Andersen Corporate Foundation
/OVERVIEW: Andersen Windows and Doors funds housing and community development, public health and diseases, K-12 education, arts and culture and humanitarian relief efforts in regions where its employees live and work.
IP TAKE: This corporate funder prefers to maintain its established partnerships, but it does welcome letters of inquiry from new applicants. Funding is geographically limited, so grantseekers should confirm that they operate in an area where Andersen has a significant business presence. The foundation generally accepts applications via an online portal which is only open during the months of March and August each year.
As commonly done with a corporate funder, this foundation match’s employee giving to their local communities through the United Way. So, another way to get funding here may be by contacting an employee. It’s employee-led giving program isn’t as strongly supported as those of other corporations, so networking with an employee is not a sure-fire way to get funding.
PROFILE: The Andersen Corporate Foundation is the charitable arm of Andersen Windows and Doors, an international manufacturing company headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota. Since 1941, Andersen has given away over $60 million dollars to “improve lives and strengthen communities, primarily where Andersen employees live and work.” Currently, its main focus areas are affordable housing, health and safety, education and youth development, human services, and civic support.
Grants for Housing and Community Development
Andersen’s Affordable Housing grants support “organizations that provide single family, owner-occupied affordable housing to low-income individuals and families,” such as Habitat for Humanity, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Solid Ground, and Two Rivers Community Land Trust. Human Services grants support a variety of nonprofits that “enhance self-sufficiency for people living in poverty, senior citizens and people with disabilities,” such as Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County, Bolton Refuge House, Capital Area Food Bank, Marion Shelter Program, and Neighborhood House.
Grants for K-12 Education
Andersen’s Education and Youth Development grants generally go to support programs and organizations that provide “intellectual and social opportunities for K-12 young people,” especially school programs that are not covered by general operating funds. It prioritizes programs that promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, environmental outreach, and after-school programs for drug prevention and career planning. Andersen also supports “trade/industry workforce development programs” through its corporate giving program. Grantees in this area include Mill Pond Learning Foundation, James Madison University Foundation, Duck Soup Players, Hudson High School Athletic, and Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center.
Grants for Public Health and Diseases
Andersen’s Health and Safety program area supports “programs designed to promote safe and healthy environments” and “improve health through prevention and education for young people, senior citizens, and people in vulnerable situations.” It particularly prioritizes education and outreach programs, those that promote mental health and wellness, youth health care and dental care, aging and senior care, disaster preparedness, and recreational or educational programs for special-needs individuals. While diseases are not a stated priority, the foundation does make grants to major, national disease-related organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and the Sight and Hearing Association. Andresen also supports Basic Needs efforts through its corporate giving program, including hunger-relief, critical health care access, and mental health services. Grantees for public health include American Red Cross, Children’s Dental Service, Chippewa Valley Health Clinics, Canvas Health, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, and Stepping Stones of Dunn County.
Grants for Humanitarian Relief
Andersen’s Human Services grantmaking is dedicated to programs that “enhance self-sufficiency for people living in poverty, senior citizens, and the disabled.” In addition to basic needs, hunger, and new immigrant services, it also supports “national organizations providing emergency recovery services for communities suffering from natural disasters,” such as American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way. Andersen further supports these national organizations by encouraging its workers to donate their time and money through employee volunteerism and donation matching.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Andersen’s Civic Support program area encompasses programs and efforts to provide public services that “build, promote, and preserve communities.” It supports public radio and television outfits, as well as museums and performing arts centers. Past grantees include the Science Museum of Minnesota, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Phipps Center for the Arts, Minnesota Historical Society, Washington County Historical Society, and St. Croix ArtBarn.
Important Grant Details:
Andersen’s grants generally range from $5,000 to $20,000. For more information on the types of organizations it supports, grantseekers may review the tax filings that Andersen posts on its foundation page. Note that Andersen prioritizes nonprofits operating in the following localities: the Twin Cities metro area and St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin; Des Moines, Iowa; Detroit, Michigan; Dubuque, Iowa; Garland, Texas; Goodyear, Arizona; Luray, Virginia; Menomonie, Wisconsin; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The foundation’s application portal is generally open during the months of March and August each year. General inquiries and questions about eligibility may be directed to the foundation’s board via email at any time.
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