The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation improves the quality of life through effective family grantmaking, honoring the legacy of its founders and investing in social change. Our vision is to catalyze positive change by empowering people to contribute to a sustainable world encompassing thriving, livable communities.
We seek to achieve our mission and vision through our three grantmaking programs which include legacy, social change, and trustee directed grants. Through our three grantmaking programs we strive to embrace the democratic ideals of fairness, justice and opportunity for all.
You’re invited to learn more about our work. If you represent a grantmaker who shares similar interests, please consider exploring opportunities to collaborate with us.
Legacy Grants
Elmer and Eleanor Andersen had a wide range of interests which they supported throughout their lifetimes. The legacy grant program continues support in these traditional areas and long-time categories of giving. Learn more about our legacy grants. The legacy grant program is open to applications.
Social Change Grants
The social change program strives to respond to community inequalities through proactive and collaborative grantmaking. This program takes a novel approach to address social justice issues within local communities. Nonprofits partners that have the connections and experience to address the issue are engaged as co-creators during the grantmaking process. Find more about our approach to social change. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications for this program.
Trustee Directed Grants
Discretionary grants are directed by family members who are Foundation trustees, to traditional program areas within their communities across the country. Learn more about trustee directed grants. Unsolicited proposals for discretionary grants are not accepted.
