Undertaking Initiatives for the Common Good

As a family foundation, we are guided first and foremost by the principle of “giving back” which was instilled in us by our parents, Dale and Nancy Olseth. Their steadfast commitment to philanthropy was a cornerstone of our family ethos. We are proud to represent our parents by carrying on the legacy of generosity within local communities. We do this by supporting organizations within four sectors: Arts, Education, Environment, and the Underserved. These are our ‘pillars’ and within each there are many deserving and vital organizations that serve ever-growing needs.  To maximize the impact of our philanthropy, we have refined our focus on five specific initiatives that we believe will make meaningful strides toward solving complex societal issues. We thank our partner organizations for their “boots on the ground” efforts, which helps move us forward on these important initiatives.

Cheryl Olseth, Jon Olseth and Karen Solomon,
Directors, Olseth Family Foundation

Current Initiatives

Plant & Animal Species Conservation

Safeguard ecosystems through species diversity

Carbon Reduction & Clean Energy

Support climate change education & carbon reduction solutions

Dignity, Respect & Equality

Foster fairness and inclusion for a healthier society

Food & Housing Security

Meet fundamental needs for individuals and families

Arts, Culture & Education

Enrich lives through experiential learning

Featured Initiative | Species Conservation

Maintaining plant and animal species diversity contributes in many ways to the health and well-being of humans. Species diversity ensures clean air, soil, and water, regulates the climate, safeguards a robust food supply, provides sources for myriads of medications, supplies fiber and building materials, and influences recreational and spiritual values.   

Over the past four decades, human activities such as development, agricultural expansion, deforestation, and poaching have become the primary causes of flora and fauna extinction and biodiversity loss. Other factors such as the effects of climate change, global consumerism, and population growth also threaten many species’ long-term sustainability.  

Through our many partnerships, the Olseth Family Foundation aspires to slow or reverse the loss of native species, with the goal of restoring stability and balance in North American ecosystems.

Making a Difference | In Recognition of International Women’s Day 

For well over a century, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  In recognition of IWD on March 8, 2022, Cheryl Olseth, Director, Olseth Family Foundation provided a pre-recorded oral statement to the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women, on behalf of the Advocates for Human Rights, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Engendering Dignity, Respect and Equality

The Olseth Family Foundation is proud to continue support for The Advocates for Human Rights, who work tirelessly to change systems and conditions that cause human rights abuses. The Advocates fight injustice and improve laws and lives throughout the world while representing individual victims of human rights violations.

Specifically, the foundation funds the Women’s Human Rights Program which focuses on ending violence and discrimination against women and girls by improving laws and policies, both in the United States and globally.