Hardenbergh Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,800,750 (2024)
• Grant Range: $3,750 - $765,000
• Typical Operating Grant: $10,000 - $25,000
• Capital Grant Range: $50,000 - $250,000
• Decision Time: Applications by October 15, decisions early December, grants distributed by December 15 (approximately 2 months)
• Number of Grants: Approximately 150-175 grants annually
• Geographic Focus: Twin Cities East Metro, Ramsey and Washington Counties (Minnesota), and St. Croix River Valley
• Application Method: Annual deadline (October 15)

Contact Details

Address: 81 East Seventh Street, Suite 125, St. Paul, MN 55101

Website: https://hardenberghfoundation.org

Phone: 651-653-4956

Email: tammy@hardenberghfdn.org

President & CEO: Tammy Davis Cownie, JD, MACL

Pre-Application Contact: First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Tammy Davis Cownie to introduce themselves and their organization and to learn more about Foundation priorities and the application process.

Overview

The Hardenbergh Foundation was established in 1950 by Ianthe Bronson Hardenbergh and her daughter Gabrielle Hardenbergh, originally as the St. Croix Foundation. The foundation's wealth originated from the estate of Ianthe's grandfather, David Bronson, Jr., who arrived in Stillwater, Minnesota in 1855 and founded Bronson & Folsom Company in 1868, operating sawmills and general mercantile businesses on the St. Croix River. Upon Gabrielle's death in 2003, she donated the $41.3 million residue of her estate to the foundation, at which point it transitioned from a family foundation to a private foundation. Today, the foundation holds assets of approximately $68-70 million and distributes approximately $5.8 million annually across 150-175 grants. The foundation focuses on supporting health care, senior housing, education, community services, and the arts, serving charitable organizations in the Twin Cities East Metro, Ramsey and Washington Counties of Minnesota, and the St. Croix River Valley.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Support Grants: $10,000 - $25,000

• Most grants awarded by the foundation are for general operating support
• Although there is no long-term commitment, many organizations receive general operating support year after year
• Application via letter on letterhead or Minnesota Common Grant Application
• Single annual deadline: October 15

Capital Campaign Grants: $50,000 - $250,000

• The Board awards several capital grants each year
• All capital grant applicants should arrange a meeting with Tammy Davis Cownie to introduce the campaign and outline its budget, timeline, and dedicated funders
• Meeting required before application submission
• Same October 15 deadline applies

Priority Areas

The foundation supports charitable organizations in the following areas:

• Health Care: Supporting healthcare programs and facilities (e.g., awarded $125,000 to Western Wisconsin Health Foundation for Obstetrical and Medical-Surgical Unit expansion in 2023)
• Senior Housing: Programs and facilities serving older adults
• Education: Educational programs and institutions
• Community Services: Broad range of community support programs
• Arts: Support for arts organizations and programs
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking: Supporting the nonprofit sector infrastructure

Geographic Focus: Twin Cities East Metro area, Ramsey and Washington Counties of Minnesota, and St. Croix River Valley (extends into Wisconsin)

What They Don't Fund

Based on publicly available information, the foundation states:

• The Board is not likely to be influenced by matching grant opportunities, offers of multiple-year payments, or naming rights
• Electronic submissions will not be considered
• Due to limited resources, the Board is not able to fund all requests

The foundation does not publish a comprehensive list of exclusions. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly to discuss eligibility and priorities.

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Tammy Davis Cownie, JD, MACL

Board of Directors:

• Jeffrey T. Peterson
• John G. Couchman
• Mary Schmid Daugherty
• Glenn E. Johnson

The Board of Directors meets just once a year, around December 1st, to consider all grant requests received by the October 15 deadline.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Format: The foundation does not have a specific grant application form. Applicants may choose between:

1. A letter on organizational letterhead introducing the organization and explaining what the Hardenbergh Foundation can do to support, enhance, or expand the program
2. The Minnesota Common Grant Application

Submission Method: All applications must be submitted as hard copy by US Mail or other delivery service. Electronic submissions will not be considered.

Required Documentation:

• Grant request letter or Minnesota Common Grant Application
• Most current 12-month financial statement (including balance sheet, revenue, and expenses) OR most recent IRS Form 990
• Information regarding primary funding sources

Pre-Application for First-Time Applicants: First-time applicants are encouraged to contact Tammy Davis Cownie at tammy@hardenberghfdn.org or 651-653-4956 to introduce themselves and their organization and to learn more about Foundation priorities and clarification of the application process.

Capital Campaign Applicants: All capital grant applicants should arrange a meeting with Tammy Davis Cownie to introduce the campaign and outline its budget, timeline, and dedicated funders before submitting an application.

Application Period: Grant applications are accepted beginning August 1st and must be received by October 15th. Applications postmarked by the 15th but received later may not be considered.

Decision Timeline

1. Application Deadline: October 15
2. Board Meeting: First week of December (typically around December 1st)
3. Grant Distribution: Successful applicants will receive their grant award by December 15th
4. Declination Letters: Unsuccessful applicants will receive a declination letter around December 15th

Total Timeline: Approximately 2 months from deadline to notification

Success Rates

The foundation receives applications annually and awards approximately 150-175 grants per year:

• 2024: 152 awards
• 2023: 175 awards
• 2022: 176 awards
• 2021: 175 awards
• 2020: 155 awards

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. The foundation acknowledges that "due to limited resources, the Board is not able to fund all requests," indicating a competitive process.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. However, the application notes that "although there is never a long term commitment, many organizations receive general operating support year after year," indicating that repeat applications and multi-year funding relationships are common for successful applicants.

Organizations that were not successful in a previous application cycle are not explicitly prohibited from reapplying in subsequent years.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's published guidance and recent grant activity, the following factors appear important for success:

Geographic Alignment is Critical: The foundation has a clearly defined geographic focus on the Twin Cities East Metro, Ramsey and Washington Counties, and the St. Croix River Valley. Organizations outside this area are unlikely to be successful.

First-Time Applicants Should Make Contact: The foundation explicitly encourages first-time applicants to reach out to Tammy Davis Cownie before applying. This pre-application contact helps ensure alignment with foundation priorities and proper understanding of the application process.

Capital Campaign Applicants Must Meet First: The foundation requires capital grant applicants to arrange a meeting with Tammy Davis Cownie to discuss the campaign, budget, timeline, and dedicated funders. This suggests the foundation values relationship-building and wants to understand major investments before making decisions.

Follow Submission Requirements Exactly: The foundation will not consider electronic submissions and may not consider late applications. Following the hard-copy mail requirement and October 15 deadline is essential.

General Operating Support is the Foundation's Preference: Most grants are for general operating support rather than specific projects. Organizations should consider requesting flexible, unrestricted funding rather than narrowly focused program grants.

Multi-Year Relationships are Common: The foundation notes that "many organizations receive general operating support year after year," suggesting they value ongoing relationships with grantees and are willing to provide repeated funding to organizations that align with their priorities.

Don't Rely on Incentives: The Board explicitly states they are "not likely to be influenced by matching grant opportunities, offers of multiple-year payments or naming rights," suggesting they make decisions based on mission alignment and community impact rather than financial incentives.

Recent Funding Example: In 2023, the foundation awarded $125,000 to Western Wisconsin Health Foundation for Obstetrical and Medical-Surgical Unit expansion, demonstrating their support for significant capital projects in healthcare within their geographic area.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Confirm your organization serves individuals in the Twin Cities East Metro, Ramsey and Washington Counties, or St. Croix River Valley before applying.

• Make personal contact before first application: First-time applicants should call or email Tammy Davis Cownie before submitting an application to ensure alignment and understanding of priorities.

• Capital campaign applicants must meet in person: If seeking a capital grant ($50,000+), schedule a meeting with leadership before the October 15 deadline to discuss your campaign.

• Choose the right grant type: Most grants are $10,000-$25,000 for general operating support. Request unrestricted funding unless you're pursuing a major capital project ($50,000-$250,000 range).

• Submit by mail only: Electronic submissions will not be accepted. Mail your application well before October 15 to ensure timely receipt.

• Keep it simple: The foundation doesn't require a complex application form—a clear letter on letterhead or the Minnesota Common Grant Application is sufficient.

• Be patient and focused: With only one annual deadline and board meeting, timing is everything. If you miss October 15, you'll wait another full year to apply.

• Build for the long term: Many organizations receive funding year after year, suggesting the foundation values ongoing relationships with aligned organizations rather than one-time grants to many different groups.

References

1. Hardenbergh Foundation Official Website - Home Page. https://hardenberghfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

2. Hardenbergh Foundation Official Website - History Page. https://hardenberghfoundation.org/history/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

3. Hardenbergh Foundation Official Website - Application Page. https://hardenberghfoundation.org/application/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

4. Hardenbergh Foundation Official Website - Contact Page. https://hardenberghfoundation.org/contact/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

5. Hardenbergh Foundation Profile, Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/hardenbergh-foundation,416011826/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

6. Hardenbergh Foundation 990 Report, Instrumentl. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/hardenbergh-foundation (Accessed March 4, 2026)

7. Hardenbergh Foundation, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416011826 (Accessed March 4, 2026)

8. "WWH Foundation awarded $125,000 from Hardenbergh Foundation for Expansion," Western Wisconsin News, December 8, 2023. https://westernwisconsin.news/wwh-foundation-awarded-125000-from-hardenbergh-foundation-for-expansion/ (Accessed March 4, 2026)

9. "Column: Local leader David Bronson," Stillwater Gazette. https://www.hometownsource.com/stillwater_gazette/opinion/columnists/column-local-leader-david-bronson/article_1755f32c-796f-11e8-a7c0-efee55cc1d99.html (Accessed March 4, 2026)

10. Hardenbergh Foundation Profile, GuideStar. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/41-6011826 (Accessed March 4, 2026)

11. Hardenbergh Foundation, GrantStation. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/hardenbergh-foundation (Accessed March 4, 2026)