← Back to US Funders Directory

Cloverfields Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.7M
Grant Range
$25K - $1.5M

Cloverfields Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,706,050 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable - invitation only
  • Decision Time: Not applicable - does not accept unsolicited applications
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $1,500,000
  • Median Grant: $25,000
  • Total Assets: $58.4 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: National, with concentrations in Minnesota and Washington, DC

Contact Details

Location: Naples, FL
EIN: 20-1919362
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Independent Foundation

Note: The foundation does not publish contact information for grant inquiries as they do not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Cloverfields Foundation was established in January 2005 as a private independent foundation. Led by Stephen J. Hemsley (former CEO of UnitedHealth Group) and Barbara K. Hemsley, the foundation has grown substantially from $14.5 million in assets in 2011 to $58.4 million by 2024. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded 343 grants totaling over $32.9 million. The foundation maintains an efficient operation, allocating approximately 90-97% of annual expenses toward charitable disbursements. Their grantmaking focuses primarily on Roman Catholic organizations and churches, interfaith initiatives, education (particularly Catholic higher education), and children and youth services. The foundation operates nationwide but shows particular concentration in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and Washington, DC.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with specific application cycles. All grants are made at the discretion of the board to preselected organizations.

2023 Grant Distribution:

  • 31 grants totaling $5,706,050
  • Median grant: $25,000
  • Largest grant: $1,500,000
  • Average grant: $184,066

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Catholic Higher Education: Major support to Georgetown University, University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), and Marywood University (Scranton)
  • Catholic Organizations and Churches: General operating support and capital projects for Roman Catholic institutions
  • Interfaith Initiatives: Support for interfaith community partnerships and dialogue
  • Children and Youth Services: Programs supporting child welfare, family services, and youth development
  • Healthcare and Social Services: Support for residential care facilities and community health initiatives
  • Elementary and Secondary Education: Catholic schools and education programs

Notable 2023 Grant Recipients:

  • Leo C. Byrne Residence Fund (St. Paul): $1,500,000
  • Georgetown University (Washington, DC): $1,200,000 and $1,100,000
  • Marywood University (Scranton): $600,000
  • Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (Plymouth, MN): $515,000
  • University of St. Thomas (St. Paul): $500,000

Geographic Concentration

While the foundation supports projects nationwide, there is notable concentration in:

  • Minnesota (particularly the Twin Cities area)
  • Washington, DC
  • Pennsylvania
  • Other locations with established Catholic institutions

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly specify exclusions, but their grantmaking pattern indicates focused support within their priority areas rather than broad community grantmaking.

Governance and Leadership

Board Members:

  • Stephen J. Hemsley - President (1 hour/week, unpaid)

    • Former CEO and current board chairman of UnitedHealth Group
    • Trustee of the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
    • Trustee of Minnesota Public Radio
    • Philanthropic interests focus on health care, education, and religious and social services, principally in the Twin Cities area

  • Barbara K. Hemsley - Director (0.5 hours/week, unpaid)

The foundation operates with a minimal governance structure, reflecting its private family foundation nature. Both officers serve without compensation, dedicating limited hours to foundation management while maintaining strategic direction over grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Cloverfields Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of directors based on their established relationships and philanthropic priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not process applications. Grants are initiated by the board based on existing relationships with beneficiary organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Cloverfields Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, there is no formal application process. Organizations that receive funding from the foundation are those that:

  • Have established relationships with the board: The foundation's grantmaking reflects the personal philanthropic interests of Stephen and Barbara Hemsley, particularly in areas where they have direct involvement (such as Stephen Hemsley's trustee role at the University of St. Thomas)

  • Align with Catholic values and education: The majority of grants support Catholic institutions, particularly higher education institutions, parishes, and Catholic social service organizations

  • Operate in key geographic areas: Organizations in Minnesota (especially the Twin Cities) and Washington, DC appear more frequently among grant recipients

  • Serve priority populations: Children and youth services, particularly those connected to Catholic or interfaith organizations

  • Demonstrate capacity for significant projects: The foundation makes substantial grants, with many awards in the six-figure range, suggesting they fund organizations with proven track records and capacity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications - traditional grant seeking strategies will not be effective
  • The foundation reflects the personal philanthropic priorities of Stephen and Barbara Hemsley, with strong emphasis on Catholic education and institutions
  • Grant sizes vary significantly ($25,000 to $1,500,000), indicating flexibility based on project scope and organizational relationship
  • Geographic focus on Minnesota and Washington, DC suggests regional connections matter
  • Multi-year or repeat funding appears common for established partners (e.g., multiple grants to Georgetown University in 2023)
  • The foundation maintains lean operations with board members serving minimal hours, suggesting streamlined decision-making
  • Consistent allocation of 90-97% of expenses to charitable purposes demonstrates strong commitment to grantmaking mission

References

← Back to US Funders Directory