6 survey respondents
Location: 385 Washington St Mc Nb10t, St Paul, 55102 MN
EIN: 41-1924256
67%
33%
5 hours
Median
42%
58%
42%
58%
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 2019
The application was not too difficult, however the lack of feedback received for why the application was not accepted was non-existent. Our organization seemed like a strong fit, but all we got as feedback was that we weren't getting funding.
Risk averse
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
2019
Bad
Do not provide feedback on why you aren't a fit, even if you ask for it.
Bad
The foundation said they funded educational programming and ours fit strongly within their interest areas, but according to the rejection, we didn't.
5
Reviewer 1782 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2014
Note that program officer with whom we worked retired in 2017 - so this info is somewhat out of date. We were funded 3 times, each for $10K or less. We found that the program officer, who thought we had excellent results, was very supportive of our work. However, we kept hearing more decisions were being made in Connecticut. The last time we applied the program officer gave us very specific suggestions about what to include in a proposal. Then it was rejected with no explanation. Having raised more than $30 million in grants, I find this kind of thing deeply frustrating. There is new leadership at Travelers. I would be very careful about investing time in this foundation until I had a clear understanding about what new leadership is seeking.
Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for lesser amount
2014
Good
Average
Don't invest a lot of time until you are certain what current foundation leadership is seeking
Former program officer clearly communicated his support/appreciation of our work. He also communicated how much he thought we should apply for (to help match other, larger grants).
15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2014
Used to be a high-impact focused and involved funder, but seems impenetrable or uninterested now.
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2014
Bad
Used to be great but now can't get anyone on the phone.
Bad
The language on their website is the same but not seeing activity in those areas. If they are in transition and reworking their approach to philanthrophy, it'd be helpful to just say that.
Come back to the table with fresh guidelines and focus
Was very effective as funder and convener in the afterschool space formerly, smart partnerships with public schools and nonprofits that promoted best practices
More than 15
Grant Applicant - applied in 2016
The current program officer is very responsive via email but is based in Hartford, CT. Since the local program officer retired and that position moved out of MN, there is clearly a difference/decrease in the commitment Traveler's has here.
Minnesota
Applied and not funded
Funded for amount requested
2016
Good
Average
Less than 5
Reviewer 826 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2017
There is no longer a local Foundation presence for this funder. All communications are with Hartford, CT.
Responsive
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2017
Average
Average
Travelers used to be a terrific funder of local nonprofits. Since its executive leadership moved (physically) to Hartford, the Foundation's interest in and funding of the Twin Cities has diminished, considerably.
If you're serious about effective philanthropy in the Twin Cities, staff a local office.
It will be difficult to establish a personal relationship as Foundation personnel have their office in Hartford, CT.
Sometimes in September there will extra funds available in the Foundation's budget which it is glad to disburse. Keep checking in.
5
Reviewer 438 - Grant Applicant - applied in 2015
When Travelers took over The St. Paul Companies, it began a slow and determined decline in giving in Minnesota. They have been incredibly generous, and helped organizations like College Possible and others thrive. But I fear the future is tenuous.
Minnesota
Current or former grantee
Funded for amount requested
2015
Bad
Difficult to find names, contact information for Foundation - especially Minnesota people.
Good
They are funding in their priority areas (arts, neighborhoods, education). Their website demonstrates how some of this giving (in college prep and neighborhoods) directly aligns with their business lines.
A large piece of Travelers' business was built in Minnesota - please remember that!
Funds the arts!
