The Travelers Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1998 and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. As the philanthropic arm of the Travelers Companies, Inc., the foundation supports community initiatives across the United States through grants and donations to charitable organizations. The foundation does not engage in direct charitable activities but rather makes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities and equivalent organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$5.0M
-15.6% YoY
Grant Count
94
+6.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$53K
-21.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports organizations involved with:
- Arts and culture
- Education
- Employment
- Housing
- Youth development
- Community development
- Leadership development
- Support for economically disadvantaged people
Grantmaking
The foundation accepts applications and is possibly open to new applicants.
Grant Range
$25,000
Average Grant
amount: $227
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Travelers Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds initiatives across multiple U.S. states and cities, with primary focus areas including Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York. Geographic service areas include: AL, CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NY, TN, TX, and VA.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024
- Total assets: $1,159,578
- Total revenue: $5,028,999
- Total expenses: $5,018,663
- Net income: $1
- Number of employees: 0
Historical Giving Trends
| Year | Assets | Total Giving | Number of Grants | Median Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.2M | $4.9M | 93 | $25K |
| 2023 | $94K | $5.8M | 87 | $25K |
| 2022 | $1.5M | $6.1M | 87 | $25K |
| 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
201 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Travelers Foundation
Academic & Career Success Grant
TRAVELERS FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Culturally Enriched Communities Grant
TRAVELERS FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Thriving Neighborhoods Grant
TRAVELERS FOUNDATION
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Habitat for Humanity International ($425,000), The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp ($300,000), Connecticut Science Center Inc ($225,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Achieve Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN | Program support for the Career Pathways Centers in Saint Paul Public Schools | $1,500 |
| Actuarial Foundation Schaumburg, IL | Program support for TAF in support for Math Motivators Tutoring Program and the STEM Stars Actuarial Scholars Program | $25,000 |
| American Corporate Partners Inc New York, NY | Operating support for ACP Veteran Mentoring Program | $100,000 |
| Art With A Heart Inc Baltimore, MD | TCC Project support for a volunteer activity in partnership | $10,000 |
| BestPrep Minneapolis, MN | Program support for BestPreps eMentors Cloud Coach Classroom Plus and Minnesota Business Venture Programs | $35,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities Saint Paul, MN | Project support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities For the Kids Reimagining the Future - For the Kids | $1,500 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford Inc Hartford, CT | Operating support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford | $120,000 |
| The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Hartford, CT | Program support for PARTNERS Partners in Arts and Education Revitalizing Schools | $100,000 |
| Can'd Aid Longmont, CO | Program support of Cand Aid Art Kits for internal Travelers employee volunteer packing events that will serve the community | $30,000 |
| Center for Success for High Need Schools Inc Barrington, IL | Program support for the Center for Success Summer Camp Superhero Showdown | $15,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Andy F. Bessette – Chairman and Director (0.5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Marlene M. Ibsen – President & CEO (10 hours/week, no compensation)
- Tara Spain – Vice President & COO (10 hours/week, no compensation)
- Erin L. Haberman – Second Vice President (10 hours/week, no compensation)
- Scott W. Rynda – Treasurer (0.5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Wendy C. Skjerven – Corporate Secretary (0.2 hours/week, no compensation)
- Lisa Caputo – Director (0.5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Daniel S. Frey – Director (0.5 hours/week, no compensation)
- Christine K. Kalla – Director (0.5 hours/week, no compensation)
All board members and key staff serve on a voluntary basis with no compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANDY F BESSETTE | Chairman | 0.5 | — |
| ANDY F BESSETTE | Director | 0.5 | — |
| MARLENE M IBSEN | President & CEO | 10 | — |
| TARA SPAIN | Vice President & COO | 10 | — |
| SCOTT W RYNDA | Treasurer | 0.5 | — |
| WENDY C SKJERVEN | Corporate Secretary | 0.2 | — |
| LISA CAPUTO | Director | 0.5 | — |
| DANIEL S FREY | Director | 0.5 | — |
| ERIN L HABERMAN | Second Vice President | 10 | — |
| CHRISTINE K KALLA | Director | 0.5 | — |
| MICHAEL F KLEIN | Director | 0.5 | — |
| DIANE KURTZMAN | Director | 0.5 | — |
| RITA R ORTIZ | Second Vice President | 10 | — |
| SEAN A RAMALHO | Director | 0.5 | — |
| NICHOLAS SEMINARA | Director | 0.5 | — |
| KEVIN C SMITH | Director | 0.5 | — |
| JOAN K WOODWARD | Director | 0.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has supported significant community initiatives including:
A $1 million grant to the Wadsworth to restore Wednesday hours
The Wadsworth Announces $1 Million Grant from Travelers to Restore Wednesday\Grants to the Greater Hartford Arts Council to amplify impact on the arts
Greater Hartford Arts Council Amplifies Travelers' Impact on the ArtsParticipation in the "Travelers Across America" initiative to restore historic landmarks in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Travelers Across America to Restore Historic Landmarks - ProgramBusinessA $50,000 grant to the American Indian College Fund to continue scholarship programs
Travelers Foundation Grants $50,000 to American Indian College Fund to ContinueContact Information
Address: 385 Washington Street, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-310-7911
Website: www.travelers.com/about-travelers/community
EIN: 41-1924256
Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3) since January 1999
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Travelers Foundation fund?
The foundation supports organizations involved with: • Arts and culture • Education • Employment • Housing • Youth development • Community development • Leadership development • Support for economically disadvantaged people
How do I apply for a grant from Travelers Foundation?
**Grant Activity (2024)** • Number of grants: 93–94 • Total giving: $4.9M–$5.0M • Median grant size: $25,000 • Grant range: $1,000–$1,000,000 • Average grant amount: $227 **Application Process** The foundation accepts applications and is possibly open to new applicants. **Recent Grants (2024)** Notable grants include: • The St. Bernard Project: $1,000,000 (operating support, program support for Building Fortified Communities, and disaster assistance program scaling) • Habitat for Humanity: Proj…
Where does Travelers Foundation make grants?
The foundation funds initiatives across multiple U.S. states and cities, with primary focus areas including Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York. Geographic service areas include: AL, CA, CO, CT, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, NJ, NY, TN, TX, and VA.
What size grants does Travelers Foundation award?
In 2024, Travelers Foundation awarded 94 grants totaling $5.0M — an average of about $53K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Travelers Foundation's EIN?
Travelers Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1924256. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Travelers Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Spicola Family Foundation
MINNETONKA, MN
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$410K
Litchfield Student Anglers Club
LITCHFIELD, MN
Assets
$738
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The Geyer Family Foundation
EDINA, MN
Assets
—
Grants
7
Total Given
$35K
Love 4 One Another Charities
CHANHASSEN, MN
Assets
$8.5M
Grants
1
Total Given
$90K
Donald and Luella Zibell Family Foundation
NORTHFIELD, MN
Assets
—
Grants
8
Total Given
$80K
Minnesota Citizens Concerned
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Assets
$745K
Grants
2
Total Given
$942K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Travelers Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Travelers Foundation to a real strategy.