Pachel Foundation Grant

The Pachel Foundation, established in 2007 by Fern Pachel and the Biga family, supports charitable and arts organizations in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The foundation's interest income, derived from wise investments since the 1950s, funds nonprofits that enrich local communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations, submitting their 501(c)(3) letters with grant requests.

History of the Foundation
Fern Pachel formed the Pachel Foundation with the assistance of the Biga family in 2007. Fern and her sister Elsie lived together in the Twin Cities until Elsie’s death in 1977. They took good care of their parents who lived on 19th Avenue East in Duluth. They also traveled to many countries, including Cuba. Elsie wisely advised Fern to put a little money away every paycheck. They successfully invested in the stock market starting in the 1950’s. The interest income is used to support many nonprofits in the state of Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Eligibility

The Pachel Foundation provides support for charitable and arts institutions in Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Applicant Organizations must be a qualified tax-exempt organization.Please submit a copy of your 501(c)(3) tax exemption letter with your grant request.

Ineligibility

As of August 1, 2025, we cannot accept applications from organizations that we have not funded in the past.