The Donaldson Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Donaldson Company, Inc., guided by a volunteer board of employees. Its mission is to support and uplift communities through educational opportunities. The Foundation prioritizes nonprofit initiatives that broaden access to education, provide scholarships for post-secondary students, match donations to educational institutions, and partner with communities near Donaldson’s operational locations to meet local educational needs.
Annually, the Donaldson Foundation allocates approximately $1.2 million in grants. Its giving is geographically restricted to nonprofit organizations located in or serving specific U.S. communities where Donaldson maintains a strong presence, including Bloomington, Minnesota, and selected cities in states such as Indiana, Alabama, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, and California.
Funding is exclusively available for education-focused programs. The Foundation strongly prefers proposals for impactful, sustainable programs rather than general operating expenses. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation encourages applicants to use the Minnesota Common Grant Application form and requires proof of tax-exempt status.
Grants typically range between $5,000 and $20,000. Applications are reviewed against specific criteria, including the program’s educational focus, need, potential impact, sustainability, and connection to local Donaldson communities.
The Foundation conducts two annual funding cycles. For Cycle I, proposals must be submitted by August 1, reviewed from August through December, with funding awarded by January 31. For Cycle II, proposals are due by January 10, reviewed through June, and funds disbursed by July 31. Late proposals are rolled into the following cycle. Applications may be submitted via mail or email, accompanied by the completed grant application and IRS determination letter.
For submission, materials should be sent to the Donaldson Foundation via the listed mailing address or emailed to donaldsonfoundation@donaldson.com. Proposals will be evaluated by Foundation representatives, and funding decisions will be communicated near the end of each review cycle.
Prioritize programs with strong educational impact, sustainability, and relevance to local Donaldson communities. Avoid submitting general operating requests.
