Quick Summary
Name: Hiawatha Education Foundation Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $2,254,250 (2023) |
| Grant Range | Not publicly available |
| Average Grant | ~$70,445 (based on 32 awards in 2023) |
| Application Method | No public application process |
Contact Details
- Address: 2001 Theurer Boulevard, Winona, MN 55987
- Phone: 507-453-8765
- Contact: Robert Kierlin (founder, deceased January 2025)
Geographic Focus
Minnesota, with particular focus on:
- Winona area
- Rochester area
- Statewide Minnesota educational institutions
Funding Priorities
- Public and private tax-exempt Minnesota schools considering new/expanded pre-school Montessori programs, particularly for at-risk children
- Tuition assistance programs to make private education affordable
- Cotter Schools (major recipient of ongoing support)
- Main Square Montessori (partnership with Cotter Schools)
- Post-secondary scholarships for Cotter High School graduates
- Teacher salary support
What They Don't Fund
Not publicly disclosed. Foundation appears to focus exclusively on educational institutions in Minnesota, particularly those with Montessori programs or serving at-risk children.
Application Method
No public application process. This is a private foundation that appears to operate primarily through trustee discretion and established partnerships. The foundation was established in 1987 by five Fastenal partners, led by Bob Kierlin (founder of Fastenal Corporation), and focuses on identified educational priorities rather than open grant solicitations.
References
- Philanthropy News Digest - Slaggie, Hiawatha Education Foundations to Support Cotter Schools
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Hiawatha Education Foundation
- Winona Post - Benefactor, Fastenal founder Bob Kierlin dies
- Post Bulletin - Fastenal's success boon to schools
- Instrumentl - Hiawatha Education Foundation 990 Report
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