The Olseth Foundation
The Olseth Foundation, also known as the Olseth Family Foundation, is a private foundation based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Established in 1998, it operates as a family foundation guided by the principle of "giving back," a value instilled by the foundation's parents, Dale and Nancy Olseth. The foundation supports organizations across four primary sectors: Arts, Education, Environment, and services to the Underserved.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$897K
-1.2% YoY
Grant Count
45
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
-1.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on "Promoting Love for Our Communities and the World in Which We Live" and "Undertaking Initiatives for the Common Good." The organization has identified five specific initiatives to maximize philanthropic impact:
- Plant & Animal Species Conservation — Safeguarding ecosystems through species diversity
- Environmental Initiatives — Dedicated to preserving the natural world
- Community Initiatives — Strengthening communities through programs that matter
- Arts Initiatives — Enriching lives by ensuring vibrant arts are available to all
- Education Initiatives — Helping provide a well-rounded world view through enhanced educational experiences
The foundation's grantmaking focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, with particular emphasis in Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
Grantmaking
The foundation made 58 grants in 2024, with total giving of $896,500. Grant sizes typically range from $3,000 to $110,000.
Grant Range
s typically range from $3,000 to $110,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $18,501,055
- Total Giving: $896,500
- Total Revenues: $1,099,158
- Total Expenses: $1,635,075
- Investment Income and Dividends: $694,304
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
237 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is directed by Cheryl Olseth, Jon Olseth, and Karen Solomon. The organization has three employees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAREN L SOLOMON | TREASURER | 20 | $107,951 |
| JON P OLSETH | VICE-PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | 20 | $107,951 |
| CHERYL A OLSETH | PRESIDENT | 20 | $107,951 |
| MARGARET CRONIN | ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 3.6 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been active in community engagement, including a partnership with United Way to distribute poetry books to fourth-graders in the Mankato area as part of an ongoing tradition.
Tradition continues: United Way, Olseth Family Foundation deliver poetryThe foundation has provided significant support to St. Olaf College, including scholarship funds for students studying abroad and contributions to the college's music hall.
Olseth Family Foundation aids Oles studying abroad \u2013 St. Olaf CollegeSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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