Carlson Family Foundation
At a glance
Key takeaways
- The stated geographic focus is the Twin Cities, with Minneapolis and St Paul as priorities, so a small nonprofit should first check that its work serves those places and fits one of the listed themes: youth-adult relationships, sex trafficking prevention, arts, culture and green spaces, community vibrancy, student experiences or company communities.
- The filing shows $10,178,729 paid out, but no grant range is stated, so a modest request should be sized to the project rather than to that total.
- Applications are proposals aligned to the relevant programme area, and the method varies by programme, so confirm which programme fits before writing.
- Constellation requests should show culturally appropriate, anti-racist and trauma-informed approaches with youth voice built in, and capital grants are considered only in exceptional circumstances, so a building or equipment request should not lead.
- Nothing given about the foundation describes how competitive it is or how much relationships matter, so approach it with a clear, programme-aligned proposal.
Overview
Carlson Family Foundation is a US private foundation based in Minnetonka, MN.
What they fund
Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
The Carlson Family Foundation works with the community to create opportunity, hope and a sense of belonging for young people, with particular attention to youth of colour. Its Constellation work supports relationships with caring adults through K–12 schools and out-of-school programmes, and includes parents and caregivers; it emphasises youth voice, equity and trauma-informed practice. It also supports work to prevent sex trafficking and exploitation of young people, including prevention education, mental-health services, research and support for survivors and those at high risk. Vibrant Communities focuses on inclusive access to arts, culture and green spaces and their contribution to community economic and social health. The Foundation also supports student experiences through the Carlson School of Management and gives to people and communities where Carlson company operates. Its approach centres community voice, shared decision-making, trust and partnership. Its grants include operating and project support for eligible tax-exempt nonprofits in the Twin Cities, focusing on programmes impacting Minneapolis and St Paul.
Themes
- Youth-adult relationships
- Sex trafficking prevention
- Arts, culture and green spaces
- Community vibrancy
- Student experiences
- Company communities
Geographic Focus
Twin Cities. Priority: Minneapolis; St. Paul.
How to apply
Submit the proposal that aligns with the relevant programme area.
Application success factors
What the foundation says:
- Constellation requests should advance culturally appropriate and anti-racist approaches to support young people.
- Requests should use a trauma-informed approach that recognises effects on youth development and mental health.
- The Foundation values programmes that link youth-adult relationships with programme outcomes or personal growth.
- It encourages investment in staff and volunteer capacity through training, especially in trauma-informed and equity practice.
- It wants youth voice incorporated in programme design, implementation and organisational or programme leadership.
- Capital grants are considered only in exceptional circumstances.
- Youth Access organisations should be youth-centred and focused on inclusivity.
Officers and directors
- Tenley Gage — Trustee
- Abigail Gage — Trustee
- Gina Gage — Trustee
- Emma Gage — Trustee
- Patrick Gage — Trustee, Treasurer
- Alexander Muresanu — Trustee, Board Chair
- Juliet Jackson — Trustee
- C David Nelson — Secretary
- Geoffrey C Gage — Trustee
- Richard C Gage — Trustee
- Wendy M Nelson — Trustee
- Marilyn C Nelson — Trustee
- Barbara C Gage — Trustee
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
3 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 tax year | $14,514,868 | $11,788,978 | $254,585,066 | Filing for 2022 tax year |
| 2023 tax year | $14,807,460 | $11,999,339 | $267,033,099 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $13,422,720 | $10,178,729 | $285,651,487 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
Registers and filings
Other sources
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At a glance
Applying to Carlson Family Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (952) 404-5605
- djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org
- Minnetonka, MN
- carlsonfamilyfoundation.org
Applying to Carlson Family Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (952) 404-5605
- djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org
- Minnetonka, MN
- carlsonfamilyfoundation.org