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Asbjornson Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.0M
Grant Range
$1500K - $50.0M

Asbjornson Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $101.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly ($1.5M - $50M for major gifts)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Montana, with some Tulsa, Oklahoma presence

Contact Details

Address: 2202 S. Troost Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114-1320
Phone: (918) 583-2266
Website: No public website
Email: Not publicly available

Note: This foundation does not have a public application process.

Overview

The Asbjornson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1999 and granted tax-exempt status in May 2000. The foundation experienced significant growth in 2024, with assets jumping from $462,444 in 2023 to over $101 million, primarily through a major contribution of $101.2 million. The foundation distributed $12 million in charitable grants in 2024, representing 99.9% of its expenses.

The foundation is closely associated with Norman H. Asbjornson, founder of AAON Inc., a Tulsa-based heating, ventilation, and air conditioning manufacturer. The foundation's trustees include Norman H. Asbjornson, Scott Asbjornson, Erika Asbjornson, Erik Asbjornson, and Luke Bomer, suggesting family governance. The foundation operates with no officer compensation and zero liabilities, indicating efficient philanthropic operations focused entirely on grantmaking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Asbjornson Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with set application cycles. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, with documented giving focused on:

Education: Major gifts to educational institutions, particularly in Montana

  • Montana State University College of Engineering ($50 million pledge)
  • Winifred Montana Public School District ($40 million for new K-12 building)
  • Montana State University scholarships and programs

Healthcare: Support for medical facilities and cancer care

  • Central Montana Medical Center Cancer Center enhancements ($1.5 million)
  • Healthcare infrastructure in Central Montana

Heritage and Culture: Montana historical preservation

  • Montana Heritage Center museum galleries ($10.4 million)

Youth Development: Support for youth programs

  • Involvement with Tulsa Boys & Girls Club (Norman Asbjornson serves as director)

Priority Areas

Based on documented giving patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Higher education in Montana, particularly engineering and STEM fields
  • K-12 education in rural Montana communities
  • Healthcare infrastructure and cancer treatment facilities in Montana
  • Historic preservation and Montana heritage projects
  • Youth development programs in Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Community transformation projects that create lasting impact

Geographic Focus

  • Primary: Montana (especially rural communities and statewide institutions)
  • Secondary: Tulsa, Oklahoma

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly documented, but giving patterns suggest focus on capital projects and institutional support rather than:

  • Operating expenses for ongoing programs
  • Individual scholarships (though institutional scholarship programs are supported)
  • Organizations outside Montana and Tulsa regions

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Norman H. Asbjornson - Founder and primary benefactor, AAON Inc. founder and former CEO
  • Scott Asbjornson - Family member, former CFO of AAON Inc., now retired/private investor
  • Erika Asbjornson - Family member
  • Erik Asbjornson - Family member
  • Luke Bomer - Trustee

About Norman H. Asbjornson:

Norman Asbjornson is a fourth-generation Montanan from Winifred who attended Montana State College (now MSU) from 1953 to 1960. He founded AAON Inc., building it into a major HVAC manufacturer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His philanthropic philosophy is deeply rooted in his Montana heritage and small-town upbringing.

Asbjornson has stated: "I look for projects that will be game changers for the state of Montana," describing his giving as "an investment in the history of Montana." He credits his community-mindedness to his family, especially his father Julian Olando "Boots" Asbjornson, who served on the Central Montana Medical Center board of directors in the 1970s, and to his grandfather who was known as a philanthropist.

In recognition of his philanthropy, Montana State University named its College of Engineering the "Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering," and Asbjornson Hall houses honors college offices and classrooms on the MSU campus.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Asbjornson Foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees, primarily in alignment with Norman Asbjornson's philanthropic interests and Montana connections.

The foundation operates as a private family foundation, with grantmaking decisions made internally by the board of trustees. There is no online portal, application form, or formal proposal submission process available to the public.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's documented giving suggests the following approach for organizations aligned with their interests:

Montana State University connections: Given the substantial support for MSU, organizations working in partnership with MSU or its College of Engineering may have opportunities for connection through existing institutional relationships.

Central Montana community ties: The foundation has supported Central Montana Medical Center, where Norman Asbjornson's father served on the board. Organizations with deep roots in Central Montana communities, particularly those involving healthcare or education, align with family legacy interests.

Transformative capital projects: Norman Asbjornson has stated he looks for "projects that will be game changers for the state of Montana." Organizations developing major capital projects that will have lasting community impact in Montana are most aligned with documented giving patterns.

Winifred and rural Montana focus: The $40 million investment in renovating the Winifred school demonstrates commitment to rural Montana education. Organizations serving small Montana communities with transformative educational or community development projects may align with foundation interests.

Engineering and STEM education: With $50 million pledged to MSU's College of Engineering, organizations advancing engineering, technology, and STEM education in Montana are clearly within the foundation's interests.

Application Success Factors

Since this is a private foundation without a public application process, success in receiving funding depends on:

Strong Montana connections: All major documented gifts have Montana ties. Norman Asbjornson has stated that despite living and doing business elsewhere, "his giving returns to Montana." Organizations deeply rooted in Montana communities, particularly rural areas, are most aligned with foundation priorities.

Transformational impact: Asbjornson seeks "game changers" that will have lasting impact on Montana. Projects should demonstrate how they will transform education, healthcare, or cultural preservation in meaningful, enduring ways.

Capital projects over operations: Documented gifts support major capital projects - buildings, facilities, major expansions - rather than operating support or program funding.

Multi-generational community benefit: The foundation's giving patterns reflect a long-term view of community development. Projects that will serve multiple generations and strengthen community infrastructure align with demonstrated priorities.

Family legacy connections: Healthcare giving honors Norman Asbjornson's father who served on hospital boards. Heritage preservation connects to Montana's history. Organizations that can authentically connect to Montana heritage and multi-generational community service may resonate with foundation values.

Engineering and technical education focus: The massive investment in MSU's College of Engineering signals strong interest in developing Montana's technical and engineering talent pipeline.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this foundation makes grants through trustee discretion, not competitive application
  • Montana focus is paramount - all major documented gifts support Montana institutions and communities
  • Think transformational, not incremental - documented gifts range from $1.5M to $50M for projects described as "game changers"
  • Capital projects align with giving patterns - buildings, facilities, and infrastructure rather than programs or operations
  • Rural Montana matters - the $40M Winifred school investment shows deep commitment to small communities
  • Engineering/STEM education is a priority - the $50M MSU engineering gift represents the foundation's largest documented commitment
  • Family legacy and multi-generational impact - giving honors family history and seeks lasting community benefit
  • Relationship-based grantmaking - without public applications, grants likely flow through existing relationships and institutional connections

References

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