The Hormel Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately $26-34 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Annual cycle (applications open in June for following year)
• Grant Range: Varies widely (from thousands to $25 million for major projects)
• Geographic Focus: Austin, Minnesota and Mower County area

Contact Details

• Website: http://www.thehormelfoundation.com
• Phone: 507-437-9800
• Email: info@thehormelfoundation.com
• Address: 329 North Main Street, Suite 102L, Austin, MN 55912
• Online Application Portal: https://thehormelfoundation.smapply.io/

Overview

The Hormel Foundation was established in 1941 by George A. Hormel and his son Jay C. Hormel, founders of Hormel Foods Corporation. With total assets of over $1 billion (per 2023 Form 990), the foundation is a major philanthropic force in southeastern Minnesota, holding 46.8% of Hormel Foods' stock. The foundation operates as a public foundation focused exclusively on supporting charitable, educational, and scientific organisations in the Austin, Minnesota and Mower County area. Their annual giving of approximately $26-34 million makes them one of the most significant funders for local non-profits in the region, with a commitment to community development that has spanned over 80 years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation provides general operating and project-specific grants to eligible organisations. Recent major commitments include:

• Austin Community Rec Center: $25 million
• Austin Community Action Building: $4.75 million
• Historic Paramount Theatre renovation and expansion: $3.67 million
• Austin Assurance Scholarship Program: Ongoing support
• Various grants to local non-profits: Amounts vary based on need and impact

Priority Areas

• Education (K-12 and higher education)
• Healthcare and wellness
• Community development and infrastructure
• Arts and culture
• Human services
• Youth programmes

What They Don't Fund

• Individual requests (explicitly stated: "Individuals do not qualify for Foundation grant funds")
• Organisations outside the Austin/Mower County area
• For-profit entities
• Organisations that benefit private shareholders or individuals

Governance and Leadership

The foundation maintains a board of directors committed to supporting the Austin community. The foundation operates with professional staff who manage the grant application and distribution process. The foundation's unique structure, controlling nearly half of Hormel Foods' stock, provides stable, long-term funding capacity for the community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online portal at https://thehormelfoundation.smapply.io/. The foundation uses an annual grant cycle with the following timeline:

• Application portal opens: 1 June each year
• Applications typically close: September
• Funding decisions: Made for the following calendar year

Required application materials include:

1. Organisation's exact legal name
2. Brief organisation description
3. Federal Tax ID number
4. Most recent Form 990
5. IRS tax-exempt determination letter
6. Current board member list
7. Detailed project description
8. Complete project budget with all funding sources
9. Audited or internal accounting statements

Decision Timeline

Applications submitted in one year are reviewed for funding in the following calendar year. The foundation makes annual funding decisions rather than rolling reviews.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation's recent grant announcements include multiple named organisations plus additional area non-profits, suggesting they fund a substantial number of organisations annually.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent years. Organisations that receive grants must submit a grant use report within 90 days after the grant period ends, evaluating project results.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's requirements and funding patterns:

• Geographic alignment is critical: Organisations must be located in or directly serve the Austin/Mower County area
• Tax-exempt status is mandatory: Must have proper IRS determination
• Complete documentation: Submit all required documents with application
• Community impact focus: Demonstrate clear benefit to local residents
• Financial transparency: Provide audited statements or detailed internal accounting
• Post-grant accountability: Be prepared to submit detailed use reports

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Hormel Foundation is exclusively focused on the Austin, Minnesota area - geographic alignment is non-negotiable
• With approximately $26-34 million in annual giving, they are a major funder capable of both small operational grants and multi-million dollar capital projects
• The foundation uses an annual grant cycle with applications opening 1 June for the following year's funding
• Individual grant requests are explicitly not accepted - only tax-exempt organisations qualify
• Strong preference for established organisations with proven track records in the community
• Post-grant reporting is required within 90 days, indicating emphasis on accountability
• The foundation's substantial assets (over $1 billion) and Hormel Foods stock ownership ensure long-term funding stability

References

• The Hormel Foundation Official Website: http://www.thehormelfoundation.com (Accessed December 2024)
• The Hormel Foundation Online Grant Portal: https://thehormelfoundation.smapply.io/ (Accessed December 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Hormel Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/410694716 (Accessed December 2024)
• GuideStar Profile - The Hormel Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/41-0694716 (Accessed December 2024)
• Austin Daily Herald: "UPDATE: Hormel Foundation announces $26 million in grant money for community non-profits" (November 2024)
• Austin Daily Herald: "Hormel Foundation announces 2026 distribution totaling $34M" (November 2025)