The Swanson Foundation
The Swanson Foundation is a private foundation, based in Fargo, ND. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $924K in total assets. In 2024, it made $495K in qualifying distributions.
The Swanson Foundation at a glance
- Total assets
- $923,675
- -20.1% vs 2023
- Revenue (2024)
- $1,110,353
- +95.5% vs 2023
- Qualifying distributions (2024)
- $495,082
- +1.8% vs 2023
- Expenses (2024)
- $1,270,737
- +5.2% vs 2023
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
Ready to take the next step with The Swanson Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $923,675 | $1,110,353 | $1,270,737 | $495,082 | $13,931 |
| 2023 | $1,156,173 | $568,055 | $1,207,586 | $486,281 | $25,221 |
| 2022 | $1,725,176 | $2,003,122 | $1,552,678 | $400 | $20,539 |
| 2021 | $1,162,021 | $1,220,869 | $59,744 | — | $399 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Swanson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $14K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Swanson Foundation's 2024 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Bets Werpy
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
J. Patrick Traynor
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leland Swanson
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Terry Kraft
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: John Slama (2021) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Swanson Foundation
How large is The Swanson Foundation?
The Swanson Foundation reported $924K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $495K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $14K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What is The Swanson Foundation's EIN?
The Swanson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-1901964. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Swanson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in North Dakota
The Barry Foundation
Fargo, ND
The Barry Foundation funds education, housing and human services, health, spirituality, the environment, and arts, with much of its giving in North Dakota and Minnesota. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $335,000, with a median of $1,325; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$54.9M
Grants
322
Total Given
$1.8M
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation
Fargo, ND
The foundation funds health and well-being initiatives in North Dakota, especially health promotion and disease prevention, behavioral health, social drivers of health, rural health, and maternal health. In 2025, grants ranged from $40 to $60,000, with a median award of $1,500; its programs include awards from $5,000 to $50,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
284
Total Given
$1.0M
Alva J Field Memorial Trust
Williston, ND
Alva J Field Memorial Trust funds college scholarships and low-interest student loans, primarily for full-time students who graduated from a Williams County, North Dakota, high school. Scholarships vary; student loans are up to $3,000 per semester, and the median grant was $4,500 in 2025. Scholarship applications are accepted through Williston State College or the trust’s law office, depending on the student’s college; loan applicants can apply directly to the trust.
Assets
$25.0M
Grants
224
Total Given
$1.4M
Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation Corporation
Fargo, ND
The Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation supports nonprofits working in arts and culture, basic needs, community building, education, and women and children, primarily in Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. Its annual Community Grant program awards $500–$15,000; 2024 grants had a median of $13,506. Eligible nonprofits and government entities may apply once per year to the Community Grant program; donor-advised and designated fund grants do not accept applications.
Assets
$126.6M
Grants
178
Total Given
$5.6M
The Doris Marcoux Educational Foundation
Williston, ND
Assets
$715K
Grants
169
Total Given
$97K
North Dakota Long Term Care Foundation
Bismarck, ND
Assets
$51K
Grants
138
Total Given
$79K
More similar funders
More Funders in North Dakota
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from The 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.
The Swanson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?