Larson Family Foundation Grants

The Larson Family Foundation, established in 1990 by Dale Larson—former CEO and President of Larson Manufacturing Company—is a private, non-profit organization based in South Dakota. The foundation was created as a mechanism for the Larson family to give back to the Brookings community and support broader quality-of-life initiatives throughout South Dakota. Recognizing the limited philanthropic resources available within the state, the Foundation seeks to fill that gap by funding projects that have meaningful impacts on local residents. The Foundation is governed by a five-member board that meets biannually to review grant applications. It funds initiatives led by IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, including qualified educational institutions and government entities, provided they operate within South Dakota. Preference is given to projects that directly enhance the well-being of South Dakotans. Notably, the Foundation does not consider funding for individuals, general fundraising efforts, loans, scholarships, or projects that are primarily research-based or focused on media or conference events unless these are part of a larger program. Additionally, the Foundation excludes funding requests for operating or administrative expenses such as rent, utilities, salaries, and general office overhead. The Larson Family Foundation follows a structured application process that begins with a mandatory Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Eligible nonprofits must be located within South Dakota and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. LOIs are accepted during two annual windows: January 2 to February 15 and July 2 to August 15, both ending at midnight Central Time. Submissions should include a brief overview of the organization, a description of the project or activities for which funding is sought, and the amount requested. These documents should be emailed directly to [email protected]. Upon review, the Foundation will contact selected applicants to submit a full grant application. Full applications are due on March 1 and September 1 annually, also by midnight Central Time. Proposals deemed aligned with the Foundation’s priorities will be discussed at the respective spring or fall board meetings. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in May or November following the board’s review. For those awarded funding, a Due Diligence agreement outlining reporting requirements must be signed. A final evaluation is expected upon project completion. Funding commitments are typically made on a one-year basis, even when multi-year support is permitted. Additional funding is usually not considered until a year has passed since the last grant cycle, although exceptions may be made for emergency needs. The maximum grant award per cycle is $100,000. As of 2025, the Foundation has discontinued the use of its previous eGrant portal and now requires submission via fillable forms, reinforcing its commitment to a streamlined and accessible application process.