George Family Foundation

The George Family Foundation, established in 1994 by Penny and Bill George in Minneapolis, Minnesota, advances wholeness in mind, body, spirit, and community by cultivating authentic leaders and funding transformative programs for the common good. Rooted in values of authenticity, compassion, collaboration, and inclusiveness, it emphasizes holistic wellbeing, ethical leadership, and sustainable societal change through seven interconnected priorities: Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing (integrative healing, trauma recovery, mindfulness), Authentic Leadership, Community cohesion, Spirituality and Inner Life (contemplative practices, interfaith work), Environment (community sustainability), Youth Development, and the Next Generation Fund for philanthropic stewardship. It supports diverse interventions—from direct services and capacity-building to systems change—prioritizing under-resourced and marginalized communities via innovative, cross-sectoral partnerships.

Eligible applicants are exclusively 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Minnesota (especially Twin Cities), Dallas, Northern San Francisco Bay Area/Marin County, or Vail Valley; it prefers medium-to-large organizations with annual budgets over $1 million, rarely funding startups, pilots, or small grassroots groups. Unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are accepted via online portal during focus-specific windows: September 1–January 5 for Authentic Leadership, Youth Development, and Spirituality (decisions June); March 1–June 5 for Health/Wellbeing and Environment (decisions December). Only ~4% advance to full proposals, with ~1% funded; current grantees contact staff directly.

Typical grants range $50,000–$200,000 USD annually (median ~$100,000), covering project/program costs or select capacity-building, often as multi-year partnerships funding partial budgets. Exclusions include capital improvements, endowments, scientific/medical research, unrestricted support, or emergency relief. Distinctive for its hands-on relational approach, evidence-based holistic focus (including spiritual growth), and commitment to scalable impact serving underrepresented groups, it stands out among values-driven funders seeking long-term, ethical transformation.