Deluxe Corporation Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $1,100,000 (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Within 90 days of application deadline
Grant Range: $20,000 - $200,000 (with ERG grants at $25,000)
Geographic Focus: Greater Twin Cities (MN), Atlanta (GA), Kansas City (MO), Chicago (IL), Newark (NJ), plus national-level nonprofits

Contact Details

Email: DeluxeFoundation@deluxe.com
Phone: 651-483-7111
Mailing Address: PO Box 818095, Cleveland, OH 44181
Physical Address: 3680 Victoria Street N., Shoreview, MN 55126-2966
Website: https://www.deluxe.com/about/deluxe-cares/foundation/
Contact Person: Jennifer A. Anderson, Director of Foundations and Community Affairs

Overview

Established in 1954, the Deluxe Corporation Foundation has awarded over $116 million to charitable organizations over its 70-year history. With total assets of approximately $25 million, the foundation distributes roughly $1.1 million annually through approximately 24 grants. The foundation is a private, company-sponsored foundation linked to Deluxe Corporation, which has transformed from a legacy check and business forms printer into a Trusted Payments and Data company processing nearly $3 trillion in annual payment volume. The foundation's mission focuses on "long-term solutions that help people, businesses and communities thrive and grow," with particular emphasis on communities where Deluxe maintains corporate facilities. In 2024, the foundation introduced a transformative new grant strategy leveraging its 10 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster diverse and inclusive environments through authentic, community-led impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Traditional Grant Program: $20,000 - $200,000

Application period: May 1 - August 31 annually (recently changed from two cycles to one)
Online application system via foundation website
Grants typically average $10,000, though can range to $500,000 for major partnerships
Recent shift toward "granting larger amounts to fewer organizations" for deeper partnerships

ERG-Led Grant Initiative: $25,000 fixed grants

Launched in 2024 as a new strategic direction
Each of Deluxe's 10 ERGs identifies and partners with one nonprofit organization
Provides general operating support
Aligned with specific ERG missions (African-American, AVID, Cancer Support, Hispanic, Parents, PIMA, Pride+, Veterans, Women ERGs)
Applicants can identify an ERG(s) to review their application for funding/partnership opportunities

Employee Matching Program:

Dollar-for-dollar matching up to $2,000 per person per year
Available to employees, retirees, and board members

Priority Areas

Financial Literacy

Youth programs that instill broader understanding of financial systems
Personal financial education initiatives
Economic education programs

Education, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment

STEM/STEAM training programs
Support for women and minority entrepreneurs
Small business education and entrepreneurship development
Programs addressing the achievement gap
Tutoring initiatives for low-income high school students pursuing post-secondary education
Work skills and continuing education for adults with limited incomes

Community

Military families and veterans support
Disaster relief and recovery (including corporate partnerships with American Red Cross)
Programs prioritizing human dignity
Food shelves and emergency services
Counseling services for people in crisis

Arts

Art museums
Professional performing arts groups (dance, theatre, music)

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

Individuals
Event sponsorships
Advertising
Political organizations or projects
Lobbying efforts
Fraternal organizations
Religious programs
Research
Travel expenses
Start-up organizations (must have operated for at least two years)
Athletic and recreational programs
Long-term housing
Civic organizations
Health organizations supported by government sources

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Barry C. McCarthy, President of the Foundation; President and CEO of Deluxe Corporation
Andrea Kroska, Vice President
William C. Zint IV, Treasurer
Alex Goodwin, Secretary
Christopher L. Thomas, Director
Garry L. Capers Jr., Director
Jean L. Herrick, Director
Jeffrey L. Cotter, Director

Leadership Philosophy

Barry McCarthy has emphasized transformation while honoring legacy: "Our story is about grit and leading through significant change to build a better company for the future, while honoring its remarkable legacy." His leadership approach centers on creating lasting change and meaningful impact, stating: "I [wanted] the opportunity to do something and create lasting change."

The foundation's approach reflects this philosophy by seeking to "bring meaningful, lasting change to communities across the country" through every grant awarded.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

Tax-exempt status under IRS section 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1), (2), or (3)
Must have operated as a nonprofit for at least two years
Must have secured support from other corporate funders
Must align with foundation's grant focus areas
Must serve Greater Twin Cities, Atlanta, Kansas City, Chicago, Newark areas OR be a national-level nonprofit

Application Method:

Online application system via foundation website
Application period: May 1 - August 31 annually (single annual cycle as of 2025)
Application components should include:
- Population served
- Brief organizational history and mission description
- Geographic area to be served
- Detailed project description and funding amount requested
- Application form available on website

Optional ERG Engagement:

Applicants can identify Employee Resource Group(s) to review their application
Provides additional pathway for funding through ERG-led $25,000 general operating grants
Aligns with foundation's 2024 strategic shift toward community-led impact

Alternative Initial Approach:

Letter of inquiry to nearest Deluxe company facility
Letter of inquiry to foundation (for Minnesota-based organizations)

Decision Timeline

Application Window: May 1 - August 31
Decision Notification: Within 90 days of application deadline
Historical Note: Previously ran two grant cycles (spring and fall); unsuccessful spring applicants were automatically reconsidered in fall cycle. This has changed to a single annual cycle as of 2025.

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, available data provides some context:

2024: 23 awards
2023: 24 awards ($1.1 million total)
2022: 50 awards
2021: 34 awards
2020: 55 awards

The recent reduction in number of awards (from 50 in 2022 to 24 in 2023-2024) aligns with the foundation's stated strategy of "granting larger amounts to fewer organizations" for deeper, more impactful partnerships.

Reapplication Policy

Previously, grant applications not approved in the first grant cycle (spring) were automatically considered in the second grant cycle (fall). With the recent shift to a single annual grant cycle (May 1 - August 31), this automatic reconsideration policy may no longer apply. Organizations should contact the foundation directly at 651-483-7111 for current reapplication guidance.

Application Success Factors

Strategic Alignment with Foundation Priorities

The foundation has been clear about its focus on "long-term solutions that help people, businesses and communities thrive and grow." Successful applications should demonstrate:

Sustainable Impact: Programs that create "meaningful, lasting change" rather than short-term fixes
Alignment with Core Focus Areas: Financial literacy, education/entrepreneurship/empowerment, or community support
Geographic Connection: Strong preference for organizations serving Twin Cities, Atlanta, or Kansas City where Deluxe has substantial employee presence

ERG Engagement Strategy

The 2024 introduction of the ERG-led grant initiative represents a significant strategic shift. Organizations should:

Identify Relevant ERGs: Review Deluxe's 10 ERGs (African-American, AVID, Cancer Support, Hispanic, Parents, PIMA, Pride+, Veterans, Women) and identify alignment with your mission
Leverage ERG Partnerships: When applying, indicate which ERG(s) might review your application for funding/partnership opportunities
Understand ERG Priorities: Research what types of organizations each ERG selected in 2024 (e.g., Latino Economic Development Center selected by Hispanic ERG, Alexandra House selected by Women ERG)

Demonstrated Organizational Capacity

The foundation requires:

Operational History: Minimum two years as a nonprofit
Diverse Funding Base: Evidence of support from other corporate funders
Clear Project Design: Detailed description of project and specific funding amount requested

Recent Successful Grant Recipients Provide Patterns

2024 ERG Grant Recipients (each received $25,000):

Empowr Co (Atlanta, GA) - African-American ERG
Sunshine on a Ranney Day (Atlanta, GA) - AVID ERG
Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City (Kansas City, MO) - Cancer Support ERG
Latino Economic Development Center (Minneapolis, MN) - Hispanic ERG
My Very Own Bed (Minneapolis, MN) - Parents ERG
Code Savvy (Minneapolis, MN) - PIMA ERG
Open Arms of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) - Pride+ ERG
Oscar Mike Foundation (National) - Veterans ERG
Alexandra House (Minneapolis, MN) - Women ERG

Other 2024 Recipients (varying amounts):

American Red Cross
National Urban League ($200,000)
Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA)
Junior Achievement
Greater Twin Cities United Way ($182,000)
National Center for Civil and Human Rights Inc. ($100,000)
Meals from the Heart ($80,000)

These examples demonstrate the foundation's support for:

Diversity and inclusion initiatives
Economic empowerment organizations
Community service providers
Educational programs
Organizations serving vulnerable populations

Avoid Common Exclusions

Ensure your organization and project do not fall into excluded categories: individuals, event sponsorships, advertising, political/lobbying efforts, fraternal/religious programs, research, travel expenses, start-ups, athletics/recreation, long-term housing, civic organizations, or government-funded health programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic Focus is Critical: The foundation prioritizes communities with Deluxe employee presence (Twin Cities, Atlanta, Kansas City). If you're outside these areas, emphasize national-level impact or connections to these communities.
ERG Strategy Creates New Opportunities: The 2024 ERG initiative represents a major strategic shift. Identify which of the 10 ERGs aligns with your mission and specifically engage them in your application. This could open a pathway to the $25,000 ERG grants.
Demonstrate Established Track Record: With requirements for two years of operation and existing corporate funder support, new organizations will struggle. Emphasize your organizational stability and diverse funding base.
Larger Grants for Fewer Partners: The foundation is shifting from numerous small grants to "larger amounts to fewer organizations" for deeper partnerships. Don't be afraid to request significant funding if you can demonstrate capacity for meaningful partnership.
Long-Term Solutions Over Band-Aids: Leadership consistently emphasizes "long-term solutions" and "meaningful, lasting change." Frame your proposal around sustainable impact rather than temporary interventions.
Align with Transformation and Legacy: Barry McCarthy's leadership philosophy balances "significant change" with "honoring its remarkable legacy." Show how your work embodies both innovation and proven approaches.
Single Application Window Requires Preparation: With only one grant cycle annually (May 1 - August 31), you cannot reapply quickly if unsuccessful. Make your initial application as strong as possible, and if you miss the deadline, you'll wait a full year for the next opportunity.

References

Deluxe Corporation Foundation Official Website - Community Grants: https://www.deluxe.com/about/deluxe-cares/foundation/
Deluxe Corporation Foundation Awards Page: https://www.deluxe.com/about/deluxe-cares/foundation-awards/
The Deluxe Corporation Foundation Announces 2024 Grants - Business Wire (August 23, 2024): https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240823955625/en/The-Deluxe-Corporation-Foundation-Announces-2024-Grants
Deluxe Foundation Awards Grants to Nonprofits Through New ERG Initiative - Business Wire (October 30, 2024): https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241030426214/en/Deluxe-Foundation-Awards-Grants-to-Nonprofits-Through-New-Employee-Resource-Group-ERG-Initiative
Deluxe Corporation Foundation - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416034786
Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/deluxe-corporation-foundation,416034786/
Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/deluxe-corporation-foundation
Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Inside Philanthropy: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-d/deluxe-corporation-foundation
Deluxe Corporation Appoints Barry McCarthy President and CEO - Business Wire (November 6, 2018): https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181106005177/en/Deluxe-Corporation-Appoints-Barry-McCarthy-President-Chief-Executive-Officer-and-Member-of-the-Board-of-Directors

All sources accessed January 2026.