University of Minnesota Foundation
The University of Minnesota Foundation is a Minneapolis-based public charity and a separate nonprofit whose sole purpose is to support the University of Minnesota. It manages fundraising, endowed funds, and distributions for the University, including grants supporting teaching, research, and community outreach.
University of Minnesota Foundation at a glance
In short: University of Minnesota Foundation gave $304.0M across 11 grants in 2025 (avg $27.6M), mostly in Minnesota. 36% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $303,989,073
- +7.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 11
- +57.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $27,635,370
- -31.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $353,576
- Total assets
- $5,473,796,088
- +12.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 36% first-time grantees (4 of 11, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to University of Minnesota Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 200 Oak Street Se 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455-2010
Phone: (612) 624-3333
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who University of Minnesota Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Minnesota ($294.8M). Together the top 10 received $304.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
42 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 8 grants of 42 (19%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 filing reports grant-dollar shares by recipient state as Minnesota 100%, Rhode Island 0%, and Washington, DC 0%. The itemized grants include recipients in Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
Cities
Is University of Minnesota Foundation open to new grantees?
36%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 11 grantees (36%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $413K; repeat grants $43M. How we count
Medians: $375K first-time, $354K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $201.6M (2021) to $304.0M (2025). In 2025 it made 11 grants totaling $304.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN | The foundation provides fund grants to and for the benefit of the university of Minnesota. | $294,797,625 |
| Fairview Health Services St. Paul, MN | Fund grants to support the university of Minnesota hospital and clinical programming at m health fairview. | $5,554,400 |
| University Gateway Corporation Minneapolis, MN | Fund grant to support the university gateway corporation - a facility that supports the university of Minnesota. | $1,300,000 |
| Beta of Clovia Foundation Saint Paul, MN | Beta of clovia foundation established their own 501(c)3. Fund grant to transfer the fund balance. | $806,253 |
| Rhode Island Hospital Foundation Providence, RI | Fund grant per donor agreement to move funds to another 501(c)3 | $547,033 |
| Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation Chaska, MN | The Minnesota landscape arboretum foundation is a recognized foundation of the university of Minnesota. | $353,576 |
| University of Minnesota Alumni Association Minneapolis, MN | Fund grant to support the university of Minnesota alumni association. | $262,500 |
| The Food Group Minnesota Inc New Hope, MN | Fund grant per donor agreement to move funds to another 501(c)3 | $203,266 |
| Equity in Action Way Foundation Minneapolis, MN | Fund grant per donor agreement to move funds to another 501(c)3 | $93,880 |
| Bowen Center for the Study of the Family Washington, DC | Fund grant per charitable remainder trust agreement to make annual distribution of endowment payout. | $64,257 |
Ready to take the next step with University of Minnesota Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The Foundation’s reported financials for the three most recent filing years are:
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $5,473,796,088 | $586,199,341 | $383,185,554 | $303,989,073 | 11 | $256,584,051 |
| 2024 | $4,888,350,212 | $524,006,934 | $353,145,790 | $283,517,310 | 7 | $281,061,089 |
| 2023 | $4,484,124,199 | $428,104,208 | $329,663,282 | $262,653,447 | 6 | $161,229,914 |
| 2022 | $4,264,297,877 | $372,579,336 | $259,725,296 | $201,667,124 | 7 | $38,144,025 |
| 2021 | $4,420,065,180 | $669,514,544 | $255,977,022 | $201,561,671 | 11 | $425,827,468 |
| 2020 | $3,368,130,769 | $247,493,306 | $258,577,397 | $202,039,319 | 6 | $-22,958,240 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is “to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota.” Its 2023 filing describes grants for student, faculty and staff support; research; athletics; academic health services; libraries; multidisciplinary and special projects; community outreach; and capital improvements. That filing also reports support for University programs including the Minnesota Extension Service and Weisman Art Museum.
In 2025, the Foundation made grants to the University of Minnesota and affiliated or other charitable organizations. Among the grantees, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation describes its work as supporting charitable, plant-based scientific, and educational activities for the Arboretum; The Food Group Minnesota describes its mission as fighting hunger and nourishing the community; and Equity in Action Way Foundation describes its work as collaborating with impacted communities and cross-sector partners to address complex problems.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 11 grants totaling $303,989,073. Grant amounts ranged from $6,283 to $294,797,625, with a median of $353,576. The largest grant, $294,797,625, went to the University of Minnesota for the Foundation’s stated purpose of providing grants to and for the University’s benefit.
Other notable 2025 grants included $5,554,400 to Fairview Health Services to support University of Minnesota Hospital and M Health Fairview clinical programming; $1,300,000 to University Gateway Corporation to support a facility serving the University; and $806,253 to Beta of Clovia Foundation to transfer its fund balance after it established its own 501(c)(3). The Foundation also reported grants of $547,033 to Rhode Island Hospital Foundation and $353,576 to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kathleen M. Schmidlkofer as president/CEO until June 30, 2025, and John Morris as president/CEO starting May 1, 2025. Listed trustees include Kenneth C. Glaser, chair; Jacqueline R. Williams-Roll, past chair; Abdul M. Omari, vice chair; Roger J. Sit, treasurer; Thomas G. Olson, secretary; Wemimo S. Abbey; and Blythe A. Brenden. Shari L. Ballard is listed as a trustee until November 7, 2024.
University of Minnesota Foundation is led by Kathleen M. Schmidlkofer, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 13 of 61 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kathleen M. Schmidlkofer
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$577K (2020) → $739K (2025)
John Morris
President & CEO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth C. Glaser
Trustee & Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2023
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee & Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pat Mascia
Umfrea Managing Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$433K (2022) → $543K (2025)
Abdul M. Omari PhD
Trustee & Vice Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Beth Kieffer Leonard
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Blythe A. Brenden
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bradford W. Wallin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David J. McMillan JD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dorothy J. Bridges
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erik M. Torgerson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Esta E. Stecher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jacqueline R. Williams-Roll
Trustee & Past Chair
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee & Chair, 2023
Trustee & Chair → Trustee & Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John E. Lindahl
Trustee
Trustee & Vice Chair → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie E. Gilbert
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kurt E. Heikkila
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Casey
Trustee
Trustee & Chair → Trustee & Past Chair, 2021
Trustee & Past Chair → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael B. Fiterman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael F. Roman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Philip E. Soran
Trustee
Trustee & Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca A. Crooks-Stratton
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard T. Ostlund JD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roger J. Sit
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ross Levin
Trustee
Trustee & Past Chair → Trustee, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shari L. Ballard
Trustee
Trustee & Chair → Trustee & Past Chair, 2023
Trustee & Past Chair → Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Theresa B. Ward
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas G. Olson
Trustee & Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hoyt M. Hsiao
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynne Redleaf
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael P. Lehan
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter A. Vorbrich
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Acooa Ellis
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bethany M. Owen
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas A. Huebsch
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James K. Lee
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary A. Davenport
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Darrell A. Thompson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Marsh
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael H. Johnson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ruth E. Johnson
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ty R. Silberhorn
Trustee
On filings since 2023
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathie Eiland-Madison
Trustee
On filings since 2024
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Opoku JD
Trustee
On filings since 2024
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy W. Stefani
Trustee
On filings since 2024
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pahoua Hoffman
Trustee
On filings since 2024
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katherine A. Nelson PhD
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lea B. Olsen
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca M. Cunningham MD
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
W. Anders Folk JD
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wemimo S. Abbey Mpa
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
0.4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Patty
Associate Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$209K (2020) → $290K (2025)
Patricia K. Porter
Executive Vice President
Vice President → Executive Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$312K (2020) → $471K (2025)
Robert J. Burgett
Senior Advisor
Senior Vice President → Senior Advisor, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$388K (2020) → $457K (2025)
Sarah E. Youngerman
Vice President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$235K (2020) → $292K (2025)
Steven M. Corkery
Vice President
Assistant Vice President → Associate Vice President, 2021
Associate Vice President → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$213K (2020) → $291K (2025)
Catherine McGlinch
Senior Vice President
Associate Vice President → Senior Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$222K (2021) → $301K (2025)
Christine K. Searson
Vice President & CFO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$220K (2021) → $388K (2025)
Kristi Flanagan Villar
Vice President
Associate Vice President → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$217K (2022) → $291K (2025)
Travis Smith
Senior Vice President
Associate Vice President → Senior Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$288K (2023) → $319K (2025)
Michael Cohen
Vice President
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$195K (2024) → $272K (2025)
Sophia Khan
Vice President
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$166K (2024) → $303K (2025)
Former officers (31)
- Former: David C. Mortenson (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: David J. Meyer (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Ezell Jones (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: James G. Aagaard (2020–2024) — Vice President
- Former: Jeff Ettinger (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Joan Ta Gabel (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Margaret E. Lucas (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Penny A. Wheeler MD (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Russell Huffer (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Susan S. Hoff (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Carol Curoe (2021–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Nancy Wiser (2023) — Trustee
- Former: Jan L Sickbert (2020–2022) — Associate Vice President
- Former: Mary K Brainerd (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Richard B Beeson Jr. (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Richard L Lindstrom MD (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ruth Bachman (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Archie J. Givens Jr. (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Deborah L. Hopp (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Erwin A. Kelen (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jane F. Godfrey (2020–2021) — Associate Vice President
- Former: Kathleen L. Pickard (2020–2021) — Vice President & CFO
- Former: Simon Kawo Wong (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Thomas J. Anderson (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Virginia H. Morris (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Kevin F Warren JD (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Lynn Slifer (2020) — Associate Vice President
- Former: Sarah Harris (2020) — Umfrea Managing Director · Filing note: Ended oct 2019
- Former: Scott D Augustine MD (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Susan I Marvin (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Walter F Ling (2020) — Trustee
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 $739K, to Kathleen M Schmidlkofer (President/CEO (Until 6/30/2025)). 13 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about University of Minnesota Foundation
How much does University of Minnesota Foundation give each year?
University of Minnesota Foundation gave $304.0M across 11 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $283.5M across 7 grants.
What is University of Minnesota Foundation's typical grant size?
University of Minnesota Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $353,576, and its average grant was $27,635,370, across 11 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from University of Minnesota Foundation that year got $413K on average.
Where does University of Minnesota Foundation give grants?
University of Minnesota Foundation gives mostly in Minnesota: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Minneapolis, MN (5 grants) and St. Paul, MN (2 grants).
Does University of Minnesota Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 11 grants with a stated purpose on University of Minnesota Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are University of Minnesota Foundation's largest grantees?
University of Minnesota Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include University of Minnesota ($294,797,625), Fairview Health Services ($5,554,400) and University Gateway Corporation ($1,300,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 99% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is University of Minnesota Foundation?
University of Minnesota Foundation reported $5.5B in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $586.2M.
What does University of Minnesota Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is “to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from University of Minnesota Foundation?
University of Minnesota Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is University of Minnesota Foundation's EIN?
University of Minnesota Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-6042488. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 22, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 17, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 26, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 1, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Live grants for the work University of Minnesota Foundation funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in University of Minnesota Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). University of Minnesota Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/university-of-minnesota-foundation-morg_8afcb72c18954e97967ca273cd76e951
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_416042488_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{University of Minnesota Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/university-of-minnesota-foundation-morg_8afcb72c18954e97967ca273cd76e951},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. 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 University of Minnesota 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.
University of Minnesota Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?