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Slaggie Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $50.0M

Slaggie Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,462,851 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000,000 (typical grants $10,000 - $100,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Winona, MN and Southeastern Minnesota; grants made nationally

Contact Details

Website: Not available Email: info@slaggiefamilyfdn.com Phone: (507) 474-9150 Mailing Address: 111 Market St Suite 3B, Winona, MN 55987

Overview

Founded in 1999, the Slaggie Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation with total assets of $101 million and annual giving of approximately $2.5-3.6 million. The foundation was established by Stephen M. Slaggie, one of five founders of Fastenal Company, and continues as a second-generation family foundation deeply rooted in Catholic faith. The foundation's mission centers on education, healthcare, arts, and humanitarian causes, with a particular emphasis on Catholic education and institutions. In 2024, the foundation made headlines with a transformational $50 million gift to Mayo Clinic for cancer care innovation, demonstrating their capacity for both large-scale transformational gifts and consistent community support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single, flexible grant program with the following characteristics:

  • Small Community Grants: $1,000 - $25,000 (most common)
  • Mid-range Institutional Support: $25,000 - $250,000
  • Transformational Gifts: $1 million - $50 million (major institutions)
  • Application Method: Rolling basis, no fixed deadlines

Priority Areas

  1. Catholic Education (primary focus)

    • K-12 Catholic schools
    • Catholic universities and colleges
    • Tuition assistance programs
    • Building funds and capital campaigns

  2. Education (broadly)

    • Higher education institutions
    • Scholarships and financial aid
    • Academic buildings and facilities

  3. Healthcare

    • Cancer care and research
    • Innovative healthcare delivery models
    • Home-based treatment programs

  4. Arts and Culture

    • Cultural institutions
    • Arts programming

  5. Social Services

    • Hunger relief
    • Family services
    • Community development initiatives

  6. Civic Affairs

    • Community organizations
    • Local development projects

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions listed; foundation appears open to various charitable purposes within their priority areas.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Stephen M. Slaggie - President (Fastenal Co-founder)
  • Barbara J. Slaggie - Trustee
  • Michael J. Slaggie - Vice President
  • Amanda Slaggie - Secretary
  • Matthew S. Slaggie - Treasurer

All trustees serve without compensation. The foundation represents second-generation family philanthropy, with Stephen and Barbara's children actively involved in governance and giving decisions.

Stephen Slaggie, a cancer survivor, stated regarding their Mayo Clinic gift: "I know firsthand the anxiety of seeking prompt, exceptional care. We're honored to help people with cancer by providing treatment in their home without the time, expense and travel involved in accessing a clinic or hospital."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited applications on a rolling basis:

  1. Contact the foundation via email (info@slaggiefamilyfdn.com) or phone ((507) 474-9150) to request application materials
  2. Submit a letter stating your request along with:
    • Organization's tax-exempt status documentation
    • Organization's EIN
    • Project or program description
    • Budget information

Decision Timeline

  • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
  • No fixed decision timeline published
  • Notification method not specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made 78 grants in 2023, with similar numbers in previous years (94 in 2022, 126 in 2021).

Reapplication Policy

No restrictions on reapplication documented.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated priorities:

  • Strong Catholic connection enhances competitiveness - The foundation's deep Catholic roots are evident in their giving, with Catholic institutions receiving significant support
  • Local Winona/SE Minnesota organizations have advantage - The foundation maintains strong ties to their home community, as evidenced by consistent support for local organizations like Cotter Schools and Family & Children's Center
  • Demonstrate innovation in service delivery - Major gifts to Mayo Clinic for home-based cancer care and Saint Mary's University for innovation show appreciation for creative approaches
  • Multi-generational impact resonates - Mike Slaggie noted about Cotter Schools: "Cotter Schools is near and dear to our heart as a direct result of the experience my dad had when he attended, and when my siblings and I attended"
  • Capital projects and infrastructure welcomed - The foundation has funded multiple building projects and facility improvements
  • Consider collaborative approaches - The foundation's partnership with Hiawatha Education Foundation on the Cotter Schools project demonstrates openness to collaborative funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Catholic institutions have clear advantage but secular organizations within priority areas are also funded
  • No formal application deadlines means you can apply when your project is ready, but plan for undefined decision timeline
  • Wide grant range from $1,000 to $50 million means both small and large projects are viable
  • Direct personal contact encouraged - Phone or email to request application shows accessible, relationship-based approach
  • Family values central - Emphasize alignment with education, faith-based service, and community impact
  • Consider long-term relationship potential - Foundation has history of repeat giving to valued partners
  • Innovation matters for large grants - Transformational gifts have supported innovative approaches to traditional services

References

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