4 survey respondents
Location: 501 Ordean Bldg, Duluth, 55802 MN
EIN: 41-0711611
100%
0%
9 hours
Median
38%
63%
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:
Reviewer 5498 - Did not apply
After having very little information to go on (a 2015 990) and several unanswered phone calls, I sent a 4-page overview to the foundation. I ended up getting an email from the foundation director with an apology and an offer to have a meeting with him and/or a program officer. Met with a program officer, and we went over how our Duluth programming might fit into their funding priorities. He was very forthright about their interests, the process, the foundation's history, etc.
Also, they have a new website (ordean.org) which hasn't been cached by google yet, so applying is easier than ever.
Risk taker, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Did not apply
Other
2019
Bad
They have redone their grant process in the last few years in order to make it more equitable. In lieu of a lengthy application, they have a 1-page LOI, and they prefer to meet with prospective grantees in person before the LOI stage to ensure fit.
Bad
They are open to funding work done in Duluth by organizations that operate out of the Twin Cities.
They have a core group of longterm grantees but recognize that there needs to be options for newer organizations. They built a whole new granting program out of that. The core funding is essentially renewable forever and the grantees rarely change. The new program is on a yearly basis, but provides a pathway for newer organizations to move into the core group.
The Foundation has very strict priorities that were set by the founder in the 30s: Duluth only, human services. There isn't a lot of wiggle room outside of those parameters. If you qualify, they are flexible.
Make sure your website is more easily accessible.
Transparency with prospective grantees. Equitable grantmaking.
0
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Do not send in an application without contacting the foundation first. They only accept solicited applications and will throw yours away if they did not request it. They are wonderful to work with once you're in, but they strictly follow their guidelines.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Insightful, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2018
Average
Good
They aren't super accessible, but mainly because they want to reach out to grantees and invite them. They are directing their staff time and resources toward their goals.
I love how they operate and wouldn't change a thing.
Ordean is very focused and consistent, and you might not get in. Reach out if you are a match for their priorities, but expect a relationship, if any forms, to take a lot of time.
Provides consistent, long-term support of nonprofits instead of changing grantees every year and updating priorities all the time.
8
Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
Ordean is very supportive to organizations that it funds, providing connections and resources in addition to funding. The program director is very engaged, reads proposals and reports thoroughly, and cares deeply about grantees.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Average
Ordean only supports pre-selected organizations. I never knew how to access them to inquire about funding before working for one of the pre-selected organizations. They do not have a website or much information publicly available.
Good
They made decisions early on about what they wanted to support, and they have made strong, long-term commitments to organizations to accomplish their goals. They invest in the sustainability of nonprofits as most other funders do not.
It would be helpful to have more information easily available for those who are curious about funding.
The Ordean Foundation is a wonderful partner.
Ordean is consistent and makes long-term investments in grantess.
10
Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
They will choose your organization, offer guidance, and be very involved. They do not accept unsolicited applications, and they are one to not bother with unless you are an explicit fit for their guidelines and you think they may not know of your program.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Average
Generally not great since they don't accept unsolicited applications. I love working with them as a grantee and find them very accessible once in the door.
Good
Just to reiterate that they do not accept unsolicited proposals.
They know the community and make good decisions about what work fits within their mission and what does not.
10
