Donaldson Foundation Organizational Grants

The Donaldson Foundation, established in 1966, serves as the primary philanthropic arm of Donaldson Company, Inc. Governed by a volunteer board composed of Donaldson employees, the Foundation’s mission is to positively impact communities by supporting educational initiatives. The Foundation allocates approximately $1.2 million annually to nonprofit organizations located in areas where the company’s employees live and work. The Foundation emphasizes partnerships that increase access to education, address local educational needs in manufacturing communities, and provide scholarships and matching grants to institutions. Through its Organizational Grants program, the Foundation supports educationally focused nonprofit organizations located in Bloomington, Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul area) and across 15 additional U.S. cities where Donaldson maintains significant manufacturing or distribution operations. These locations include Anderson, Indiana; Auburn, Alabama; Baldwin, Wisconsin; Chesterfield and Chillicothe, Missouri; Cresco, Iowa; Dixon, Illinois; Feasterville and Ivyland, Pennsylvania; Frankfort and Rensselaer, Indiana; Greeneville, Tennessee; Nicholasville, Kentucky; Stevens Point, Wisconsin; Stockton and Valencia, California; and Waterloo, Iowa. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must demonstrate a focus on education, the degree of need among those served, measurable impact, sustainability of programming, and a clear connection to one of the Foundation’s eligible communities. Applications are encouraged to focus on impactful educational programs rather than general operating support. Award amounts typically range from $5,000 to $20,000. The Foundation prefers applicants to use the Minnesota Common Grant Application and submit proof of their 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted on a biannual funding cycle. Cycle I runs from August 1 through December 31, with funding disbursed by January 31. Cycle II runs from January 10 through June 30, with funds distributed by July 31. The application deadlines are August 1 and January 10, respectively. Proposals received after these dates will be automatically considered in the subsequent funding cycle. Applications may be submitted by email or mail. The application review process places strong emphasis on educational relevance, community alignment, and potential for meaningful impact. Applicants are encouraged to develop well-defined proposals that clearly articulate intended outcomes and how the funds will be used. While no explicit pre-application or Q&A period is noted, organizations should ensure their applications meet the required documentation and timeline expectations to be considered. For additional guidance or to submit applications, interested organizations should contact the Donaldson Foundation at donaldsonfoundation@donaldson.com or mail materials to The Donaldson Foundation, PO Box 1299, MS 100, Minneapolis, MN 55440. The grant opportunity recurs annually with decisions and distributions in January and July, depending on the cycle. Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly for submission deadlines and potential future cycles.

Applications that propose specific, impactful educational programs are preferred over general operating requests.