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Tennant Company Foundation
Since 1972, the Tennant Company Foundation has supported nonprofit organisations that share our commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. The Foundation plays a key role in advancing our Thriving People. Healthy Planet. sustainability framework by investing in our communities to drive positive impact. Through general operating and program grants to eligible organisations, our approach is informed by community input, partner dialogue, regional needs, and our corporate giving focus areas.
Our Focus Areas
We prioritise giving that supports long-term, systemic change in three strategic areas:
Workforce
Development
We invest in education, skills training, and workforce development programs that prepare individuals for meaningful careers. As a global manufacturing company, we are committed to closing the skills gap in manufacturing and STEM fields, expanding access to opportunity, and eliminating barriers to employment, especially for underrepresented communities.
Environmental Sustainability
We support projects that protect natural resources, promote environmental education, and build long-term climate resilience. In alignment with our net-zero by 2040 commitment, we invest in initiatives that reduce pollution, conserve ecosystems, and promote equitable access to nature and outdoor spaces.
Vibrant Communities
& Shared Spaces
We believe strong communities are built around clean, inclusive, and welcoming shared spaces. We support programs that revitalise public places, promote access to the arts and culture, and address the social determinants of health, ensuring that people and communities can thrive together.
Foundation Grant Application Process
Application Timeline
The Tennant Foundation Board of Directors conducts two grant review cycles per year to consider requests for program and general operating grants.
| Application Deadline | Funding to Organisation |
| March 27, 2026 | June 26, 2026 |
| September 18, 2026 | December 31, 2026 |
Application Criteria
Proposals are researched by a consultant through a process which may include on-site evaluations and written reviews. Only 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable nonprofit organisations with no religious or political affiliations are eligible for funding consideration. The Foundation will conduct a regular review against the criteria for continuing grantees by category of funding.
Tennant Company Foundation Application Criteria
- Ability to serve the special needs of a given community and have proven to have a significant impact upon that community.
- Reasonable project and organisational objectives including long-range plans and a method of program evaluation.
- Prior receipt of broad-based community support.
- Sound fiscal policies, competent management staff, and an involved Board of Directors.
- U.S. nonprofit charitable organisations.
Priority will be given to the following:
- Nonprofit organisations with Tennant employee involvement; and
- Geographical focus in terms of where Tennant employees live and work and to what extent the applicant offers its services to Tennant communities.
- Requests from organisations which have been previously funded by the Tennant Foundation. It's expected that the Foundation will continue to limit new funding to ensure that adequate monies are available to fund previously funded grantees.
The following will not normally be considered for funding:
As such, the Foundation discourages organisations that fall within any of the following categories from submitting grant requests due to the very low probability of receiving a grant.
- Organisations located outside the areas where Tennant has a concentration of employees.
- Organisations funded by United Way.
- Nonprofits also funded through umbrella organisations.
- Organisations and programs designed to influence legislation or elect candidates to public office.
- National organisations without active local chapters.
- Religious organisations for religious purposes.
- Individuals.
- Elementary and secondary schools.
- Trips or tours.
- Tickets, tables, or advertising for benefit purposes.
How to Apply
To apply for a Tennant foundation grant, please submit your Minnesota Common Grant Application Form using the application form. For additional details on what your application should include, please click below to learn more.
Application Should Include:
- Name of organisation, address, contact person, telephone number, and date of application.
- History and general purpose of the organisation (description of current programs and program statistics).
- Organisation’s DEI policies, practices, and initiatives.
- Purpose of request, including evidence of need, proposed achievements, method of evaluation, and expected long-range results.
- Amount of request, including where other funds are being sought and pledges received to date.
- Description of how the project will be funded on an ongoing basis, if necessary.
- Describe how previous support from the Tennant Foundation was used, if applicable.
- Current organisation operating budget, program budget if applicable, and latest financial audit and/or IRS 990 Tax Return.
- Evidence of IRS tax-exempt status.
- List of Board of Directors.
