Larson Family Foundation

The Foundation makes grants only to tax-exempt organizations with 501(c)(3) classifications from the Internal Revenue Service including educational institutions, and qualified government units.

The Foundation will not consider requests for general fundraising, deficit financing, loans, grants or scholarships to individuals or loans. The Foundation also does not make grants for research projects or give support to conferences, seminars, media events or workshops unless they are an integral part of a broader program. The Foundation will not provide funding to pay for operating and/or administrative expenses including, but not limited to rent, utilities, salaries, fringe benefits, office furniture, and computer equipment utilized for administrative record keeping, etc.

The Foundation may grant support for several years. Funding commitments, however, are generally made on a year-to-year basis. The Foundation generally does not provide additional funding to an organization until the completion of the organization's previous funding cycle (one year after receipt of a grant). Exceptions may be made in the case of emergency assistance.

The Foundation's maximum grant amount to award is $100,000.

How does an organization apply for a Foundation grant?

• An organization must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). Letter of Inquiry Once completed it must be emailed to Laura@sawmilltrust.com. Organizations that best meet the Foundation’s grant guidelines, criteria and funding priorities will be invited to submit a complete grant application. The Foundation has two grant cycles per year; LOI’s may be submitted January 2 - February 15 and July 2 - August 15 by midnight CT each year. If invited to submit a complete grant application; applications must be submitted by March 1 or September 1 by midnight CT each year.

What is the average size of a grant?

• The Foundation’s grants range from $800 to $100,000. The average grant, however, is typically $25,000.

What types of support are available from the Foundation?

• The Foundation prefers to support basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and education. Within these criteria, the Foundation provides support for new, expanding or sustaining program services, endowments, capital campaigns and general operating expenses, not including rent, utilities, office furniture, salaries, benefits, and computer equipment used for administrative purposes. The Foundation may consider salary and equipment expenses if they are part of expanding program services.

Does the Foundation fund faith-based organizations?

• The Foundation funds only non-denominational programs. A religiously affiliated group may operate a program, but participation must be open to anyone. Services must not involve proselytizing of any particular religious belief.

Are there organizations that the Foundation does not fund?

• The Foundation does not provide funding for:
  • Individuals, such as scholarships, loans or pledges for fundraising events such as marathons, relays/walks, cycling, etc.
  • Loans or reduction of existing debt
  • Benefits and event sponsorship
  • Economic development projects
  • Costs affiliated with fundraising events, political campaigns or programs designed to influence legislation
  • Assisted living or medical facilities (except in the area of health prevention programs; medical equipment excluded)

Is there a limit to the number of grants an organization can receive?

• An organization may apply for a grant annually. However, applicants that have received a grant are advised to submit a final evaluation report before submitting another application for consideration.

Is it expected that we spend the grant money within a year and what if we don’t spend all the monies granted?

• It is expected that organizations spend the awarded grant monies within one year of receipt. Funds not exactly spent within this timeline must be returned to the Foundation unless ​authorized by the Larson Foundation.

Letters of Inquiry (LOI) must be from non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations whose office resides in the state of South Dakota.

The first step in applying to the Foundation is a short LOI. Deadlines to submit a LOI are January 2 - February 15 and July 2 - August 15 by midnight CT each year. After we review your inquiry, we will contact you as to the next step in the application process.

LOIs must be from non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations within the State of South Dakota. LOIs should include the following:

• a brief statement of your organization

• a brief summary of the activities for which you are requesting support

• the amount requested from the Foundation

Due Date for Applications are March 1 and September 1, midnight, CT of each year.

Submit an LOI

Completed LOIs can be emailed to laura@sawmilltrust.com

When a letter of inquiry reflects most closely the Foundation's program priorities, we will ask you to complete the Larson Foundation Grant Application. This should not be interpreted as an indication of likely support as the Foundation receives more applications than it can fund.

Application deadlines are March 1 and September 1, midnight, CT of each year. You will be informed of the Board's decision in May or November following the board meeting in which your application was discussed. If a grant is awarded, you will be asked to sign a Due Diligence form that defines progress reporting and other requirements.

Larson Foundation requires a final evaluation be submitted at the end of project.