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J.A. Wedum Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.4M
Grant Range
$1K - $2.0M

J.A. Wedum Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,399,119 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (typical range)
  • Geographic Focus: Minnesota, with emphasis on Alexandria area
  • Total Assets: $98.4 million (2024)
  • Grants Awarded: 102 grants in 2023

Contact Details

Address: Two Carlson Parkway North, Suite 335, Plymouth, MN 55447

Phone: (612) 789-3363 or (612) 789-4044

Website: www.wedum.org

Note: The foundation is not currently accepting grant applications. Check their website periodically for updates on when they will resume accepting applications.

Overview

The J.A. Wedum Foundation was incorporated in 1959 by the Wedum Family of Alexandria, Minnesota, using assets from the J.A. Wedum estate as initial capital. With total assets of $98.4 million and annual charitable disbursements of $1.78 million in 2024, the foundation operates as a private foundation with three core focus areas: setting the standard in quality housing for seniors, providing educational support for future generations, and impacting communities through charitable giving. The foundation's tagline is "Seeking Excellence," reflecting its commitment to quality in all its programs. Since 2010, the foundation has donated over $12.7 million to external nonprofits and over $7.4 million to educational institutions. The foundation currently operates approximately 760 senior housing units across Minnesota and Texas, with new developments underway including Crosstown Landing in Andover (opening late 2026).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Scholarships and Education Grants

  • Priority Level: Highest priority for the foundation
  • Recipients: Universities, community colleges, technical schools, and high schools
  • Grant Range: Varies by institution and program
  • Application Method: Currently not accepting applications
  • Past Recipients Include: St. Cloud State University, Shattuck-St. Mary's, Alexandria Technical and Community College

Capital Projects and Community Grants

  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (typical range for smaller grants)
  • Major Grants: Can exceed $2,000,000 for significant capital projects
  • Application Method: Annual consideration basis (when accepting applications)
  • Focus Areas: Healthcare facilities, public safety, community development, parks, educational infrastructure

Community Foundations Program

  • Support Provided: Up to $40,000 per community foundation plus matching gifts
  • Eligible Communities: Minnesota cities/counties without existing general community foundations
  • Assistance Includes: Legal costs, IRS 501(c)(3) approval, up to $2,000 first-year CPA cost reimbursement
  • Successful Examples: Brooten Community Foundation, Greater Lake City Community Foundation, Greater Nicollet Area Community Foundation

Priority Areas

Education (Highest Priority)

  • Scholarship endowments at universities and colleges
  • Support for community and technical colleges
  • High school scholarship programs
  • Educational infrastructure and facilities

Senior Housing

  • Quality housing developments for seniors (owned and operated by the foundation)
  • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
  • Capital projects supporting elder care

Community Development

  • Healthcare facilities including hospice care
  • Public safety initiatives
  • Parks and community spaces
  • Organizations serving community needs in Minnesota

Geographic Preference

  • Preference given to geographical markets where the foundation operates and owns real estate
  • Emphasis on Alexandria area of Minnesota
  • Broader Minnesota statewide focus
  • Historical connection to west central Minnesota (Douglas, Grant, and Pope Counties)

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly detailed on the foundation's website or in publicly available materials.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

  • Jay J. Portz - President (Compensation: $430,389 in 2024)
  • Kellie Tesch - Director of Accounting/Assistant VP (Compensation: $213,997 in 2024)

Board of Trustees

Current Members:

  • Brian Myres - Chairman of the Board
  • Jon Davis
  • Dawn Downs
  • Michele Kelm-Helgen
  • David Kjos
  • Robert Kovell
  • Dayton Soby
  • Dana Wedum-Kennelly
  • Tom Woessner

Trustees Emeritus:

  • Gary Slette
  • Frank Starke
  • Dale Vesledahl

Foundation Philosophy

The foundation's mission is to "develop and utilize the resources of the foundation to help organizations and individuals change and improve people's lives in the spirit of stewardship and generosity exemplified by John A. Wedum." The foundation was guided by second-generation leaders John Wedum (grandson of J.A. Wedum) and his wife Mary Beth, who were the visionaries that expanded the foundation into what it is today.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The J.A. Wedum Foundation is not currently accepting grant applications. According to their official website, prospective applicants are invited to check back periodically for updates on when the grant application process will resume.

When accepting applications, the foundation has historically:

  • Accepted unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits
  • Operated on an annual consideration basis with no fixed submission deadlines
  • Accepted standard grant applications

Decision Timeline

The foundation awards grants on an annual basis when accepting applications. Specific decision timelines from submission to award notification are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose the total number of applications received, making it impossible to calculate a precise success rate. However, the foundation awarded:

  • 102 grants in 2023
  • 96 grants in 2022
  • 95 grants in 2021

This consistency suggests a steady grantmaking program serving approximately 100 organizations annually.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation is not currently accepting applications, the following factors appear important based on their funding history and mission:

Alignment with Education Priority The foundation explicitly states that "scholarships remain the highest priority for the J.A. Wedum Foundation." Educational institutions and organizations supporting student success appear to receive the most consistent support.

Geographic Connection Preference is given to geographical markets where the foundation operates and owns real estate, with particular emphasis on the Alexandria area of Minnesota and broader Minnesota communities.

Capital Projects with Community Impact The foundation has funded significant capital projects that create lasting community benefit. The $2 million matching grant to Allina Hospice Foundation for the J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park (opened 2012) demonstrates their interest in substantial infrastructure projects that improve lives.

Quality and Excellence Standards The foundation's tagline "Seeking Excellence" suggests they value high-quality programs and organizations that maintain rigorous standards. Their approach to senior housing demonstrates a commitment to setting standards rather than simply meeting them.

Community Leadership and Sustainability Based on their Community Foundations Program guidance, the foundation values "board members with integrity, competence, and genuine commitment to community leadership," suggesting they seek partners with strong governance and long-term sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Education First: Scholarships and educational support are the highest funding priority; educational institutions and student support programs should emphasize measurable impact on student success
  • Geographic Fit Matters: Strong preference for Minnesota organizations, particularly those in Alexandria area or communities where the foundation has real estate investments
  • Think Big for Capital Projects: The foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund major capital projects ($2 million+ range) when they create significant, lasting community benefit
  • Applications Currently Closed: Monitor the foundation's website for announcement of when grant applications will reopen; no timeline is currently available
  • Limited Public Application Process: Even when accepting applications, this foundation operates with trustee discretion on an annual basis rather than structured cycles or deadlines
  • Community Foundation Option: Small Minnesota communities without existing foundations may be eligible for substantial support (up to $40,000+) through the Community Foundations Program
  • Quality Over Quantity: The foundation's "Seeking Excellence" philosophy suggests they value fewer, higher-quality grants over broad distribution

References

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