Lanterman Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,146,790 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (no public process)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,800,000
• Geographic Focus: North Dakota (primary), Toledo, OH (secondary)

Contact Details

• Website: None available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Location: Spokane, WA

Overview

The Lanterman Foundation (EIN: 91-1789916) is a private foundation established in 1997 by A. Kirk Lanterman and Janet Lanterman. With total assets of $41.4 million as of 2023, the foundation distributes approximately $3.1 million annually to preselected organizations. Kirk Lanterman, who passed away in November 2019, was a distinguished cruise industry executive who served as CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines and president of Holland America Line. His wife Janet, founder of Cruise Specialists, now serves as president. The foundation reflects the founders' deep ties to North Dakota, their Catholic faith, and commitment to higher education. Operating without a public application process, the foundation makes strategic grants exclusively to organizations identified through trustee discretion and existing relationships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants with no formal program structure:

• Major Institutional Support: $500,000 - $1,800,000 (universities, historical societies)
• Community Organizations: $5,000 - $100,000 (religious, cultural, environmental groups)
• Small Grants: $1,000 - $5,000 (local organizations)

All grants are made by invitation only with no public application process.

Priority Areas

• Higher education institutions (particularly in North Dakota)
• Catholic and Christian organizations
• Historical preservation and museums
• Environmental conservation
• Community development in North Dakota and Toledo, Ohio
• Disease research and support organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's giving pattern suggests they do not fund:

• Organizations without pre-existing relationships
• International development
• Political organizations
• Individual assistance
• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas (unless exceptional circumstances)

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership:

• Janet Lanterman - President (November 2019 - Present)
  • Co-founder of the foundation with her late husband
  • Former founder and CEO of Cruise Specialists

Founder's Legacy:

• A. Kirk Lanterman (1931-2019) - Co-founder and former President
  • Former Chairman and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines
  • Former President of Holland America Line
  • Known for his commitment to employees and education

The foundation maintains a small board structure consistent with private family foundations, with decisions made at the trustee level based on the founders' values and established relationships.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded exclusively through trustee discretion to preselected organizations. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, maintains no website, and provides no public contact information for grant inquiries.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's documented giving patterns, organizations have gained support through:

• University connections: The foundation has strong ties to University of North Dakota and University of Mary through named facilities and scholarships
• North Dakota networks: Organizations connected to North Dakota's historical, cultural, and educational institutions have received support
• Catholic institutional relationships: Catholic organizations, particularly those connected to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in Toledo, have received funding
• Board member introductions: Past grants suggest introductions through existing grantees or board connections are the primary path to consideration

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply directly.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, organizations that have received funding share these characteristics:

• Geographic alignment: Strong presence in North Dakota or Toledo, Ohio
• Mission alignment: Focus on education, faith-based work, or historical preservation
• Institutional credibility: Established universities, museums, and religious organizations predominate
• Long-term relationships: Many recipients receive recurring support over multiple years
• Named giving opportunities: The foundation has funded multiple named facilities and programs at universities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept grant applications - all funding is by invitation/trustee selection only
• Strong geographic preferences for North Dakota and Toledo, Ohio make location a critical factor
• The foundation makes substantial grants (up to $1.8 million) but only to preselected organizations
• Building relationships with existing grantees (particularly UND, University of Mary, or North Dakota historical organizations) may provide indirect connection opportunities
• The foundation's Catholic faith orientation and higher education focus are central to their giving philosophy
• Without a public application process or contact information, traditional grant-seeking approaches will not work with this funder
• Organizations should only pursue this funder if they have existing connections or can secure introductions through the foundation's network

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Lanterman Foundation Form 990 filings (2021-2023)
• Cause IQ - Lanterman Foundation Profile (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl - Lanterman Foundation Grant History (Accessed February 2024)
• State Historical Society of North Dakota Foundation - "Settlement Era Exhibit Dedication" (2019)
• Legacy.com - A. Kirk Lanterman Obituary (November 2019)
• University of North Dakota - A. Kirk Lanterman Investment Center
• University of Mary - Lanterman Financial Center
• Inside Philanthropy - Foundation Profile Data (Accessed February 2024)