# The Carlson Family Foundation

The Carlson Family Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in Minnetonka, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Minnetonka, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 701 Carlson Pkwy Suite 1250, Minnetonka, MN 55305, United States
- **Founded:** 1959
- **Assets under management:** 264 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** carlsonfamilyfoundation.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/carlson-family-foundation

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Curt Carlson established the foundation in 1959. His daughters Marilyn Carlson Nelson and Barbara Carlson Gage, along with their spouses, have shaped its governance since the founder's era. The organization maintains a Minnesota base and focuses grantmaking on youth support networks. Grant activity centers on three priorities: adult mentorship for young people, prevention of sex trafficking, and local community projects. The foundation holds direct real estate positions including Paramus Shopping Center and 385 Route 17 South in New Jersey. It also owns contemporary art such as the Adinkrahene piece. Geographic reach stays concentrated in the United States with some international ties through partner foundations. Six professionals manage operations from Minnetonka. October 2024: The foundation sponsored the Uplifting Youth event in Minneapolis. Adjacent vehicles include co-founding roles in the Women's Foundation of Minnesota and the World Childhood Foundation. Service providers include J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo for banking and Sit Investment Associates for portfolio management. Governance ties the foundation board to Carlson Inc. leadership through overlapping family members. This creates a direct link between family operating businesses and philanthropic decisions without an external investment committee.

## Sectors

- Diversified

## People

- Wendy Nelson — Chairwoman
- Richard 'Rick' Gage — Board Member

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at The Carlson Family Foundation?

Wendy Nelson serves as chairwoman. Board members include Richard Gage. Decisions follow family governance with input from Sit Investment Associates on the portfolio.

### Does The Carlson Family Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

Activity centers on direct grants and real estate holdings. No fund commitments appear in disclosed records.

### What investment stages does The Carlson Family Foundation typically target?

The foundation does not target venture or private equity stages. Holdings include operating businesses held through Carlson Private Capital Partners and direct commercial real estate.

### How is The Carlson Family Foundation related to Carlson Inc.?

Family members who serve on the foundation board also hold leadership roles at Carlson Inc. The two entities share ownership lineage but maintain separate mandates.

## Related profiles

- [Monroe County Employees' Retirement System](https://altss.com/profile/monroe-county-employees-retirement-system)
- [The Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont](https://altss.com/profile/the-harvest-foundation-of-the-piedmont)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/the-carlson-family-foundation

Maintained by Altss — https://altss.com — methodology: https://altss.com/methodology