The Alex Stern Family Foundation appears to make targeted, local philanthropic investments supporting community fundraising infrastructure — specifically a major contribution to the Impact Foundation’s Giving Hearts initiative. Their giving is focused and programmatic rather than broad, signaling interest in enabling regional philanthropy and collective giving campaigns in the Fargo/North Dakota area.
Highly concentrated, one-time large grant to a single local/community-focused intermediary rather than dispersed or multi-sector giving; appears to prioritize enabling collective fundraising mechanisms over many small direct-service grants.
A single $112,500 grant to Impact Foundation for Giving Hearts stands out in the Alex Stern Family Foundation’s recent record and points to a funder that supports local giving infrastructure as much as direct nonprofit work. The foundation has also backed Impact Foundation for the Community Benefit Fund, suggesting an interest in shared philanthropy platforms that channel resources into the Fargo area. Around that anchor, its giving includes operating support for youth sports, schools, children’s services, food assistance, and community organizations across Fargo–Moorhead and nearby North Dakota communities. The pattern is regional and practical: grants are commonly sized for modest operating support, but the foundation also makes larger commitments when it sees a community campaign or institution it wants to sustain. Recent recipients include Angels Hockey Club, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Fargo Parks & Recreation, and Red River Children’s Advocacy Ctr. Scholarships are part of the portfolio as well, with awards to several North Dakota institutions. Across the record, the foundation appears to favor organizations that serve local residents directly and strengthen the civic and nonprofit fabric of the Fargo–Moorhead area.
A core theme is community philanthropy infrastructure. The foundation gave $112,500 to Impact Foundation for Giving Hearts and $37,500 to the same organization for the Community Benefit Fund, indicating support for organized local fundraising vehicles rather than only single-service grants. It also backs youth recreation and school-based programs. Moorhead Youth Hockey received $30,000 for general operating support, while Angels Hockey Club received $25,000 for general operating support in multiple years. Education is another clear lane. Oak Grove Lutheran School received $25,000 for general operating support, and Capstone Classical Academy received $15,000 for general operating support in both 2024 and 2025. Human services and basic needs appear as well. Great Plains Food Bank received $10,000 for general operating support, and Red River Children’s Advocacy Ctr received $12,500 for general operating support in both 2024 and 2025.
Typical grants are small to mid-sized, with a p25 of $5,000, median of $5,000, and p75 of $10,000. The recent record also shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Impact Foundation, Angels Hockey Club, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Capstone Classical Academy, Red River Children’s Advocacy Ctr, and others, which points to recurring relationships rather than one-off awards. The foundation accepts unsolicited applications and runs spring and fall rounds under its general grant programs. It is also a foundation, not a donor-advised fund or PRI-focused vehicle, and it funds individuals.
Current and upcoming funding from Alex Stern Family Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations serving the greater Fargo–Moorhead area (contact the foundation to confirm eligibility).
Deadline: Annual spring deadline: March 31. Annual fall deadline: August 31.
$565K
$9.1M
$541K
$653K
Most grants fall between $5K and $10K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$10K
About 85% of grants go to recipients in ND.
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Notable grantees: Impact Foundation (Giving Hearts)
Giving is heavily centered in North Dakota: 85% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state, and the top giving state is ND. The strongest concentration is in Fargo, with repeated grants to organizations such as Fargo Parks & Recreation and Fargo Park District Foundation, while Moorhead, Minnesota also appears through Moorhead Youth Hockey. Other North Dakota recipient cities in the recent list include West Fargo, Grand Forks, Mayville, Valley City, and Wahpeton. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
It supports nonprofits serving the greater Fargo–Moorhead area, especially in the arts, social welfare and human services, education, youth recreation, civic projects, and health issues. Recent grants also show support for scholarships, food assistance, volunteer-related work, and community benefit fundraising infrastructure.
Yes. Its general grant programs and annual grant program are described as competitive rounds that accept unsolicited applications, with spring and fall cycles.
The grant-size distribution is centered at $5,000: p25 is $5,000, median is $5,000, and p75 is $10,000.
It gives most often in North Dakota. The data shows 85% of grants go to recipients in ND, with a strong concentration in Fargo and nearby Moorhead, West Fargo, and other North Dakota cities.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Impact Foundation, Angels Hockey Club, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Capstone Classical Academy, Red River Children’s Advocacy Ctr, Haley’s Hope, and Moorhead Youth Hockey.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMPACT FOUNDATION | FARGO, ND | $112,500 | 2025 | GIVING HEARTS |
| OAK GROVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL | FARGO, ND | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ANGELS HOCKEY CLUB | FARGO, ND | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FARGO PARKS & RECREATION | FARGO, ND | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FARGO PARK DISTRICT FOUNDATION | FARGO, ND | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RED RIVER REGIONAL MARKSMANSHIP | WEST FARGO, ND | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CAPSTONE CLASSICAL ACADEMY | FARGO, ND | $15,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RED RIVER CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CTR | FARGO, ND | $12,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| TNT KID'S FITNESS | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| YWCA | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| WOMEN'S CARE CENTER | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SOUL SOLUTIONS | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| BRIDGING THE GAP | WEST FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN GOLD GYMNASTICS | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEND A HAND (DMF) | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM SPONSOR |
| HANDI-WHEELS TRANSPORTATION INC | FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LANDON'S LIGHT FOUNDATION | WEST FARGO, ND | $10,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CITY OF MOORHEAD MATSON BASEBALL FIELD | MOORHEAD, MN | $8,333 | 2025 | MATSON FIELD IMPROVEMENTS |
| JEREMIAH PROGRAM FARGO MOORHEAD | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SOUTHEASTERN NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HOPE INC | MOORHEAD, MN | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NORTH DAKOTA AUTISM CENTER | WEST FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN NURSING PROGRAM | JAMESTOWN, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RED RIVER DANCE & PERFORMING CO | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HALEY'S HOPE | WEST FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RURAL ENRICHMENT & COUNSELING HEADQUARTERS | HAWLEY, MN | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF RED RIVER | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE FARGO | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HERO HEALTHCARE EQUIP RECYCLING | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| VALLEY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| JAIL CHAPLAINS | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF ND | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FIX IT FORWARD MINISTRY | MOORHEAD, MN | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY OF CARE | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | VOLUNTEER PROGRAM |
| FRASER LTD | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HOPE BLOOMS | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY | MOORHEAD, MN | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN FARGO MOORH | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CHILDRENS DENTAL SERVICES INC | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST MONICA'S MONTESSORI INC | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PLAINS ART MUSEUM | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PROFESSIONAL LUNCH | MOORHEAD, MN | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RAPE AND ABUSE CRISIS CENTER OF FARGO-MOORHEAD | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOUNDATION | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| YMCA OF THE NORTHERN SKY | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| YOUNG LIFE CASS CLAY | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| THE LEARNING BANK | FARGO, ND | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
IMPACT FOUNDATION
$112,500GIVING HEARTS
OAK GROVE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ANGELS HOCKEY CLUB
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FARGO PARKS & RECREATION
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FARGO PARK DISTRICT FOUNDATION
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RED RIVER REGIONAL MARKSMANSHIP
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CAPSTONE CLASSICAL ACADEMY
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RED RIVER CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CTR
$12,500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
GREAT PLAINS FOOD BANK
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
TNT KID'S FITNESS
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
YWCA
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
WOMEN'S CARE CENTER
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SOUL SOLUTIONS
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
BRIDGING THE GAP
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
AMERICAN GOLD GYMNASTICS
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LEND A HAND (DMF)
$10,000PROGRAM SPONSOR
HANDI-WHEELS TRANSPORTATION INC
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LANDON'S LIGHT FOUNDATION
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CITY OF MOORHEAD MATSON BASEBALL FIELD
$8,333MATSON FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
JEREMIAH PROGRAM FARGO MOORHEAD
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SOUTHEASTERN NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HOPE INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
NORTH DAKOTA AUTISM CENTER
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN NURSING PROGRAM
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RED RIVER DANCE & PERFORMING CO
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HALEY'S HOPE
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RURAL ENRICHMENT & COUNSELING HEADQUARTERS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF RED RIVER
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE FARGO
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HERO HEALTHCARE EQUIP RECYCLING
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
VALLEY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
JAIL CHAPLAINS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION OF ND
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FIX IT FORWARD MINISTRY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
COMMUNITY OF CARE
$5,000VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
FRASER LTD
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HOPE BLOOMS
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN FARGO MOORH
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CHILDRENS DENTAL SERVICES INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST MONICA'S MONTESSORI INC
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PLAINS ART MUSEUM
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PROFESSIONAL LUNCH
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
RAPE AND ABUSE CRISIS CENTER OF FARGO-MOORHEAD
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOUNDATION
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
YMCA OF THE NORTHERN SKY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
YOUNG LIFE CASS CLAY
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
THE LEARNING BANK
$5,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT