Carlson Family Foundation

OUR VISION Uplifting youth through leadership at the intersection of love and insight. Carlson Credo Our Founder left us with these guiding values. Today, we still believe they say it all. Whatever you do, do with Integrity. Wherever you go, go as a Leader. Whomever you serve, serve with Caring. Whenever you dream, dream with your All. And never, ever give up. OUR MISSION Working together with the community to create opportunity, hope, and a sense of belonging for every young person. ABOUT THE FOUNDATION Gold Bond Stamp Company founder and Carlson family patriarch Curtis L. Carlson established the Curtis L. Carlson Foundation, as it was originally called, alongside his wife, Arleen, the family matriarch, in 1959. The name was changed to the Carlson Family Foundation in 1994 to better reflect the giving nature of the entire Carlson family, to encourage multigenerational engagement and to create a sound platform for the Foundation’s future. Curt Carlson, however, was far from the first in his family to feel the responsibility to give back. That trait stems all the way back to his Scandinavian ancestors, to whom hard work, doing their fair share and returning a portion of what they earned was just a way of life. Sharing your good fortune was simply what you did. Fueled by this family legacy and their own good fortune, Curt and Arleen exemplified care and commitment for the greater good, working hard to inspire others to do the same. This way of life represents everything the Carlson family stands for and continues to inspire generation after generation, from simple acts like contributing to the offering in church each Sunday, to co-founding the Minnesota Keystone Program, originally “The 5% Club” (a group of businesses committed to returning 5% of all profits back to the community), to participating in countless other giving opportunities. Curt and Arleen Carlson began a legacy, ignited a passion and fostered an ongoing commitment of caring, sharing and giving back that continues in the Carlson family to this day, four generations on and counting.