John and Susan Morrison

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Central Bancshares

FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Healthcare, Human Services & Humanitarian, Arts & Culture 

OVERVIEW: John Morrison and his wife Susan conduct their philanthropy through the John M. & Susan Morrison Family Foundation. Available tax filings indicate that the foundation awarded $980,000 in grants in 2018. The Morrisons' philanthropy centers around the Upper Midwest, particularly Minnesota, and on Florida, where they now live. They are major benefactors of the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas University. 

BACKGROUND: John M. Morrison graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and attended law school at Lasalle University. He is the former chairman and CEO of the Central Bank Group, Golden Valley, and former CEO of its parent company, Central Bancshares in Stillwater, Minnesota, which he founded in 1988. He has owned some 100 businesses, from banks and manufacturing companies to hospitals.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION & YOUTH: John Morrison received an honorary law degree from University of St. Thomas and has strongly supported the school. The university is home to the John M. Morrison Center for Entrepreneurship. Morrison is a trustee of the university as well. Other grantees have included Ascension Catholic Grade School, Orono Foundation for Education, Albert Lea Education Foundation, St. Catherine University, and Youth Frontiers, which works to "provide schools with experiences that inspire character, civility and community." 

HEALTHCARE: Given Morrison's work in the healthcare system, it is no surprise that the couple's philanthropy is strong this area. In the mid-1990s, Morrison was selected to serve as a member of the board of governors of the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center and as chairman of its finance committee. The next year, he was elected by the Board of Regents to the Fairview-University Medical Center board of trustees, where he played an important role in the successful merger of the University's hospital with the Fairview Health System. The Morrisons contributed to an endowed chair at the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation.

Morrison is also deeply involved with Allina Health System, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services through hospitals and clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin, whose board Morrison once chaired. The couple continues to support Allina Health and have also supported American Cancer Society, and Abbot Northwestern Hospital Foundation, among others.

HUMAN SERVICES & HUMANITARIAN: Grantees include The Shelter for Abused Women and Children and Friends of Africa Foundation, whose mission is to "raise funds for basic needs of the people of East Africa, with particular focus on Uganda."

ARTS & CULTURE: Recent grantees include Naples Botanical Garden and The Basilica Landmark

LOOKING FORWARD: Expect the Morrisons to stick with their select interests, with a particular focus on education and healthcare.

CONTACT:

The John M. and Susan Morrison Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch but below is an address

The John M. and Susan Morrison Family Foundation
3093 Fort Charles Drive
Naples, FL 34102