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), Greater Atlanta (GA), Greater Kansas City (MO), 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

Overview

Established in 1954, the Deluxe Corporation Foundation has awarded over $116 million to charitable organisations 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 nine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster diverse and inclusive environments through authentic, community-led impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

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

• Application period: April 1 - August 31 annually (single annual cycle)
• Online application system via foundation website
• Grants typically average $10,000, though can range to $500,000 for major partnerships
• The foundation has shifted toward "granting larger amounts to fewer organisations" for deeper partnerships

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

• Launched in 2024 as a new strategic direction
• Each of Deluxe's nine participating ERGs identifies and partners with one nonprofit organisation
• 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 Programme:

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

Priority Areas

Financial Literacy

• Youth programmes that instil broader understanding of financial systems
• Personal financial education initiatives
• Economic education programmes

Education, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment

• STEM/STEAM training programmes
• Support for women and minority entrepreneurs
• Small business education and entrepreneurship development
• Programmes 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)
• Programmes prioritising human dignity
• Food shelves and emergency services
• Counselling 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 organisations or projects
• Lobbying efforts
• Fraternal organisations
• Religious programmes
• Research
• Travel expenses
• Start-up organisations (must have operated for at least two years)
• Athletic and recreational programmes
• Long-term housing
• Civic organisations
• Health organisations 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 emphasised transformation while honouring legacy: "Our story is about grit and leading through significant change to build a better company for the future, while honouring its remarkable legacy." His leadership approach centres 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, Greater Atlanta, or Greater Kansas City areas OR be a national-level nonprofit

Application Method:

• Online application system via foundation website
• Application period: April 1 - August 31 annually (single annual cycle)
• Application components should include:
  • Population served
  • Brief organisational 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 organisations)

Decision Timeline

• Application Window: April 1 - August 31
• Decision Notification: Within 90 days of application deadline
• Historical Note: The foundation previously ran two grant cycles (spring and fall); unsuccessful spring applicants were automatically reconsidered in fall cycle. This has been consolidated to a single annual cycle.

Success Rates

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

• 2024: Approximately 24 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 approximately 24 in 2023-2024) aligns with the foundation's stated strategy of "granting larger amounts to fewer organisations" 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 shift to a single annual grant cycle (April 1 - August 31), this automatic reconsideration policy may no longer apply. Organisations 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: Programmes 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 organisations serving Greater Twin Cities, Greater Atlanta, or Greater 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. Organisations should:

• Identify Relevant ERGs: Review Deluxe's nine participating 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 organisations each ERG selected in 2024 (e.g., Latino Economic Development Center selected by Hispanic ERG, Alexandra House selected by Women ERG)

Demonstrated Organisational 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 organisations
• Community service providers
• Educational programmes
• Organisations serving vulnerable populations

Avoid Common Exclusions

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

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Geographic Focus is Critical: The foundation prioritises communities with Deluxe employee presence (Greater Twin Cities, Greater Atlanta, Greater Kansas City). If you're outside these areas, emphasise national-level impact or connections to these communities.

2. ERG Strategy Creates New Opportunities: The 2024 ERG initiative represents a major strategic shift. Identify which of the nine participating ERGs aligns with your mission and specifically engage them in your application. This could open a pathway to the $25,000 ERG grants.

3. Demonstrate Established Track Record: With requirements for two years of operation and existing corporate funder support, new organisations will struggle. Emphasise your organisational stability and diverse funding base.

4. Larger Grants for Fewer Partners: The foundation is shifting from numerous small grants to "larger amounts to fewer organisations" for deeper partnerships. Don't be afraid to request significant funding if you can demonstrate capacity for meaningful partnership.

5. Long-Term Solutions Over Band-Aids: Leadership consistently emphasises "long-term solutions" and "meaningful, lasting change." Frame your proposal around sustainable impact rather than temporary interventions.

6. Align with Transformation and Legacy: Barry McCarthy's leadership philosophy balances "significant change" with "honouring its remarkable legacy." Show how your work embodies both innovation and proven approaches.

7. Single Application Window Requires Preparation: With only one grant cycle annually (April 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

1. Deluxe Corporation Foundation Official Website - Community Grants: https://www.deluxe.com/about/deluxe-cares/foundation/
2. Deluxe Corporation Foundation Awards Page: https://www.deluxe.com/about/deluxe-cares/foundation-awards/
3. 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
4. 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
5. Deluxe Corporation Foundation - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416034786
6. Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/deluxe-corporation-foundation,416034786/
7. Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/deluxe-corporation-foundation
8. Deluxe Corporation Foundation - Inside Philanthropy: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-d/deluxe-corporation-foundation
9. 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.