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Ecolab Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7.5 million
  • Total Assets: $25.6 million
  • Decision Time: 3 months
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000+ (can go much higher)
  • Geographic Focus: St. Paul, MN area and Ecolab U.S. regional communities
  • Application Method: Mixed (online portal with fixed deadlines; invitation-only for some cycles)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.ecolab.com/corporate-responsibility/social/community-impact

Email: ecolabfoundation@ecolab.com

Phone: (651) 250-4589 or (651) 250-3427

Address: 1 Ecolab Place, St. Paul, MN 55102

Overview

The Ecolab Foundation was established in 1986 (with roots in the Economics Laboratory Foundation formed in 1980) as the philanthropic arm of Ecolab, Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions. With approximately $25.6 million in assets, the foundation has contributed more than $139 million to nonprofit organizations since its inception. The foundation awards approximately $7.5 million annually in grants, with about two-thirds directed to organizations in the St. Paul, MN metropolitan area and the remainder to communities where Ecolab has divisional headquarters or manufacturing facilities. In 2023, 78% of grants aligned with Ecolab's 2030 Impact initiative, focusing particularly on organizations that promote progress with underserved communities. The foundation's strategic approach emphasizes supporting hands-on programs in youth development, community building, environmental conservation, and arts education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

St. Paul, MN Area Community Grants: $5,000 - $50,000+ (can go much higher)

  • Application opens annually in September with December deadline
  • Currently invitation-only and for current grantees
  • Decisions communicated via email in March

U.S. Regional Community Grants: $5,000 - $50,000+

  • For organizations in communities with large Ecolab operations
  • Separate online application portal
  • Currently closed (reopens periodically)

Solutions for Life Program: Variable amounts

  • Leverages Ecolab's expertise in water and energy
  • Supports NGOs working on water conservation, hygiene education, and infectious diseases
  • Partnerships include World Emergency Relief, Pacific Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Priority Areas

Youth and Education

  • Programs promoting youth development, particularly for at-risk and traditionally underserved youth
  • STEM education initiatives
  • Education causes represent the foundation's largest giving area

Civic & Community Development

  • Affordable housing initiatives
  • Work readiness and workforce development programs
  • Crisis assistance and intervention
  • Hunger relief programs

Environment and Conservation

  • Hands-on environmental learning programs with educational components
  • Water conservation, accessibility, and equity projects (especially in Southwest U.S.)
  • Wildlife and marine conservation with "long-term, wide-ranging and positive effects on ecosystems"
  • Projects aligned with Ecolab's 2030 Impact Goals

Arts and Culture

  • Arts education for children and youth
  • Support for museums and performing arts organizations

What They Don't Fund

The Ecolab Foundation explicitly excludes:

  • Individuals
  • Sectarian/denominational religious organizations (except where funds benefit the entire community)
  • Loans or investments
  • Political/lobbying organizations
  • Industry, trade, or professional association memberships
  • Disease-specific related organizations
  • Sports/athletic programs and facilities
  • Fundraising events/sponsorship
  • Private non-operating foundations
  • Organizations that discriminate based on gender, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other protected characteristics

Governance and Leadership

The Ecolab Foundation operates as a corporate foundation under Ecolab, Inc., led by Chairman and CEO Christophe Beck. Beck also serves on the board of directors of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and Delta Air Lines, and serves as Chair of GREATER MSP, demonstrating strong regional civic leadership connections.

According to foundation representatives, "They say 'no' a lot -- their executives can't even get a grant through if it does not align with their guidelines," indicating rigorous adherence to strategic priorities and evaluation criteria regardless of internal pressure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) organization
  • Must fall within one of the foundation's four strategic areas
  • Must deliver services in the St. Paul, MN area or in an Ecolab U.S. regional community with large operations

Application Process:

  1. Take the Eligibility Quiz for access to the grant application
  2. Complete online application through the appropriate portal (separate portals for Twin Cities region and other U.S. locations)
  3. Applications can be saved as drafts and completed later
  4. Submit by the deadline for your region

Current Application Status:

  • St. Paul, MN Area: Next cycle opens September 15, 2025 (deadline December 8, 2025) - currently invitation-only for existing grantees
  • Other U.S. Locations: Currently closed

Decision Timeline

  • Application Period: September - December (St. Paul area)
  • Decision Notification: March (3 months after deadline)
  • Notification Method: Email

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation is described as selective and "accessible" as a corporate funder. In 2023, the foundation made 5 major grants totaling $7.48 million, though this figure includes large grants to Blackbaud Giving Fund ($6.8M) which likely distributes to multiple organizations. The foundation emphasizes strict adherence to guidelines, maintaining high standards even for internal requests.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organizations interested in reapplying should contact the foundation directly at ecolabfoundation@ecolab.com for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with 2030 Impact Goals: The foundation reports that 78% of grants align with Ecolab's 2030 Impact initiative. Successful applications demonstrate how programs support:

  • Water conservation (helping save 300 billion gallons annually)
  • Climate impact reduction
  • Food safety and infection prevention
  • Economic value for underserved communities

Educational Components: The foundation emphasizes educational aspects in all focus areas. Even environmental conservation grants should feature hands-on learning programs. According to foundation materials, applicants should "emphasize educational components in proposals."

Geographic Connection: About two-thirds of grants go to St. Paul area organizations. For regional grants, organizations must be in communities where Ecolab has significant operations (divisional headquarters or manufacturing facilities).

Serving Underserved Communities: The foundation prioritizes organizations that promote progress with underserved communities, particularly programs serving at-risk youth and traditionally underserved populations.

Employee Engagement Opportunities: While not explicitly required, consider mentioning opportunities for Ecolab employee volunteerism. The foundation supports employee engagement through Dollars for Doers ($25 per volunteer hour) and Board Leadership Volunteer Grants ($500 annually), indicating value placed on hands-on employee involvement.

Compliance and Non-Discrimination: Organizations must comply with Ecolab's Code of Conduct, particularly non-discrimination policies covering gender, race, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.

Strategic Specificity: The foundation values precision in alignment with guidelines. As noted, even internal executives cannot secure grants that don't align with strategic priorities, demonstrating the importance of clear, direct connections to stated focus areas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Know your geography: Ensure your organization serves the St. Paul area or a specific Ecolab regional community before applying; about two-thirds of funding stays in the Twin Cities
  • Lead with education: Regardless of focus area, emphasize hands-on learning components and educational outcomes in your proposal
  • Align with 2030 Impact Goals: Connect your work to water conservation, climate impact, food safety, or economic value for underserved communities - 78% of grants align with these priorities
  • Current grantee advantage: Recent cycles have been invitation-only for existing grantees; building a relationship through smaller initial grants may be strategic
  • Strict guidelines matter: The foundation has a reputation for saying "no" when proposals don't align with guidelines, regardless of internal pressure - ensure perfect alignment before applying
  • Consider employee engagement: While not required, highlighting opportunities for Ecolab employee volunteers may strengthen proposals given the foundation's emphasis on employee giving and volunteerism
  • 3-month timeline: Plan for a March notification if applying to the September-December cycle, allowing adequate time for project planning

References

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