Target Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $26.4 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (138 awards made in 2024)
• Decision Time: Up to 45 days (once approved)
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $200,000 (Hometown programme); up to $1,500,000 (other programmes)
• Geographic Focus: Twin Cities/Minnesota (Hometown), National, and Global programmes
• Application Method: Invitation only

Contact Details

Target Foundation PO Box 1455 Minneapolis, MN 55440

Phone: (612) 761-9219

Website: https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation

Overview

Founded in 1918 and renamed from the Dayton Foundation in 2000, the Target Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Target Corporation with assets of approximately $92.7 million. The foundation distributes an amount equal to five percent of Target Corporation's federally taxable income annually—a commitment maintained since 1946. In 2024, the foundation gave $26.4 million in grants. The foundation focuses on advancing economic opportunity through three strategic pillars: hometown programmes promoting equity in the Twin Cities and Minnesota, national programmes supporting financial security and empowerment, and global programmes advancing sustainable livelihoods in emerging economies. Under the leadership of President Amanda Nusz, the foundation emphasises community-led approaches, co-creation, and racial equity as core principles guiding all investments.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Hometown Racial Equity Grants (Twin Cities/Minnesota)

• Grant Range: $25,000 - $200,000
• Application Method: Invitation only
• Focus: Organisations addressing systemic barriers facing underserved communities in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area and greater Minnesota
• Recent Activity: 86 organisations funded in 2022; 138 awards in 2024

National Foundation Programme

• Grant Range: Varies (invitation only)
• Application Method: Invitation only
• Focus: Financial stability and empowerment for low-income workers and families across the United States

Global Foundation Programme

• Grant Range: Multi-year grants available
• Application Method: Invitation only with option to submit Global General Information Form
• Focus: Sustainable livelihoods in emerging economies

Priority Areas

Hometown Programme (Minnesota) - Four Priority Areas:

1. Entrepreneurship and Small Business: Training, financial services/loans, and network building for entrepreneurs at all stages
2. Workforce Development: Career pathways and job training for unemployed and underemployed workers
3. Housing: Affordable housing, tenant rights, and sustainable homeownership initiatives
4. Asset Building: Financial education and wealth-building services

National Programme - Two Focus Areas:

1. Financial Resilience and Inclusion: Tools and services enabling low-income workers and families to attain financial stability, self-efficacy, and dignity
2. Workforce Development: Skills, opportunities, and resources for individuals with limited income to adapt to the changing nature of work

Global Programme - Three Priorities:

1. Equipping organisations and communities with capacity to create sustainable economic opportunity
2. Enabling access to financial solutions that help families maintain and grow their assets
3. Equipping people and communities with tools and knowledge to solve problems and shape institutions

Organisational Preferences:

• Organisations with annual budgets under $5 million prioritised to extend reach
• Organisations strengthening networks, coalitions, and movements
• Community-led organisations serving underserved and under-resourced communities

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• Religious organisations for religious purposes
• Sponsorships or fundraising events
• Direct political lobbying
• Endowments or capital requests
• Government entities

Governance and Leadership

President: Amanda Nusz, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Target Corporation (in role since 1996 in various capacities)

Amanda Nusz has articulated the foundation's philosophy of co-creation and community partnership: "The idea of co-creation is the central component to our process and our progress at Target," describing it as anchoring their sustainability strategy to "co-create an equitable and regenerative future with our guests, partners and communities."

On the foundation's approach to racial equity and grantmaking, Nusz stated: "In advancing racial equity through systems change, how we do it matters. We continuously learn from our partners and recognise that answers to the issues of society are within our community, which is why we invest in organisations and networks that take a community-led approach to expanding economic opportunity."

Regarding the foundation's commitment to Minneapolis-St. Paul: "For more than 100 years, the Target Foundation's support of our Twin Cities home has never wavered. Through our hometown racial equity grants, we seek to bolster work that is making a lasting and transformational difference in our communities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The majority of Target Foundation grants across all programmes (Hometown, National, and Global) are made by invitation only.

Exception for Global Programme: While investments are invitation-only, the foundation acknowledges that "there is great work being done by organisations that may be unfamiliar to their team." Organisations working in global contexts can share information about their programmes via a Global General Information Form available on the foundation's website.

Alternative Target Giving Options: Organisations can request Target GiftCard donations by completing a request form and bringing it to a local Target store. Additionally, the Target Circle Community Giving programme awards grants to nonprofits based on percentage of votes received during voting periods.

Getting on Their Radar

Note: This section contains specific, documented information about this funder's approach.

The Target Foundation emphasises community-led approaches and partnership building. Specific strategies documented by the foundation include:

1. Multi-year partnership approach: The foundation has supported organisations like Mni Sota Fund as "multi-year recipients" of hometown racial equity grants, indicating they build long-term relationships with effective partners.

2. Network and coalition focus: The foundation explicitly prioritises "organisations strengthening networks, coalitions and movements," suggesting involvement in relevant sector coalitions could increase visibility.

3. Alignment with Target's broader community engagement: Target operates multiple community giving programmes beyond the foundation. Building relationships through Target Circle Community Giving or local Target store partnerships may provide pathways to foundation visibility.

4. Geographic proximity for Hometown grants: Priority is given to organisations based in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area, making local presence and community connections important.

Decision Timeline

Once an application is approved through the invitation process, the donation approval process typically takes up to 45 days. Funds are distributed through direct deposit, wire transfer, or paper cheque.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, data shows:

• 2024: 138 awards made
• 2023: 144 awards made
• 2022: 265 awards made; 86 organisations funded through Hometown Racial Equity Grants specifically

The decline in number of awards from 2022 to 2024 may reflect larger grant sizes or more concentrated investment strategies.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented due to the invitation-only nature of the grant programmes.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of Target Foundation grants, traditional application advice is less relevant. However, research reveals these funder-specific insights:

Community-Led Approach is Central: Amanda Nusz's statement that "answers to the issues of society are within our community" reflects the foundation's preference for organisations that centre community voice and leadership rather than imposing external solutions.

Systems Change Focus: The foundation emphasises "advancing racial equity through systems change" and notes that "how we do it matters," indicating they look for organisations addressing root causes and structural barriers, not just symptoms.

Network Strengthening: The foundation explicitly values "organisations strengthening networks, coalitions and movements," recognising social change requires multi-sector collaboration. Organisations operating in isolation may be less aligned with their approach.

Examples of Funded Organisations (2020-2022 Hometown Grants):

• Center for Economic Inclusion ($1.5 million + $250,000 in 2022)
• Build Wealth MN
• Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio Inc. (CLUES)
• Urban League Twin Cities
• Mni Sota Fund (multi-year recipient)
• Hope Community Inc.
• African American Leadership Forum
• Hmong American Farmers Association
• Latino Economic Development Center
• Northside Funders Group
• American Indian OIC (AIOIC)
• Namati (Global programme - Legal Empowerment Network support)

Key Terminology the Foundation Uses:

• "Underserved and under-resourced communities"
• "Community-led approaches"
• "Racial equity"
• "Economic opportunity" (not just jobs, but comprehensive economic advancement)
• "Co-creation"
• "Sustainable livelihoods"

Budget Size Matters: The foundation prioritises organisations with annual budgets under $5 million, suggesting they aim to support smaller, community-based organisations rather than large national nonprofits.

Values Accountability: Nusz noted their work "coincides with our commitment to accountability as we work to create positive change," suggesting funded organisations should demonstrate clear metrics and transparent reporting.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only process means relationship-building is essential: Traditional unsolicited applications are not accepted for foundation grants; focus on becoming known in relevant networks and coalitions where Target Foundation operates
• Community-led and racial equity focus is non-negotiable: Organisations must demonstrate authentic community leadership and explicit racial equity analysis in their work
• Think networks, not solo efforts: The foundation explicitly values coalition-building and multi-sector collaboration; being part of or building networks increases alignment
• Budget size matters for Hometown grants: Organisations with budgets under $5 million are prioritised, making this potentially more accessible for smaller community-based organisations than other corporate foundations
• Long-term relationships are valued: Multi-year recipients like Mni Sota Fund suggest the foundation prefers deepening partnerships over constantly seeking new grantees
• Geographic focus is strong for Hometown programme: Twin Cities seven-county metro area organisations receive priority, making local presence important for Minnesota-focused work
• Alternative entry points exist: While foundation grants are invitation-only, Target Circle Community Giving and store-level partnerships may provide visibility and relationship-building opportunities

References

1. Target Foundation Overview. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation (Accessed December 2024)

2. Target Foundation Hometown Programmes. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation/hometown (Accessed December 2024)

3. Target Foundation Hometown Funding Guidelines. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation/hometown/hometown-funding-guidelines (Accessed December 2024)

4. Target Foundation National Programmes. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation/national (Accessed December 2024)

5. Target Foundation Global Programmes. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/target-foundation/global (Accessed December 2024)

6. Grants & Corporate Giving. Target Corporation. https://corporate.target.com/sustainability-governance/communities/grants-corporate-giving (Accessed December 2024)

7. "How Target Foundation Is Supporting Our Communities with the 2022 Hometown Racial Equity Grants." Target Corporation, November 2022. https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2022/11/hometown-grants (Accessed December 2024)

8. "Target's Impact on the Communities We Serve." Target Corporation, March 2025. https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2025/03/community-impact (Accessed December 2024)

9. "Target Foundation Awards More Than $5 Million to Twin Cities Nonprofits Helping Promote Racial Equity." Target Corporation, December 2020. https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2020/12/2020-hometown-grants (Accessed December 2024)

10. Target Foundation. Instrumentl 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/target-foundation (Accessed December 2024)

11. Target Foundation Profile. Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/target-foundation,416017088/ (Accessed December 2024)

12. "Suite Talk: Target's Amanda Nusz on Prioritising Personal Well-being and Serving Others With Intention." WWD, 2024. https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/amanda-nusz-target-wellness-retail-innovation-1236883369/ (Accessed December 2024)

13. Amanda Nusz LinkedIn: Hometown Programmes. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amandanusz_hometown-programs-target-foundation-activity-6926920331869749250-bWfb (Accessed December 2024)

14. "ESG Next: An Interview With Target's Amanda Nusz." NationSwell. https://nationswell.com/esg-next-an-interview-with-targets-amanda-nusz/ (Accessed December 2024)