The Wilford Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Its mission centers around providing general support to a range of organizations, with a notable focus on education, human services, and faith-based initiatives. The foundation primarily serves children, families, and community organizations, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the welfare of these populations. It has a history of funding educational institutions, health services, and organizations that assist women and youth, indicating a broad commitment to community development and support.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize nonprofit focused on education, children/youth/family services or faith-based community work, preferably with a Minnesota presence or connection and capable of using modest general operating grants.
Good Fit
- • Primary program work in education, child welfare, youth development, family services, or faith-based community support.
- • An operational presence or program in Minnesota or a direct Minnesota connection.
- • A relationship or referral into the foundation’s network (board, staff, or existing grantee).
- • Need for modest unrestricted or program support (typical awards clustered under $5K with occasional larger grants).
Geography
Grants in the latest year reached organizations in nine states, but roughly 65% of dollars stayed in Minnesota, indicating a clear regional focus centered in MN with some out-of-state giving.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 33 distinct grantees and across three years most recipients recur (27 returning), indicating a fairly broad and independent recipient set despite some dollar concentration among top recipients.
New Applicants
The foundation reports it funds only preselected organizations and has no public website or submission contact, yet the giving history shows six new grantees in 2024 (about 18%), suggesting new entrants can be added but likely by invitation or referral rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
