mankato | $90,000 |
| St Olaf College Northfield, MN | Scholarship Fund | $60,000 |
| The Advocates for Human Rights Minneapolis, MN | Un training costs ($3,000), operations ($37,500), act now campaign ($12,500) | $53,000 |
| Greater Mankato Area United Way Inc Mankato, MN | 4th grade book project ($24,000), kindness booth project ($2,500), general operation ($20,000) | $46,500 |
| Oregon Natural Resources Council Fund (Oregon Wild) Portland, OR | Operating | $35,000 |
| Path Home (Formerly PHFS) Portland, OR | General Operating ($10,000); Prevention Program ($20,000) | $30,000 |
| The Library Foundation Inc Portland, OR | Summer Reading and Early Learning Playspaces | $30,000 |
| Mankato Area Foundation Mankato, MN | Community Impact FUND($20,000); Recharge Mankato Fund ($8,000) | $28,000 |
| Jungle Theater Minneapolis, MN | Operating | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Olseth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $18,828,292 | $1,998,578 | $1,671,318 | $926,738 | 57 | $1,486,619 | $1,818,940 | $1,401,086 |
| 2024 | $18,501,055 | $1,099,158 | $1,635,075 | $896,500 | 45 | $1,442,004 | $911,306 | $1,366,573 |
| 2023 | $19,037,022 | $1,150,660 | $1,542,945 | $907,277 | 45 | $1,383,919 | $994,981 | $1,259,394 |
| 2022 | $19,429,822 | $-292,385 | $1,546,795 | $916,703 | 47 | $1,369,895 | $306,265 | $1,317,576 |
| 2021 | $21,271,180 | $1,153,317 | $1,707,543 | $1,101,000 | 59 | $1,516,062 | $970,709 | $1,514,572 |
| 2020 | $21,824,988 | $541,851 | $1,480,340 | $908,000 | 58 | — | $375,436 | $1,312,372 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Olseth Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.4M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says it seeks to advance dignity, respect and equality by partnering with organizations that combat discrimination, prevent violence against women and children, promote equal access to justice and healthcare, and address academic achievement gaps. Its other stated initiatives focus on protecting species and ecosystems, climate education and carbon reduction, food and housing security, and experiential learning through arts, culture and education.
Its grantees include organizations with varied missions. The Advocates for Human Rights says it works to promote and protect human rights in the United States and around the world. The Minneapolis American Indian Center describes services including education, community development, youth programs, health and wellness, and elder services. Other 2025 recipients include St. Olaf College, which describes its work as liberal arts education in an inclusive, globally engaged community, and Recharge America, whose stated mission includes supporting renewable energy and environmental conservation.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 57 grants totaling $926,738. Grants ranged from $1,620 to $100,000, with a median grant of $10,000. Among the largest awards were $100,000 to World Wildlife Fund for operating support; $90,000 to Recharge America; $60,000 to St. Olaf College for a scholarship fund; and $53,000 to The Advocates for Human Rights for UN training costs, operations and its Act Now campaign. Other notable grants included $46,500 to Greater Mankato Area United Way, $35,000 to Oregon Natural Resources Council Fund (Oregon Wild), and $30,000 each to Path Home and The Library Foundation in Portland.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Cheryl A. Olseth as president, Jon P. Olseth as vice-president/secretary, Karen L. Solomon as treasurer, and Margaret Cronin as administrative officer. The foundation’s website identifies Cheryl Olseth, Jon Olseth and Karen Solomon as directors.
The Olseth Foundation is led by Cheryl A. Olseth, President on every filing since 2020; 3 of 4 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Cheryl A. Olseth
President
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$95K (2020) → $111K (2025)
Jon P. Olseth
Vice President & Secretary
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$95K (2020) → $111K (2025)
Karen L. Solomon
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$95K (2020) → $111K (2025)
Margaret Cronin
Administrative Officer
On filings since 2020
3.6 hrs/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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $111K, to Karen L Solomon (Treasurer). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Olseth Foundation
How much does The Olseth Foundation give each year?
The Olseth Foundation gave $927K across 57 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $897K across 45 grants.
What is The Olseth Foundation's typical grant size?
The Olseth Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $16,259, across 57 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Olseth Foundation that year got $6K on average.
Where does The Olseth Foundation give grants?
The Olseth Foundation's top state is Minnesota, with 49% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Oregon (27%) and District of Columbia (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, OR (18 grants), Minneapolis, MN (9 grants), Mankato, MN (9 grants) and St. Paul, MN (5 grants).
Does The Olseth Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 56% of The Olseth Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (32 of 57) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Lodging, Registration Fee, and Meals for Writing Residency" (6 grants).
Who are The Olseth Foundation's largest grantees?
The Olseth Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include World Wildlife Fund Inc (WWF) ($100,000), Recharge America Inc ($90,000) and St Olaf College ($60,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($8,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 27% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Olseth Foundation?
The Olseth Foundation reported $18.8M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Olseth Foundation fund?
The foundation says it seeks to advance dignity, respect and equality by partnering with organizations that combat discrimination, prevent violence against women and children, promote equal access to justice and healthcare, and address academic achievement gaps. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Olseth Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Olseth Foundation's EIN?
The Olseth Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1875950. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Olseth 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.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 7, 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
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Olseth Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Olseth Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-olseth-foundation-morg_a69b297c235546428ea6105b1caccb83
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_411875950_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Olseth Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-olseth-foundation-morg_a69b297c235546428ea6105b1caccb83},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 The Olseth 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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