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Cross Works Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.5M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,458,890 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $64,046,211 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 32 awards in 2023
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Minnesota, no strict limitations
  • Application Type: Invitation-only

Contact Details

Foundation Administration: Wells Fargo Private Foundations

  • Grant Program Support: 1-888-235-4351
  • Email: grantadministration@wellsfargo.com
  • Location: St. Joseph, MN
  • Website: Information available through Wells Fargo Private Foundations portal

Overview

Cross Works Foundation was established in 2021 as a private grantmaking foundation with a mission "to provide support that follows the values and beliefs of Christian biblical scripture." With total assets of approximately $64 million and annual giving of $3.5 million, the foundation made 32 grants in 2023. The foundation is managed by Wells Fargo Private Foundations and demonstrates strong philanthropic activity, distributing approximately 93.2% of its expenses as charitable disbursements in 2024. The foundation is governed by trustees John Blattner and Dee Dee Blattner, who serve without compensation. The foundation's investment revenue comes primarily from dividends (60.7%) and sales of assets (39.3%), providing a sustainable funding base for its grant-making activities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have named grant programs but makes grants across five priority areas. Applications are accepted year-round with an annual deadline of July 31, and grants are reviewed at a September grant meeting with decisions communicated in the fourth quarter.

Priority Areas

Cross Works Foundation makes grants to organizations in the following areas:

  • Basic Human Needs and Sanctity of Life: Supporting organizations that address fundamental human needs and uphold the sanctity of life from a Christian perspective
  • Health and Medical: Funding health services and medical programs
  • Ministries, Leadership, and Mentoring: Supporting Christian ministries and programs that develop leaders and provide mentoring
  • Educational Opportunity: Providing funding for educational programs and access to education
  • Creation Care: Animals and Nature: Supporting environmental stewardship and animal welfare initiatives aligned with Christian values

What They Don't Fund

The foundation requires all grantees to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and has a strong preference for organizations with Christian faith and values. Organizations that do not align with Christian biblical values are unlikely to receive funding.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • John Blattner, Trustee
  • Dee Dee Blattner, Trustee

Both trustees serve without compensation. The foundation is professionally managed by Wells Fargo Private Foundations, which handles grant administration, reporting, and communications with applicants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Cross Works Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Organizations cannot apply unless specifically invited by the foundation.

For invited applicants:

  • Annual application deadline: July 31
  • Applications are accepted year-round
  • Applications reviewed at September grant meeting
  • Applicants receive confirmation email upon submission
  • Must be a 501(c)(3) exempt organization
  • Strong preference for organizations with Christian faith and values

Decision Timeline

  • Applications submitted by July 31 deadline
  • Grant meeting held in September
  • Decisions typically communicated in the fourth quarter
  • Progress reports required by June 1 of the year following the grant

Success Rates

In 2023, the foundation made 32 grants totaling $3,458,890. The foundation has shown consistent growth in grant-making activity:

  • 2023: 32 awards
  • 2022: 30 awards
  • 2021: 25 awards

Success rate data is not publicly available due to the invitation-only application process.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Given the invitation-only nature of the foundation, organizations would need to be re-invited to apply.

Application Success Factors

Since Cross Works Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that align with the following characteristics may be more likely to come to the foundation's attention:

  • Christian Faith Alignment: The foundation explicitly seeks organizations that follow Christian biblical values and beliefs. This is the most critical factor.
  • Minnesota Connection: While there are no strict geographic limitations, the foundation primarily supports Minnesota organizations.
  • Alignment with Priority Areas: Organizations working in the five priority areas (basic human needs and sanctity of life, health and medical, ministries and mentoring, educational opportunity, and creation care) are the focus.
  • 501(c)(3) Status: Organizations must be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, so traditional grant writing approaches do not apply
  • Christian values essential: The foundation's mission explicitly centers on supporting organizations aligned with Christian biblical scripture
  • Minnesota focus: While not exclusive, the foundation primarily supports Minnesota organizations
  • Well-resourced: With $64 million in assets and $3.5 million in annual giving, the foundation has substantial resources
  • Growing activity: Grant-making has grown from 25 awards in 2021 to 32 in 2023, indicating expanding philanthropic activity
  • Professional management: Administered by Wells Fargo Private Foundations, ensuring professional grant management processes
  • Reporting requirements: Funded organizations must submit progress reports by June 1 of the following year

References

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