Robert And Rita Elmen Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.6 million
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $2,000,000
• Geographic Focus: South Dakota

Contact Details

• Address: 2901 W 11th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-2538
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Website: No public website
• Application Process: Invitation-only (no unsolicited applications accepted)

Overview

The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2006 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With assets exceeding $86 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4.6 million, the foundation has grown substantially from its initial $6.7 million in assets in 2011. The foundation focuses primarily on education, higher education, social services, and addiction recovery organizations in South Dakota. Operating on an invitation-only basis, the foundation makes strategic grants to preselected organizations with which it has established relationships. The Elmen family has deep roots in South Dakota philanthropy, with particularly strong ties to Augustana University, where Bob Elmen was a 1952 alumnus.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants rather than formal programs:

• Major Institutional Support: Up to $2,000,000 (capital projects and transformational gifts)
• Program Support Grants: $5,000 - $500,000 (operational and program funding)
• Application Method: Invitation-only basis with no public application process

Priority Areas

• Higher Education (particularly Augustana University)
• K-12 Education
• Social Services
• Addiction Recovery and Treatment
• Health Services
• Community Development in South Dakota

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on their grant history, they appear not to fund:

• Organizations outside South Dakota
• Individual requests
• For-profit entities
• Political organizations
• Religious worship activities

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (2024):

• Julie D. Elmen - President
• Thomas J. Whalen - Treasurer
• Vance Goldammer - Secretary
• Sarah Kopp - Vice President

The foundation was established by Robert (Bob) and Rita Elmen, with Bob being a 1952 graduate of Augustana University. The foundation continues to be family-led, with Julie D. Elmen serving as president. The board maintains strong connections to the South Dakota business and philanthropic community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations with which they have existing relationships.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant history and connections:

• The foundation has strong ties to Augustana University through Bob Elmen's alumni status (Class of 1952)
• Board members are active in the Sioux Falls business and philanthropic community
• The foundation supports established South Dakota nonprofits with proven track records
• Organizations that have received funding include Face It TOGETHER and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, suggesting openness to well-established regional service providers

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only funder, timelines are likely determined on a case-by-case basis.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only model.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations appear to receive multi-year support based on relationship and performance.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, based on their giving patterns:

• Geographic alignment is critical: All identified grants have gone to South Dakota-based organizations
• The foundation favors established institutions: Recipients include Augustana University, Lutheran Social Services, and Face It TOGETHER - all well-established organizations
• Multi-year relationships are common: Augustana University has received multiple gifts over many years
• Capital projects are supported: The recent $2 million gift for the Elmen Center Revitalization Project shows willingness to fund infrastructure
• The foundation values organizations addressing critical community needs: Support for addiction recovery (Face It TOGETHER) and social services demonstrates commitment to addressing challenging social issues
• Educational institutions receive priority: Both K-12 and higher education are significant focus areas

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications - relationship building is essential before any funding possibility
• Focus efforts on networking within the Sioux Falls philanthropic community where board members are active
• South Dakota location and focus are non-negotiable requirements
• The foundation has capacity for both large transformational gifts ($2 million) and smaller program support ($5,000+)
• Multi-generational family involvement suggests long-term stability and commitment to chosen causes
• Given the invitation-only model, organizations should focus on demonstrating impact and building reputation within South Dakota rather than direct outreach
• Partner organizations or board connections may provide pathways to introduction

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation Profile. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/205767798 (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• Cause IQ - The Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation Overview. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-robert-and-rita-elmen-foundation,205767798/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• Dakota News Now - "Elmen family donates $2 million to Elmen Center revitalization project" (April 22, 2025). https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/04/22/elman-family-donates-2-million-elmen-center-revitalization-project/
• Augustana University - "Augustana University Receives Transformational Gift from Elmen Family" (2025). https://www.augie.edu/news/2025/augustana-university-receives-transformational-gift-elmen-family-begin-elmen-center
• Face It TOGETHER - Donor Recognition List. https://www.wefaceittogether.org/give/donors (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota - Donor Listing. https://lsssd.org/stewardship/donor-listing.html (Accessed February 10, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io - Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/205767798-robert-and-rita-elmen-foundation/ (Accessed February 10, 2026)