Skip to content Skip to navigation menu

For the best site experience, please use Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox or another modern web browser. Internet Explorer is no longer supported.

Tennant Foundation Grants

Tennant Foundation grants are targeted to organizations serving the Minneapolis community around our headquarters and are typically modest operating grants. When reviewing requests for grants, the Tennant Foundation considers: “How does this request further our commitment to create a cleaner, safer, healthier world in which to live, work and play?”

Tennant Foundation grants are targeted to organisations serving the Minneapolis community around our headquarters and are typically modest operating grants. When reviewing requests for grants, the Tennant Foundation considers: “How does this request further our commitment to create a cleaner, safer, healthier world in which to live, work and play?”

Examples of our focused giving, include:

  • Environmental programmes
  • Social services
  • Workforce readiness through education and vocational rehabilitation
  • Cultural and arts organisations

Tennant Company will consider making in-kind or equipment donations outside of the Foundation when requests are employee-supported, when they help to further our giving mission and if the recipient organisation meets eligibility requirements.


Bridging is extremely grateful for our long-time partnership with Tennant. Their community-minded team engages in our important work through hands-on volunteering, in-kind giving, and generous financial support through their foundation; perpetuating our mission to empower people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability. Thank you, Tennant, for helping us Furnish Homes with Hope!

- Mark Wilkening, Executive Director of Bridging

Tennant Foundation’s support has been integral to achieving Hired’s vision of empowered people and families, a prepared workforce, and an inclusive economy. Workforce readiness has always been a priority of Tennant Foundation and is now more important than ever. Hired is grateful for our continued partnership as we help people get back to work in a new and different post-pandemic economy

- Julie Brekke, Executive Director of HIRED



Foundation Grant Application Process


Foundation Grant Application Process - Application Timelines

Application Timeline

The Tennant Foundation Board of Directors conducts two grant review cycles per year to consider requests for programme and general operating grants.

Application Deadline Funding to Organisation
March 25 June 30
October 5 December 31


Tennant Foundation Application Process - Application Criteria

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 non-profit 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 programme evaluation.
  • Prior receipt of broad-based community support.
  • Sound fiscal policies, competent management staff, and an involved Board of Directors.
  • U.S. non-profit charitable organisations.

Priority will be given to the following:

  • Non-profit 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.
  • Non-profits also funded through umbrella organisations.
  • Organisations and programmes 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.


Foundation Grant Application Process

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 programmes and programme 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, programme budget if applicable, and latest financial audit and/or IRS 990 Tax Return.
  • Evidence of IRS tax-exempt status.
  • List of Board of Directors.




Equipment Donations


Equipment Donations

Donating Cleaning Machines

At Tennant Company, our stewardship extends to the communities where we do business. Tennant Company donates equipment to non-profit entities with a 501(c)(3) designation who want to further our vision of creating a cleaner, safer, healthier world.


Eligible Organisations:

  • Must be in the United States
  • Must not have a religious affiliation
  • Must not interfere with the business of a Tennant partner or distributor

Click here to download the Tennant equipment donation form.





Scholarship Programme


Scholarship Programme

Scholarship Programme for Children of Tennant Employees

This is a global programme for all eligible children of regular full-time or part-time Tennant employees, up to 33 new students per year may qualify for a Tennant Scholarship. 


Awards are $1,750 per year for a maximum of four years and can help pay for full-time study at an approved post-high school educational programme. Students must requalify each year, and scholarships are granted on the basis of educational performance, extracurricular involvement, and potential to succeed in a chosen educational programme.



Brands marked with ® are registered in the United States and/or other countries. Brands marked with the TM are not registered and protected under applicable law.