Sampson Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives. Its mission focuses on education, community development, and general operations for local organizations, with a notable emphasis on funding educational programs and scholarships. The foundation primarily serves educational institutions, religious organizations, and community centers, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its supported areas. It has a strong presence in Minnesota, where it allocates the majority of its funding, particularly to local cities and historical centers.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Minnesota-based municipal, school, church, or small community nonprofit with a clear education, scholarship, general operations, or community infrastructure proposal and an existing local introduction to the foundation or its network.
Good Fit
- • Organization or project is located in Minnesota (local credibility matters).
- • Project fits education, scholarships, general operations, or local community capital work.
- • Has a known introduction from local leaders, prior grantees, or board contacts.
- • Needs range from small operating support to occasional large one-off capital awards.
Geography
Observed giving is highly concentrated in Minnesota: in 2024 about 98% of dollars stayed in-state and grants were reported in only two states, indicating a narrow local footprint.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent recipients across years (40 distinct in 2022, 21 in 2023, 15 in 2024), showing a broad recipient set even though dollars in 2024 were concentrated in a few large awards.
New Applicants
Direct recipient turnover is evident (11 of 15 recipients in 2024 were new), but the foundation states it only considers preselected applicants and no public application route was found, so newcomers appear able to enter but are likely dependent on invitations or introductions.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
