OVERVIEW: Pentair supports global development in the areas of WASH and education. Its U.S. grantmaking focuses on STEM education and water conservation.
IP TAKE: Pentair’s recent global grantmaking has supported initiatives to bring water to underserved communities in developing countries. It has also given to NGOs developing education infrastructure in India. In the U.S., the foundation focuses on STEM education, emphasizing out-of-school learning for K-12 students and water engineering programs at colleges and universities.
This funder tends to support large and well-established organizations in its areas of interest. It is not accessible, but invites prospective grantees working in its areas of interest to introduce projects via email.
PROFILE: Established in 1998 as the philanthropic arm of the global water, fluid and thermal equipment protection multinational Pentair, the Pentair Foundation supports the communities where it operates, naming water, education and community as its areas of focus. The foundation’s grantmaking supports global development in the areas of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and education. In the U.S., the foundation supports STEM education and water conservation.
Grants for Global Development
Pentair’s global development grants support WASH and education initiatives in geographic areas served by its parent company. WASH grantmaking focuses on projects that aim to bring running water to underserved communities that lack access and organizations involved in the research and development of sustainable water usage. WASH grantees include Water Missions International, the Safe Water Network and Water for People. Global education funding focuses on increasing opportunity for underserved students in developing countries. In India, the foundation has supported Pratham and Opportunity International, which aim to expand education infrastructure and accessibility in poor and rural areas.
Grants for STEM Education
Pentair’s STEM grantmaking names opportunities for K-12 students and water engineering programs as areas of focus. K-12 grants tend to support out-of-school learning opportunities including local chapters of Boys and Girls Clubs, FIRST Robotics and Junior Achievement. The foundation has also given to educational programs run by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Higher education grantees include engineering and science programs at the University of California at Davis, California State University Channel Islands, Minneapolis’s Dunwoody College of Technology, Cleveland’s Cuyahoga Community College, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the University of St. Thomas.
Grants for Marine and Freshwater Conservation
Pentair does not name specific goals for its water conservation grantmaking but has supported several organizations involved in water conservation initiatives. Past grantees include the Friends of the Mississippi River and Minnesota’s Great River Greening.
Other Grantmaking Opportunities
Pentair has committed to supporting the philanthropic interests of its employees by donating $1,000 for every 25 hours of volunteer work to eligible nonprofits and matching its employees’ donations to nonprofits and educational institutions.
Important Grant Details:
Recent annual grantmaking has ranged from $1 to $2 million. Pentair’s average grant size is about $20,000. Grantmaking prioritizes geographic areas where the foundation’s parent company does business, including India, Switzerland, Australia and the U.K. In the U.S., grantmaking prioritizes Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Ohio. For additional information about past grants, see the foundation’s recent tax filings.
This funder does not accept applications for funding. Prospective grantees working in the foundation’s areas of interest may email the foundation with information about their project for consideration.
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