20 survey respondents
Location: 3m Center224-05-n-40, Saint Paul, 55144 MN
EIN: 41-6038262
81%
19%
8 hours
Median
58%
42%
79%
21%
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 9284 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
3M Foundation favors supporting organizations across different giving streams. We have a board member who works at 3M, and engage more employees in group volunteer activities throughout the year. This leads to us being invited to apply for a grant; however this relationship is a double-edged sword at times. The grant invitation came less than 2 weeks before the deadline, involved multiple steps to even access the online application, and the application itself was very involved for the grant dollar amount (which they specify in the invitation).
Doesn't "get" nonprofits and issues, Difficult to work with, Bureaucratic
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2017
Bad
A form email comes telling you you've been invited. Then you have to follow the link to do a 'pre-application' eligibility questionnaire (which seems pointless, given that you were just invited by an employee). Then, it can take 1-3 business days to approve your eligibility (keep in mind we had 8 business days to even apply). I got locked out of the online portal when I tried to enter new information in a saved application due to not knowing I need to include the invitation code every time I logged in (it was buried in one of the 10 emails I got about setting up an account). If you log in without the invitation code you can see the saved application but not edit it. They don't have a tech help phone number, so I had to submit a help request and hope they would get back to me in time. (They did, but it was incredibly frustrating).
Good
I do admire that 3M employees volunteer in the same areas that the foundation supports (for us, it's basic needs). It shows the overall commitment to their priorities. I am unsure about how their granting aligns, since their process is fairly opaque.
I would like 3M to understand that giving 8 business day's notice for an invited grant opportunity is disrespectful. Our invitation arrived the week of our largest fundraising event, which made it particularly stressful. Additionally, their application is very long and complex (unique organization & program budget templates, requesting financial data spanning the last 3 years being the worst offender). As the cherry on top, we were told an amount to apply for (which is fine), but it wasn't large. Grants under $50,000 (which we were well under) should have less requirements, since it causes a burden on nonprofits to do all that work for a low amount of funds.
15
Reviewer 4069 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
Best to try to contact them maybe once. They are not open to continued contact. Also, ensure you have an “in” by having someone who is employed by 3M speak on your behalf.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Arizona
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2015
Good
This funder is best utilized when you know someone who can deliver the grant and someone employed by 3M who has an upper level position. This funder doesn’t respond well to unestablished new nonprofits or those they had not funded previously.
Good
Be more open to requests that come from new sources and individuals you are not familiar with previously.
Relationship is the key!
This funder is very generous in its grant awards and has been successful in meeting its obligations in regards to making a difference in the community.
8
Grant Applicant - applied in 2019
3Mgives is very dedicated to enhancing the philanthropy experience for their employees. They align all of their giving (grants, in-kind, sponsorships) with employee participation. Best tactic is to engage 3M employees and encourage them to be advocates for your organization. It's benefited us in many ways - volunteerism, increased giving, constant in-kind donations, board leadership, and more.
Culturally sensitive, Builds relationships, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2019
Good
Good
Only interested in funding/partnering with East-Metro organizations in the Twin Cities.
Engaging beyond just a grant or just a donation. They really dive into an organization with all their efforts.
5 to 10 hours
Reviewer 995 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2018
We have been building a relationship with 3M for several years and have had several of their leadership teams to our site for tours over that time. We have also helped them with some of their clinical studies, presentations, and helped them develop workshops and conferences. Getting to know their leadership lead to this grant being awarded.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Risk taker, Culturally sensitive, Insightful, Friendly, Builds relationships, Likes site visits, Openminded, Responsive
Array
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2018
Average
Average
Build a relationship with their leadership teams.
More than 15
Reviewer 9181 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
3M has been a wonderful longtime partner. Start by building a relationship within the company.
Positive leader in the field, Gives more than money, Friendly, Builds relationships, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2016
Good
Good
Engages and supports grantees in multiple ways
6
Reviewer 160 - Did not apply
Huge lack of transparency and support regarding the application process. Our LOI was sent back undelivered, and we could not even get a response as to whether the local branch had closed or moved. Unless you have a personal contact, it may be very difficult.
Difficult to work with, Bureaucratic
California
Did not apply
Other
2017
Bad
Average
Have a centralized team dedicated to giving that actually understands the LOI process and is open to answering questions. Have contact info on your website.
0
Reviewer 575 - Professional in the field
Probably not worth applying unless you have a contact within the company.
Massachusetts
Professional in the field
2017
Bad
In Massachusetts, it is almost impossible to find the name(s) of local plant contacts. Locations and names are virtually hidden - took a lot of effort to find a good address.
Average
They don't want to be found in my state, so hard to comment on whether or not they are meeting their philanthropic goals.
They could clarify and tighten their guidelines if they do not wish to be approached as much.
They seem to give away a lot of money, to their credit.
0
Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
We had an exceptional experience with 3M Gives team. WE had been pre-vetted by the time we applied, thanks to a staff member who approached us to support our efforts. Very proactive and friendly.
Risk taker, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2016
Good
Good
They are excellent communicators. Very approachable.
3
Reviewer 952 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
ok
Gives more than money, Friendly, Builds relationships, "Gets" nonprofits and issues, Openminded, Responsive
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
Other
2015
Average
Average
Continue its concerns for all organization. Set up start up strategies with less difficulties to open easy access for winning grants.
Not at this time, maybe later.
Never funded
This funder shows concerns for community organizations and members in various community. is There is always some ideas from this funder that indicates willingness to award grants, but somehow difficult for certain community organizations to be awarded.
5
Reviewer 880 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
You do need an "invite number" from a local 3m person.
Friendly, Openminded, Responsive
South Carolina
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Good
Good
Consider larger amounts for increased opportunity to be strategic.
Thank you for our grant!
They reached out to us, which we really appreciated. Grants are less than $5000, and they submission time is reasonable.
Less than 5
