Emerald Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Emerald Foundation supports arts and culture, health and human services in Minnesota.

FUNDING AREAS: Arts and culture, health, human services

IP TAKE: The Twin Cities of Minnesota often see this low-key foundation’s support in the tens of thousands of dollars and for a variety of local causes. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines.

PROFILE: The Emerald Foundation is a private foundation based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The firm of Dorsey Whitney Trust Company, LLC and Thomas R. Youngren serve as the foundation’s trustees. Limited information is publicly known about the founding family. The foundation funds local efforts for arts and culture, health and human services.

The Emerald Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers. However, past tax records reveal that the foundation supports these three main areas of giving with annual grants. Most of the foundation’s grants are for general operating support. Meanwhile, other grants go to hospital funds, resource centers, and specific projects. The Emerald Foundation is locally known for its support for museums, historical societies, hospitals, public radio, libraries, and children’s shelters.

Grants range between about $10,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Upper Midwest and Minnesota in particular. Although the foundation is based in South Dakota, few grants typically go to South Dakota communities. Past local grantees include Minnesota Public Radio, Heart of Dance and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

This foundation does not typically accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Direct general questions to the staff at 605-336-6832.

PEOPLE:

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