The Hormel Foundation approved $34 million in grants as part of its annual contribution budget for 2026.

Relationship to the Hormel Foods Company

The Foundation was created to fulfill three primary responsibilities: preserve the independence of the Hormel Foods Corporation, support the Austin, MN community and area, provide for the financial welfare of family heirs for the duration established by family trusts. These responsibilities have been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Minnesota, and they have been fulfilled for over 80 years. The Foundation controls 46.8% of Hormel Foods’ stock and would vote against any proposal to purchase the Corporation.

Dedicated to the support of local organizations
since 1941

Continuing the legacy of George and Jay Hormel, The Hormel Foundation is proud to be a part of initiatives that will improve the quality of life in our community.

Austin Assurance Scholarship

In partnership with Riverland Community College, Austin High School and Pacelli Catholic Schools graduating students can obtain a two-year college degree from Riverland Community College tuition-free.

Austin Community Rec Center

A Foundation grant of $25 million, $5 million from Hormel Foods, $6.6 million from a public fundraising campaign and partnerships with the City of Austin and the YMCA, has made the Community Rec Center possible. The public has free access to parts of the new recreation center within an indoor playground, youth center and community gathering space.

Austin High School Annex and MacPhail Center for Music

In partnership with Austin Public Schools, MacPhail Austin is a model for bringing music education to students in rural Minnesota. In less than a decade the program has been built and a state-of-the-art facility developed reaching 1,500 students from Austin and the surrounding area..

Austin Community Action Building

The CAB facility integrated the Parenting Resource Center, Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation & Exchange Center, Welcome Center, Children’s Dental Health Services, Minnesota Immigrant Law Office, and an office for Nexus-Gerard Family Healing into one building. A grant of $4.75 million from The Hormel Foundation helped make this multi-million expansion project possible.

KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc.

A new home in downtown Austin for KSMQ Public Broadcasting, Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa’s PBS station. The revolutionary new facility includes a conference room that local nonprofits use for meetings and the station hosts additional events such as concerts and community education. Funding for the project was provided by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc., the Hormel Foundation, the State of Minnesota, the City of Austin, and individual members of KSMQ Public Television.

Community to Benefit from $34 Million
from The Hormel Foundation

Board of Directors Announces 2026 Distribution

Austin, Minn. (Nov. 22, 2025) - Hormel Foundation board of directors approved distributions of $34 million for nonprofit agencies in the Austin/Mower community for 2026.

“The board of The Hormel Foundation considers it an honor to be empowered to manage and distribute these funds to local nonprofit organizations,” said Steve Rizzi, acting chair of The Hormel Foundation. “Our gratitude begins with the faithful dedication of Hormel Foods’ employees for their effort in generating funds that benefit so many.”

The Hormel Foundation’s grants advance the missions of nonprofit organizations in Austin and Mower County. Those organizations are Austin Area Foundation, Austin Community Charitable Fund, Austin Community Growth Ventures, Austin Community Scholarship Committee, Austin Public Schools, Cedar Valley Services, City of Austin, The Hormel Institute University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Health Systems - Austin, Parenting Resource Center, Riverland Community College, Salvation Army, United Way of Mower County and the YMCA of Austin.

The Hormel Foundation continues to support the Austin Assurance Scholarship which the Foundation started in 2019. In addition, the Foundation has launched a new digital equity initiative. The project will fund digital navigators who will provide individualized, community-centered digital support systems to help residents confidently utilize technology to more fully participate in education, employment, healthcare, civic life, and everyday tasks. The committee that worked on this initiative was led by Molly Lanke, Executive Director at the Mower County United Way who said, “Digital equity is

ultimately about people feeling supported, not overwhelmed. By investing in navigators, the Foundation is helping ensure every resident has someone they can turn to – someone who listens, understands their goals, and helps them navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence.”

About The Hormel Foundation

A separate entity from Hormel Foods Corp., The Hormel Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1941 by Hormel Foods Corporation founder George A. Hormel and his son, Jay C. Hormel. Contributions from The Hormel Foundation directly benefit the Austin, MN area.

The Hormel Foundation’s contributions are a direct result from the dividend increases of Hormel Foods’ common stock – the Foundation’s main asset.

The Hormel Foundation supports the Austin/Mower County community through organizations that provide food, shelter and clothing, advance quality healthcare, education and research and enhance the quality of life through projects that benefit people here and beyond.

To qualify for a Foundation grant your organization:

Must be ruled tax exempt by the Internal Revenue Service and must be operated for charitable, educational or scientific purposes.
Must be located in and/or directly affect the Austin, Minnesota area.

Individuals do not qualify for Foundation grant funds.