Donaldson Foundation
The Donaldson Foundation is the corporate foundation of Donaldson Company, Inc., based in the Bloomington/Minneapolis, MN area and was founded in 1966. It focuses on educational initiatives, awards organizational grants and scholarships, runs an annual $100K Challenge, and states it grants approximately $1.2 million annually. The foundation page includes grant criteria, funding cycles, downloadable application materials, and scholarship application links.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A tax‑exempt nonprofit (not a private foundation) focused on education, youth development, scholarships, or community programs, preferably operating in Minnesota or with a clear Minnesota connection.
Good Fit
- • Programs focused on education, scholarships, or youth development.
- • Requests for general operating support or program support with a clear budget.
- • Ability to complete the Minnesota Common Grant Application and provide IRS exemption letter.
- • Organizations based in or serving communities in Minnesota (or nearby states) with measurable local impact.
Geography
Grants in the latest year reached recipients in 10 states, showing a multi‑state footprint, although 79% of dollars stayed in Minnesota.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 73 distinct recipients with 49 new grantees and 24 repeat recipients across observed years, indicating a broad and diverse portfolio despite some concentration among larger awards.
New Applicants
Direct application materials and a rolling deadline are publicly available, and two‑thirds of recipients in the latest year were new, so unfamiliar applicants appear likely to be able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
