The Jennings Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.5 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $3,000,000
• Geographic Focus: National (18 states), with emphasis on Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas

Contact Details

Administrative Office: c/o National Christian Foundation Twin Cities 7701 France Avenue S Suite 360 Edina, MN 55435

Phone: 612-288-2292

Note: This foundation does not have a public website or email address for grant applications.

Overview

The Jennings Family Foundation is a private independent foundation established in Minnesota. As of 2024, the foundation manages approximately $7.5-10.5 million in assets and distributes between $4.5-9.8 million annually in charitable grants (distributions vary significantly by year, with $9.8 million in 2023 and $4.5 million in 2024). The foundation is led by Mary Lee Jennings as President, with Todd Jennings and Jay Bennett serving as Directors. The foundation supports organizations across 18 states, focusing primarily on Christian ministries, international relief and development, human services, education, and organizations serving economically disadvantaged populations. Grant recipients have included World Vision and numerous other organizations working in areas such as Alzheimer's disease research, hunger relief, housing development, and international development in countries including Syria, Zambia, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a traditional private foundation without designated grant programs. Awards are made at the discretion of the board of directors.

• Grant Range: $5,000 - $3,000,000
• Number of Annual Grants: 36-56 grants per year
• Application Method: No public application process

Priority Areas

Based on analysis of grant-making patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

• Christian Ministry and Missions: International and domestic ministry support
• International Relief and Development: Projects in Syria, Zambia, Guatemala, Honduras, and other developing nations
• Human Services: Organizations serving economically disadvantaged populations
• Healthcare: Hospitals and Alzheimer's disease research and support
• Hunger Relief: Food security and hunger alleviation programs
• Housing Development: Affordable housing and housing assistance
• Education: Educational institutions and programs

Geographic Focus

While headquartered in Minnesota, the foundation supports organizations across 18 states including:

• Primary: Minnesota, Colorado, Texas
• Secondary: California, Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, and others
• International: Multi-country focus through international relief organizations

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly available. However, as a private family foundation with Christian values, funding appears focused on faith-based and humanitarian organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Mary Lee Jennings - President (current)
• Joel Jennings - Former President (served until June 28, 2023)
• Todd Jennings - Director
• Jay Bennett - Director

All board members serve on a voluntary basis and receive no compensation for their roles. The foundation is administered through National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, which provides back-office support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Jennings Family Foundation is a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its board of directors. The foundation proactively identifies organizations aligned with the family's philanthropic interests rather than accepting unsolicited grant applications.

The foundation is administered through National Christian Foundation Twin Cities, which provides administrative and fiduciary services but does not manage a public application process on behalf of the foundation.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation makes grants through board discretion rather than an application review process.

Success Rates

Not applicable for public applications. The foundation made between 36-56 grants annually in recent years from what appears to be a pre-identified pool of organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept public applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, based on the foundation's documented giving patterns, organizations that have received support share these characteristics:

• Faith-Based Mission: Strong preference for Christian organizations and ministries
• International Development Focus: Track record of supporting international relief organizations working in developing nations, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East
• Human Services Alignment: Support for organizations addressing poverty, hunger, housing insecurity, and healthcare needs
• Established Organizations: Grant recipients appear to be well-established nonprofits with proven track records (e.g., World Vision)
• Geographic Connection: Some preference for organizations based in or serving Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas, though not exclusively

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation operates through trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited proposals
• Private Family Foundation: Grant decisions are made by the Jennings family board members based on their personal philanthropic priorities
• Christian Values Focus: The foundation's giving pattern shows strong alignment with Christian ministry and faith-based humanitarian work
• International Relief Emphasis: Significant portion of funding supports international development and relief efforts
• Wide Geographic Reach: Despite being Minnesota-based, grants reach across 18 states and multiple countries internationally
• Variable Annual Distributions: Grant-making can vary significantly year to year ($4.5M to $9.8M range), suggesting flexible distribution strategy
• Large Grant Potential: Grant range extends up to $3 million, indicating capacity for significant awards to aligned organizations

References

• Instrumentl 990 Report for The Jennings Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-jennings-family-foundation
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Jennings Family Foundation (EIN: 41-1765206). Accessed January 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/411765206
• Cause IQ Profile - The Jennings Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-jennings-family-foundation,411765206/
• Candid Foundation Directory - The Jennings Family Foundation C/o National Christian Foundation TC. Accessed January 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=PROP011
• Grantmakers.io Profile - The Jennings Family Foundation. Accessed January 2026. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/411765206-the-jennings-family-foundation/