John and Denise Graves Foundation
Minneapolis, MN · EIN 47-1300668. Reported 329 grants totalling $11.2M to 201 recipients across tax years 2021-2024. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.
Does this foundation accept applications?
Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. John and Denise Graves Foundation did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.
How big are its grants?
The median grant is $25,000. Half of everything it gave fell between $4,000 and $40,000; the smallest was $100 and the largest $332,032. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.
Every organization it funded
This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Recipients are grouped by name and state as they were written on the returns, so an organization entered under two different names appears twice. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which that name received money.
| Organization | Location | Total received | Grants | Years funded | Last |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youthprise | Minneapolis, MN | $937,500 | 12 | 4 | 2024 |
| Lisc | New York, NY | $661,094 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| The Link | Minneapolis, MN | $560,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| The Minneapolis Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $379,750 | 5 | 2 | 2022 |
| Achieve Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | $332,516 | 8 | 3 | 2024 |
| Peris Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $330,500 | 8 | 3 | 2024 |
| Foster Advocates | Saint Paul, MN | $275,516 | 8 | 4 | 2024 |
| Pillsbury United Communities | Minneapolis, MN | $260,200 | 8 | 4 | 2024 |
| Benilde St Margaret | St Louis Park, MN | $253,880 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Opportunity Youth Network | Minneapolis, MN | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Ed Allies | Minneapolis, MN | $220,000 | 5 | 4 | 2024 |
| Project for Pride in Living | Minneapolis, MN | $200,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| YMCA of the North | Minneapolis, MN | $190,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Circle of Discipline | Minneapolis, MN | $155,123 | 5 | 4 | 2024 |
| Educators for Excellence | New York, NY | $155,000 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Chapin Hall Center for Children | Chicago, IL | $150,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Venn Foundation | Saint Paul, MN | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Wallin Education Partners | Saint Paul, MN | $130,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Voices for Racial Justice | Minneapolis, MN | $127,000 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Mn Alliance With Youth | Minneapolis, MN | $126,321 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Advancing Equity Coalition | Minneapolis, MN | $125,000 | 3 | 2 | 2024 |
| Great Minnesota Schools | Minneapolis, MN | $125,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Why You | Minneapolis, MN | $120,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Migizi | Minneapolis, MN | $110,000 | 3 | 3 | 2024 |
| Access Philanthropy Charities | Minneapolis, MN | $109,000 | 5 | 2 | 2024 |
| Closeknit | Minneapolis, MN | $108,000 | 4 | 3 | 2024 |
| Thrive Ed | Hopkins, MN | $101,130 | 2 | 1 | 2022 |
| Catholic Charities Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | $100,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Coalition of Asian American Leaders | Saint Paul, MN | $100,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Hennepin Health Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Hope Community | Minneapolis, MN | $100,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Great Mn Schools | Minneapolis, MN | $95,000 | 2 | 1 | 2024 |
| Connections to Independence | Minneapolis, MN | $90,000 | 3 | 3 | 2024 |
| Partnerships for Permanence | St Paul, MN | $82,500 | 3 | 3 | 2024 |
| Augsburg University | Minneapolis, MN | $80,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Bridgemakers | Minneapolis, MN | $80,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Friends of the Hennepin County Library | Minneapolis, MN | $80,000 | 3 | 3 | 2024 |
| Legal Rights Center | Minneapolis, MN | $80,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| YMCA | Minneapolis, MN | $75,195 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Chartersource | St Paul, MN | $75,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Hamline University | Saint Paul, MN | $75,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | $75,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Pangea World Theater Dia De Los Muertos | Minneapolis, MN | $75,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Wildflyer Coffee | Minneapolis, MN | $75,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Heading Home Funders Collaborative | St Paul, MN | $65,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Al-Maa'uun | Minneapolis, MN | $60,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Lake Street Council | Minneapolis, MN | $57,500 | 3 | 2 | 2024 |
| Educators 4 Excellence | New York, NY | $55,000 | 2 | 1 | 2024 |
| Propel Nonprofits | Minneapolis, MN | $55,000 | 4 | 3 | 2024 |
| Teach for America | Minneapolis, MN | $55,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Students United | Minneapolis, MN | $51,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Centro | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Coalition for Asian American Leadership | Saint Paul, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Education Evolving | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Friends of the Midtown Global Market Via Neighborhood Development Center | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Friendship Academy of the Arts | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Hired | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Hopkins Public Schools | Hopkins, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Improve Your Tomorrow | Sacramento, CA | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| International Institute of Minnesota | Saint Paul, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Isd 287 | Plymouth, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Juxtaposition Arts | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Mn Association of Charter School Authorizers | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Normandale Community College Foundation | Bloomington, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| People Serving People | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 2 | 1 | 2024 |
| Philanthropic Collective to Combat Anti-Blackness | St Paul, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Project for Pride and Living | Minneapolis, MN | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Robbinsdale Edgewood Via Cultivate Knowledge Inc | Prentiss, MS | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Camino | Minneapolis, MN | $49,000 | 3 | 3 | 2024 |
| Mexico in Minneapolis Via City of Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN | $47,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Above the Rim | Minneapolis, MN | $45,000 | 2 | 1 | 2023 |
| Hope Academy | Minneapolis, MN | $45,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Wildflyer | Minneapolis, MN | $45,000 | 2 | 1 | 2023 |
| Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Assoc | Minneapolis, MN | $44,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Camino Rr Via Pangea World Theater | Minneapolis, MN | $42,500 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Above the Rim Youth Sports Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Augsburg College | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Edallies | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Groves Learning Organization | Saint Louis Park, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Joyce Preschool | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Lantino Youth Development Collaborative | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Larry Mckenzie Academic & Life Skill Center | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Lee Carlson Center | Fridley, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Literacy Minnesota | Saint Paul, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Literacy Mn | Saint Paul, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Minnesota Alliance With Youth | Saint Paul, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Minnesota Host Home Network | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Uncommon Construction | New Orleans, LA | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Why You Initiative | Minneapolis, MN | $40,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative | Saint Paul, MN | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Hennepin Healthcare Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Heritage Youth Sports Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $35,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Benilde-St Margaret's School | St Louis Park, MN | $34,700 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Al-Maa'unn Food Shelf | Minneapolis, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Colectiva Bilingue | Minneapolis, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| National Parents Union Inc | Woburn, AL | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Osprey Wilds Env Learning Center | Sandstone, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Plymouth Christian Youth Center | Minneapolis, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Positive Image | Brooklyn Park, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Assocation | Minneapolis, MN | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Cristo Rey Jesuit High School | Minneapolis, MN | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Latinolead | St Paul, MN | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| School Transformative Collective Via Osprey Wilds Elc | Sandstone, MN | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Teach for America Chicago | Boston, MA | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| The Beautywell Project | Saint Paul, MN | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Confluence Via Third Rail | Minneapolis, MN | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Friends of the Global Market | Minneapolis, MN | $20,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Lake St Truth Collective Via Latino Economic Development Center | Minneapolis, MN | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Latino Youth Development Collaborative | Minneapolis, MN | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association | Minneapolis, MN | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Minnesota Association of Charter School Authorizers (macsa) | Minneapolis, MN | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Safemn | Minneapolis, MN | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Johnathon Banks Foundation | North Saint Paul, MN | $12,900 | 4 | 3 | 2024 |
| Bridge to Basics | Wayzata, MN | $11,250 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Afghan Immigrant Via Minnesota Council on Foundations | Minneapolis, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| CASA Mn | Minneapolis, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Entertainment Industry Foundation | Los Angeles, CA | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Go Fund Me Earthquake Relief | Minneapolis, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Hand in Hand | Portland, OR | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Heading Home Funders Collaborative Via Saint Paul Foundation | St Paul, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Lifeworks Services Inc | Eagan, MN | $10,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Multicultural Autism Action Network | Columbia Heights, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Northpoint Health & Wellness | Minneapolis, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Umn Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Western Kentucky Relief Fund | Frankfort, KY | $10,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Hiawatha Academies | Minneapolis, MN | $9,000 | 2 | 1 | 2024 |
| Relentless Academy | Brooklyn Center, MN | $8,000 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Thread Our People | Brooklyn Center, MN | $7,500 | 4 | 4 | 2024 |
| Open Eye Theatre | Minneapolis, MN | $6,353 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Camden Place Rr | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Centro Guadalupano | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| First Covenant Church | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Future Nowrl Via Pangea World Theater | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Great Minnesota Schools Community Translation Services | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Indigenous Roots | Saint Paul, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Lake St Truth Collectiveuproar Via Pangea World Theater | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Lifeworks | Eagan, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Ms Food Network | Jackson, MS | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association Rl Project | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Realmpls Rr Via Gobi Support | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Rebound Inc | Brooklyn Center, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Sam B Ero-Phillipsrl Via Pillsbury United Communities | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Sanneh Foundation | St Paul, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Semilla | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| The Real Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Weisman Art Museumrl Via University of Minnesota Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| World Central Kitchen Donation | Washington, DC | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Neighbors United | Northfield, MN | $4,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| St Cloud State University | St Cloud, MN | $3,781 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Dba Wayzata Community Sailing Center | Wayzata, MN | $3,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Grace Trinity | Minneapolis, MN | $3,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Solomon's Porch | Minneapolis, MN | $3,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Gender Justice | Saint Paul, MN | $2,750 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Spelman College | Atlanta, GA | $2,650 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Cow Tipping Pressrl | Minneapolis, MN | $2,500 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Friends of the Children | Minneapolis, MN | $2,500 | 2 | 2 | 2024 |
| Think Small | Saint Paul, MN | $2,500 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Innercity Tennis Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $2,250 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Black Mamas Matter Alliance Inc | Atlanta, GA | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Heal Palestine | Kent, OH | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center | Saint Paul, MN | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Metropolitan State University Foundation | St Paul, MN | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Mighty Cause | Atlanta, GA | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Our Justice | Minneapolis, MN | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Teach America | New York, NY | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| World Central Kitchen | Washington, DC | $2,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Upper Mississippi Academy | St Paul, MN | $1,720 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| One Heartland | Minneapolis, MN | $1,500 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Friends of South High Foundation Inc | Minneapolis, MN | $1,250 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Minnesota Theodore Roosevelt High School Foundation | Minneapolis, MN | $1,250 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Catholic Charities | Minneapolis, MN | $1,100 | 2 | 1 | 2022 |
| Doorstep | Minneapolis, MN | $1,100 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Feline Rescue | Saint Paul, MN | $1,030 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Black Entrepreneurs State Fair | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities | Saint Paul, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Friends of South High | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Go Fund Me Black Student Union | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Go Fund Me Emily Zawad | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Impact Living | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Minza | Saint Paul, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| New Leaders Council | Washington, DC | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Office of Black Student Achievement Via Achievempls | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Park Center Cheer | Brooklyn Park, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Players Philanthropy Fund | Towson, MD | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Presbytery of Milwaukee | Waukesha, WI | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Princeton Einstein Museum of Science | Princeton, NJ | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| Reclaim | Saint Paul, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Roosevelt High School | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Sistas Helping in Neighborhoods Everywhere | St Paul, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Win Back | Apple Valley, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2024 |
| World Savvy | Minneapolis, MN | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| The Somali Museum | Minneapolis, MN | $750 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Humans Win LLC | Los Angeles, CA | $600 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Princeton Einstein Museum | Princeton, NJ | $500 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| St Jude's | Memphis, TN | $500 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Okina's Angels | Bloomington, MN | $400 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Como Park High School Booster Club | Saint Paul, MN | $250 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Go Fund Me Please Help My Kids | Minneapolis, MN | $250 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| St Paul Central High School Foundation | Saint Paul, MN | $250 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
48 of 201 (24%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.
Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 33%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is less consistent than most. This measures how often it paid the same organizations again. It says nothing about whether it would consider a new one.
What the money was for
Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.
- Lisc
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT - Project for Pride in Living
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/COVID RESPONSE - Lifeworks Services Inc
VALUES-ALIGNED DISCRETIONARY
What kind of organizations it funds
By the activity category the IRS assigns each recipient, for the 191 grants where we could match the recipient to a registered organization. The categories are the IRS's. The match, made from the name and address on the return, is ours.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants | Total | Median grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 70 | $2,617,600 | $25,000 |
| 2022 | 78 | $2,896,226 | $25,000 |
| 2023 | 96 | $2,869,198 | $11,000 |
| 2024 | 85 | $2,801,285 | $30,000 |
Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.
Where its money goes
89% of its giving went to organizations in Minnesota. If your organization is based elsewhere, look in the recipient list for grants to your area before writing.
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Funders that support the same organizations
These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are a sign of overlapping priorities and nothing more: they do not show that any of these funders would consider a new organization. Each page says what its filings show.
How to approach this foundation
- Check you are its size. The median grant is $25,000. A request many times that size asks for something it has rarely or never given.
- Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in Minnesota.
- Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
- Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.
Where these numbers come from
Everything above is taken from John and Denise Graves Foundation's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2021-2024). Grant figures are from its returns. Matching recipients to registered organizations, their IRS classifications, the retention rate and the funders that support the same organizations are our own calculations, described in how we build this.
Address of record on the latest return: 2929 Chicago Avenue South 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55407. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.
EIN 47-1300668 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this
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