WEM Foundation
OVERVIEW: The WEM Foundation supports the arts, conservation, social welfare and education. The foundation is based in Minnesota and supports many organizations there.
IP TAKE: Based in Minneapolis, the WEM foundation has supported organizations of all sizes from small local groups to big powerhouse institutions. This funder does not maintain a website or run an application program, so grantseekers will find it difficult to secure funding. It’s not transparent, accessible or approachable, but we’ve provided a number below for general questions. It conducts mostly local grantmaking, but gives some national grants, particularly for environmental causes.
PROFILE: The WEM Foundation was founded in 1987 by Whitney MacMillan and his wife, Elizabeth. MacMillan is a direct descendant of the Cargill family and a former CEO of the Cargill Corporation, a privately-owned conglomerate that deals in agriculture, food production and distribution, steel, energy and financial services. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the foundation prioritizes the arts, conservation, social welfare, and education.
Grants for Arts and Culture
While the foundation does not appear to have a dedicated grantmaking program for arts and culture organizations, a close examination of tax filings reveals that WEM does have an interest in this area, particularly with regard to museums and historical activities. Past grantees include Vero Beach Museum of Art, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Archives of American Art of the Smithsonian Institution, Museum of the Rockies, Inc., Minnesota Historical Society, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and American Battlefield Trust.
Grants for the Environment
WEM does not list its grantmaking interests or priority areas; however, tax filings reveal that the foundation has made grants in this space in the past, primarily to biodiversity programs and environmental education groups. Previous grantees include Indian River Land Trust, Archbold Biological Stations, Ocean Research & Conservation Association Inc, Wild Salmon Center for aquatic wildlife protection, and Yale University for environmental studies.
Grants for Community Development
The foundation does not outline a clear funding strategy or grantmaking interests, but it has supported organizations focused on community development, human services, and youth development in the past. Former grant recipients include Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation, Twin Cities R!SE, Harvest Network of Schools, Close Gaps by 5, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. It has also given grants to Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest for economics education programs, Learning Alliance for literacy initiatives, and Banyan Foundation for community improvement.
Grants for K-12 and Higher Education
The WEM Foundation does not articulate specific goals for its education funding but supports a variety of organizations that promote educational equity in Minnesota. Past grantees include the Minnesota chapter of Students for Education Reform, which trains college students and others to organize underserved communities to reform local schools, and EdAllies, an educational research and advocacy organization that also operates in Minnesota. WEM has also supported Prodeo Academy, a rigorous PK-4 charter school in Minneapolis. It has also partnered with the Synergy and Leadership Exchange, the Minnesota Services Cooperative, University of Minnesota Foundation, and NUS America Foundation.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $1,000 to $1 million; however most average $25,000 to $250,000. WEM funder does not maintain a website or run an open application program. General inquiries may be made via mail at the address provided.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
WEM Foundation
110 Cheshire Lane, Suite 320
Minnetonka, MN United States 55305
Telephone: 952-674-2800
Fax: (612) 359-4481