Hugh J Andersen Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,264,300 (2025)
• Success Rate: ~15% (estimated based on typical foundation rates)
• Decision Time: 8-12 weeks
• Grant Range: $500 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: St. Croix Valley region and St. Paul, MN

Contact Details

• Website: www.srinc.biz/foundations/hugh-j-andersen-foundation
• Phone: (651) 275-4489
• Email: hjafdn@srinc.biz
• Address: 342 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Bayport, MN 55003-4502
• Pre-application Contact: Encouraged to call before applying

Overview

Founded on March 2, 1962, the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation is a private family foundation with over $216 million in assets that distributes approximately $10 million annually through 260-275 grants. The Foundation's mission is to give back to the community through focused efforts that foster inclusivity, promote equality, and lead to increased human independence, self-sufficiency and dignity. Operating as a grantmaker, innovator, and convener, the Foundation has a strong geographic focus on the St. Croix Valley region (Washington County in Minnesota; Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties in Wisconsin) and extends support to St. Paul organizations serving unduplicated programs for St. Croix Valley residents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $500 - $250,000 (median grant $22,000)
• Program Support: $500 - $250,000 (average grant $31,245)
• Quarterly Grant Cycle: Fixed deadlines March 15, June 15, August 15, November 15

Priority Areas

• Asset-based programs created, initiated, supported or staffed by the constituency they serve
• Programs benefiting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
• Women and children's programs
• Community education addressing social issues
• General community health and medical services
• Human services and family services

What They Don't Fund

• Individual scholarships or loans
• Lobbying activities
• Fundraising dinners and events
• Travel expenses
• Fiscal agent arrangements
• Major endowment and capital requests (low priority)
• Organizations or programs with existing counterparts in St. Paul or St. Croix Valley

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is led by members of the Andersen family and professional staff:

• President: Sarah J. Andersen
• Vice President: Ellen B. Andersen
• Secretary/Treasurer: William H. Rubenstein
• Chief Philanthropy Officer: Brad Kruse

The leadership emphasizes community engagement and understanding of local needs, with staff actively involved in the St. Croix Valley region.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted through two methods:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): 2-3 page summary of request
2. Full Proposal: Complete application with detailed information

Submit online at www.srinc.biz/foundations/hugh-j-andersen-foundation or by mail to the Foundation office.

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadlines: March 15, June 15, August 15, November 15 (quarterly)
• Initial Response: Within 4 weeks after deadline if being considered for board review
• Board Meetings: June, September, December, February
• Final Decision: Within 4 weeks after board meeting
• Total Timeline: 8-12 weeks from submission to final decision

Success Rates

Based on 2025 data, the Foundation made 264 grants totaling $10.26 million, suggesting a selective but consistent funding approach with multi-year support common for successful grantees.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future grant cycles. The Foundation encourages pre-application contact to discuss fit before resubmitting.

Application Success Factors

Based on grantee feedback and funding patterns:

• Geographic alignment is critical - must clearly demonstrate service to St. Croix Valley residents
• Call before applying - staff are accessible and provide helpful guidance on fit and approach
• Demonstrate constituency involvement - prioritize programs created and led by those they serve
• Show unduplicated services - avoid requesting support for programs that duplicate existing services
• Build relationships - the Foundation values long-term partnerships and often provides multi-year support
• Focus on independence and dignity - align proposals with the Foundation's mission of fostering self-sufficiency

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity is non-negotiable - must serve St. Croix Valley or be St. Paul-based with unique programs for Valley residents
• Pre-application contact is strongly recommended - staff provide valuable guidance and are known to be helpful
• Asset-based, constituency-led programs have highest priority - emphasize how beneficiaries shape and lead programs
• Consistent funder with multi-year support potential - successful grantees often receive ongoing funding
• Quarterly deadlines offer multiple opportunities - plan submissions strategically across the year
• Average grant of $31,245 suggests mid-range requests may be optimal - while maximum is $250,000, most grants are significantly smaller
• Foundation acts as convener and innovator - open to collaborative and innovative approaches beyond traditional grant-making

References

• Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Official Website (www.srinc.biz/foundations/hugh-j-andersen-foundation) - Accessed February 2026
• Hugh J. Andersen Foundation IRS Form 990-PF (2023) - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grants Database - Candid Foundation Directory Online
• GrantAdvisor Reviews - Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Profile (2024)
• Minnesota Council on Foundations Member Directory (2024)
• Recent grant awards and recipient information from Foundation website (2024-2025)