Hanson Foundation Grant

Hanson Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: John K & Luise V Hanson Foundation
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing community quality of life in north central Iowa. With over $72 million in assets, the foundation has awarded $64 million to nearly 1,000 organizations, supporting arts, culture, family recreation, and youth education. Their mission emphasizes innovative projects that strengthen families, with a commitment to community engagement and philanthropic ties to the Mayo Clinic, ensuring a lasting positive impact.

Overview

Establishment of Foundation John K. and Luise V. Hanson established and funded The Hanson Foundation in 1970 with $1,000,000. They contributed another $1,000,000 in 1988 and an additional $5 million in 1994. Upon John K. Hanson’s death in 1996, the foundation received $23 million from his estate. Philanthropic Model The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation is listed as one of the Top 15 Foundations in Iowa, according to The Foundation Center, with total assets of approximately $72 million. The foundation has awarded over $64 million to nearly 1,000 organizations in more than 100 communities. Since 1970, the foundation has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of individuals by supporting projects that improve the quality of life for families. Our Mission The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation is a private family foundation that gives back to communities and enhances the quality of life for individuals in north central Iowa. The foundation, also known as the Hanson Family Foundation, has a special interest in projects that strengthen families through arts and culture, family recreation, and youth development/education. Recognizing the value of innovative medical treatment to families, the foundation also has philanthropic ties to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Primary Funding Areas The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Family Foundation funds projects of all sizes that support a wide range of interests related to arts and culture, family recreation, and youth development/education. Since 1970, the foundation has strengthened organizations in more than 100 communities, primarily within north central Iowa. In 2021, the foundation celebrated surpassing $64 million in gifts. What we Fund Arts & CulturePrevious projects include:Clear Lake Arts CenterBoman Fine Arts CenterNIACC Arts and Leadership SeriesWinnebago Historical Society / Heritage ParkFamily RecreationPrevious projects include:Forest City YMCAPools / Aquatic CentersPlaygroundsBiking TrailsYouth Development/EducationPrevious projects include:Camp TanglefootClear Lake Yacht Club Sailing SchoolEagle Scout ProjectsEducational Technology

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are made only to organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as described in IRC 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations under section 509(a) of the code, or a government entity.The foundation’s primary geographic focus is north central Iowa, with a majority of grants given to organizations located in Forest City.The foundation is especially interested in having applicants solicit dollar-for-dollar matching funds or propose the foundation’s partial support as incentive for developing additional ways to raise money for a particular project.The foundation will entertain requests that lie beyond our funding areas provided they fulfill our vision to strengthen communities.