Sampson Family Charitable Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes. Its mission focuses on providing general operating support to a range of nonprofits, particularly in the fields of education, food security, health, and community service. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, addressing food insecurity through support for food banks, and promoting affordable housing initiatives. It primarily serves organizations in Minnesota, reflecting a regional focus in its philanthropic efforts.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-midsize Minnesota-based charities seeking general operating support in fields such as education, food security, housing, arts, and public media, with existing local credibility or a relationship into the foundation's network.
Good Fit
- • Primary operations or programs located in Minnesota (most dollars go in-state).
- • Requests for general operating support or modest program funding ($500–$12K typical).
- • Existing relationship, referral, or prior small award from the foundation or its network.
- • Track record of local impact in education, food security, housing, arts, or community services.
Geography
Giving is strongly concentrated in Minnesota: in 2024 roughly 91% of grant dollars and about 86% of grant count went to MN organizations, with only a few small out‑of‑state awards.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 28 distinct recipients and the three-year history reflects recurring support to about two dozen organizations across education, food banks, housing, arts and health — a broad portfolio for a small private foundation.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly indicates it awards only to preselected organizations and no public application route or website was found; although 4 new grantees appeared in 2024, those likely reflect invitations or referrals rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
