10 survey respondents
Location: 400 Robert St N, St Paul, 55101 MN
EIN: 36-3608619
67%
33%
8 hours
Median
70%
30%
75%
25%
2017 Deadlines:
Types of Grants Awarded:
Geographic Focus:
For Fiscal Year
Total Assets:
Total Grants:
Change in Assets FY :
Amount of Grants to Minnesota Nonprofits:
Largest Grant:
Smallest Grant:
Average Grant:
Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
Your application is a shot in the dark. Don't count on the foundation to communicate with you.
Inadvertently exerts negative influence in the field, Doesn't "get" nonprofits and issues, Difficult to work with
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
2020
Bad
Average
Communicate with nonprofits. Respond to emails. By not doing that, you're wasting two resources we can't afford to waste: time and money. You're undermining your mission.
Gives grants?
16
Reviewer 9000 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2020
They gave us good direction before we applied.
Friendly
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
Other
2020
Good
Average
Positive feedback in meeting prior to submitting proposal.
9
Reviewer 7318 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2019
I had no success contacting the foundation via phone or voicemail. Email communication was minimal and not helpful.
Difficult to work with
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
2019
Bad
Average
Please answer the phone, respond to voicemails, and address emails.
I don't know the funder well enough to answer this.
15
Reviewer 9284 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Know that they just switched to taking online applications, and the transition wasn't clear. The program officer is not responsive, so it's hard to get questions answered or any direction.
Bureaucratic
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2018
Bad
Myself and several other grant writers have tried multiple times to contact the Securian program officer with no response. Many of us were concerned about the different deadlines listed on the website.
Average
They fund a broad range of initiatives but do some of their giving through United Way, which restricts who is eligible.
To make sure their website has accurate information, and that the program officer responds to questions in a timely manner.
10
Reviewer 793 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Securian is pretty straight-forward. They are responsive if you call or email. Grants are smaller, but it's not an onerous process.
Friendly, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
I have always received a response to inquiries
Good
They spread the love around
Thanks for the ongoing support - it's nice to be able to count on this!
As with many funders, you might have to apply two or three times to get a positive response. If they don't encourage you to apply, it's not worth the effort
Responding to requests. It stands out when a corporate funder makes a point of returning calls/emails!
5 to 10 hours
Grant Applicant - applied in 2014
The primary contact is very friendly and helpful. Securian funds many nonprofits on an ongoing basis, and it is hard to get in if not currently a grantee.
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2014
Good
Good
Forming lasting relationships with nonprofits
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 826 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Talk with the Foundation manager before proceeding. They will tell you foundation funds are "flat" so your chances as a new grantee are slim.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Average
The Foundation funds many organizations -- but at a level that has little strategic impact (e.g., many grants are in the $1K-$2,500 range.
"Give more to fewer grantees."
It's required (?) to have a board member from this organization in order to receive funding.
The Foundation Manager listens and is candid in her response.
4
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
We have been funded for a long time and they are a reliable funder for us - small grant, but easy process.
Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
I always get a response when I call or email
Good
Host an information session - online or otherwise. It's so helpful to hear directly from funders about their priorities (for those who are looking for new funding).
They are a good as far as corporate funders go (if you know what I mean)
I love that their application is simple - most corporate funders have gone towards crazy long online proposals. This one still takes the MN Common Grant Application. Very helpful.
Less than 5
Reviewer 515 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
Foundation focuses on programs that foster economic independence, specifically job training programs. The program officer has been there for a long time and is very responsive! Check in with the Foundation to ensure proposal fit. Typical award seems to be $1k-$10k.
Friendly, Builds relationships, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2016
Good
Program officer is very accessible, friendly, and responsive (both phone and email)!
Good
The Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofits that foster self-reliance and economic independence. To achieve this goal, they like to fund job training/career readiness programs. While employment is essential for income generation, stable housing is also a key component to self-reliance.
Going to an online application system would be helpful.
Consistent, long-term funding relationship - very much appreciated in an ever-changing funding environment!
Less than 5
Reviewer 438 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
Connect with the Foundation! The process is fairly simple and straightforward, but the Foundation does not always have new" dollars to distribute. It's important to talk with the Foundation Manager to find out whether it is worth your time AT this time to apply.
Positive leader in the field, Friendly, Builds relationships, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
One manager for this very large corporate Foundation, but surprisingly accessible. Questions for the proposal are available on the website, as are both Foundation priorities and Corporate values.
Good
This Foundation is very focused on making Securian communities stronger, and their giving most definitely follows that commitment.
Although it is very nice to have the 990s on the website, a list of grantees by priority area and year would be very helpful and might save a few questions to the Foundation Manager.
Securian is growing - are there plans for the Foundation (and Foundation giving) to grow as well?
Like most corporate foundations, prospective grantees should research both the company and the Foundation itself.
Clear guidelines on the website. You know right away things like whether they fund United Way agencies (no, because they give over $1 million to United Way), how their priorities fit with their business lines (i.e. working on economic independence, focusing education dollars on "math, economics and business.")
