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The Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.0M
Grant Range
$0K - $1.5M

The Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,035,750 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $33.8 million
  • Grant Range: $250 - $1,498,000
  • Number of Awards: 114 grants (2024)
  • Median Grant: $5,000
  • Geographic Focus: Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area (with select grants nationwide)
  • Application Process: No public application process - grants awarded at trustee discretion

Contact Details

Address: 600 Highway 169 S, Suite 1020, St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Phone: (763) 971-1904

Contact Person: Linda Fiterman (Treasurer)

Note: This is a private family foundation that does not maintain a public website or accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation, formerly known as the Jack and Bessie Fiterman Foundation, is a private family foundation established in 1967 and based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. With assets exceeding $33.8 million, the foundation awarded over $3 million in grants across 114 awards in 2024. The foundation is led by Mike Fiterman, chairman of Liberty Diversified International (LDI), a $700 million family business founded by his grandfather, Russian immigrant Jack Fiterman, in 1918. The foundation "honors LDI's values of caring, innovation, trust and excellence to support the causes closest to its employees."

Mike and Linda Fiterman are deeply engaged philanthropists with a particular focus on children's causes, early childhood education, mental health, and the Jewish community. The foundation has maintained consistent grantmaking patterns, awarding 117 grants in 2023 and 108 grants in 2022, demonstrating steady commitment to its charitable mission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private family foundation making grants at the discretion of its trustees. There are no formal grant programs or application cycles. Grant amounts vary significantly based on relationship and project scope:

  • Major Gifts: $100,000 - $1,498,000 (for established relationships and strategic priorities)
  • Mid-Level Grants: $10,000 - $99,999 (for core grantee organizations)
  • Small Grants: $250 - $9,999 (for community organizations and employee-connected causes)

Priority Areas

Early Childhood & Education:

  • Elementary and secondary education
  • Early childhood education and kindergarten readiness
  • Jewish day schools and religious education
  • University-level education

Health & Healthcare:

  • Hospital care and medical centers
  • Mental health services and NAMI organizations
  • School-based healthcare
  • Cancer research and treatment (City of Hope)

Jewish Community & Religion:

  • Jewish Federations and community centers
  • Jewish day schools and religious education
  • Jewish community security (Secure Community Network)
  • Synagogues and religious institutions
  • Christian and Catholic organizations

Children & Family Services:

  • Children's crisis services and nurseries
  • Child welfare programs
  • Developmental disability services
  • Youth development programs

Community Development:

  • Economic development initiatives
  • Housing development
  • Human services organizations
  • United Way campaigns

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation focused on the Minneapolis/St. Paul region and specific areas of interest to the Fiterman family, the foundation typically does not fund:

  • Organizations outside their geographic focus without established relationships
  • General operating expenses for organizations outside their core interests
  • Political campaigns or lobbying activities
  • Organizations that have not been vetted through personal or professional networks

Governance and Leadership

Michael Fiterman, President: Chairman of Liberty Diversified International, grandson of company founder Jack Fiterman. Mike serves on the University of Minnesota Foundation Board of Trustees and was inducted into the 2013 Volunteer Hall of Fame. In 2022, he received the Distinguished Citizen Award from Northern Star Scouting for his community engagement.

Linda Fiterman, Treasurer: Co-founder of the foundation with Mike. In 2016, Mike and Linda created a two-year scholarship to help grow the next generation of fundraisers and nonprofit managers.

David Lenzen, Secretary: Administrative leader supporting the foundation's operations.

Stacy Rubsam, Vice President: Leadership team member involved in foundation governance.

Jack Fiterman (Next Generation): Mike and Linda's son, who serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.

Philanthropic Philosophy

Mike Fiterman has articulated a clear philosophy centered on early intervention and youth development:

  • "I love children's causes. I love helping to develop kids because there's so much potential that can be wasted if not directed early."

  • "We've got to give the next generation the freedom to lead and change the world, because they will."

  • "Volunteering is a great equalizer. Nonprofit organizations need volunteers; they welcome them with open arms."

Mike emphasizes that 80% of brain development happens before age 6, making early childhood education a critical focus. He led efforts through the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation where corporate CEOs raised over $20 million to determine best practices for kindergarten readiness.

Notable Recent Grants (2024)

  • Minneapolis Jewish Federation: $1,500,000
  • City of Hope: $125,000
  • Community Health Charities Minnesota: $120,000
  • University of Minnesota Foundation: $110,000
  • Greater Twin Cities United Way: $100,000
  • Secure Community Network: Amount undisclosed

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation is a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its trustees. Grants are awarded based on:

  • Existing relationships with the Fiterman family or Liberty Diversified International
  • Organizations connected to causes supported by LDI employees
  • Personal connections through board service and community involvement
  • Organizations within the Fitermans' network of philanthropic interests

The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or have application deadlines. Grant decisions are made throughout the year based on trustee discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

Liberty Diversified International (LDI) Connection: The foundation explicitly supports "causes closest to its employees." Organizations working in communities where LDI operates may have opportunities through:

  • LDI's EDGE (Employee Directed Giving) grant program, where employees nominate charitable organizations annually
  • LDI's volunteer program offering employees a full paid day to volunteer
  • Community organizations in LDI's 17+ operating locations nationwide

Mike Fiterman's Board Involvement: Organizations may gain visibility through Mike's leadership positions:

  • University of Minnesota Foundation (Trustee)
  • Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (Former Board Member)
  • Greater Twin Cities United Way (Supporter and former board colleague connections)
  • Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School (Family honored in 2016)

Strategic Alignment: Organizations most likely to receive consideration align with:

  • Early childhood education and kindergarten readiness (Mike's documented passion)
  • Mental health services (demonstrated through $85,000 COVID-19 response)
  • Children's services from birth through college
  • Jewish community institutions and security
  • Healthcare institutions serving children

Geographic Presence: While primarily focused on Minneapolis/St. Paul, the foundation has made grants nationwide, particularly to:

  • Organizations in cities where LDI operates (New York, Chicago, Dallas, California, Florida, Georgia, Arizona)
  • National organizations aligned with their mission (City of Hope, Secure Community Network)

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept public applications, "success" means building the type of relationships and organizational profile that would bring you to the trustees' attention:

Alignment with Core Passions: Mike Fiterman has been explicit about his priorities - organizations serving children, particularly in early childhood development, have the strongest alignment. He has stated that "there's so much potential that can be wasted if not directed early," making prevention and early intervention programs particularly attractive.

Connection to LDI Values: The foundation honors Liberty Diversified International's values of caring, innovation, trust, and excellence. Organizations demonstrating innovation in their approach to social problems or showing measurable impact may resonate with the business-minded trustees.

Employee Connection: The foundation supports causes closest to LDI employees. Organizations that have LDI employees as volunteers, board members, or beneficiaries have a natural entry point.

Long-term Relationship Building: Grant history shows strong support for organizations where the Fitermans have personal involvement:

  • Organizations where they serve on boards (University of Minnesota Foundation, Minnesota Early Learning Foundation)
  • Jewish institutions they're connected to (Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School)
  • Causes where they've volunteered (Children's Crisis Nursery, Children's Hospitals and Clinics)

Demonstrated Impact: Mike Fiterman's involvement with the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation, which invested $20 million to determine best practices for kindergarten readiness, shows appreciation for evidence-based approaches and measurable outcomes.

Crisis Response Capacity: The foundation's rapid $85,000 response to mental health needs during COVID-19 demonstrates willingness to support timely, urgent needs within their areas of interest.

Strategic Context: Liberty Diversified International

Understanding the family business provides insight into foundation values:

100-Year Legacy: In 2018, LDI celebrated its centennial with a "Great Gratitude Tour," visiting 17 cities in 19 days and distributing over $1 million to nonprofits. Mike Fiterman stated: "We're lighting the torch for the next 100 years by working to inspire people across the country to share their gratitude, do good for others and get involved in their communities."

Immigrant Heritage: Founder Jack Fiterman was a Russian immigrant who started selling refurbished boxes in Minneapolis in 1918. He named his company "Liberty" in honor of the Statue of Liberty, grateful for opportunities in America. This gratitude-centered philosophy continues to influence the family's philanthropy.

Employee-Centered Giving: LDI's commitment to employee-directed philanthropy through the EDGE program and paid volunteer days reflects the foundation's statement that it supports "causes closest to its employees."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process - This foundation awards grants based on trustee discretion, existing relationships, and strategic priorities rather than competitive applications
  • Relationship-first approach - Focus on building genuine connections with the Fiterman family's network, LDI employees, or organizations where they're already involved rather than cold outreach
  • Early childhood education is paramount - Mike Fiterman's documented passion and quoted statements make this the strongest area of alignment for organizations seeking consideration
  • Geographic sweet spot - Minneapolis/St. Paul organizations have the highest likelihood, followed by communities where LDI operates facilities
  • Multi-year grants to core partners - Grant patterns show sustained support for organizations like Minneapolis Jewish Federation ($1.5M), suggesting loyalty to established partners
  • Think employee connection - Organizations can potentially access foundation support through relationships with LDI's 1,900+ employees across 17+ cities
  • Values alignment matters - Organizations embodying caring, innovation, trust, and excellence (LDI's stated values) resonate with the foundation's mission

References

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