The Friesen Foundation is a private family foundation located in Redding, California.
Vision Statement
Launched in 2019, the Friesen Foundation was established with a clear and driving purpose: to champion bold, targeted projects that reflect our personal passions and create meaningful impact within the athletic and outdoor communities. We believe in trailblazing—not following trends, but initiating specific, intentional efforts that foster excellence, adventure, and community spirit.
Our approach is not broad, but focused. We seek out projects that inspire us, align with our vision, and move the needle in tangible ways. Grants are not applied for; they are extended by invitation. This ensures that every initiative we support is consistent with our mission and meets the high standards we set for ourselves and our work.
The Friesen Foundation is committed to igniting opportunities where determination, passion, and the great outdoors meet.
Selection
Projects are selected by an independent advisory committee using pre-determined evaluation criteria and strategic guidelines set by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors approves all final funding decisions. As a Northern California broad-based funder, grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public education, and government entities.
Board
John Friesen
John A. Friesen was born and raised in Redding, CA, where his family owned and ran Owens Pharmacy. He attended University of the Pacific where he earned his Degree in Pharmacy in 1991, and CSU Chico where he earned his Master’s in Business Administration in 1996. John is currently the Executive Chairman of Owens Healthcare and Owens Real Estate. In 2019 John formed the Friesen Foundation and is a Foundation board member. He and his wife Patty have two boys and enjoy outdoor adventures including snow skiing, boating and cycling.
Royce Friesen
Royce L. Friesen was born in Hampton, Nebraska. His family relocated to California because of the depression and drought in the Midwest in the early 1940’s. Royce was in the US Navy and while in the Navy Reserves, began attending the University of the Pacific, where he earned his Degree in Pharmacy in 1965. Royce is currently the Founder of Owens Healthcare, Inc. and a board member of the Friesen Foundation. He and his wife Colleen enjoy traveling and between them have four children and seven grandchildren.
Jonz Norine, Board Secretary/Treasurer
Jonz Norine a principal attorney at the Kenny & Norine law firm in Redding, California. He has lived in many places both in the US and overseas, but chose Far Northern California to live and work because of its rugged beauty and unending recreational opportunities. When not in the courtroom, he is likely to be found trying to get his wife and sons to go with him biking the trails, skiing the mountains, or kayaking the rivers and lakes in and around Redding.
Todd Dodds, Board Member
Todd Dodds is Chief Operating Officer of Friesen Group and has spent much of his career growing with the organization. Since joining the company in 1987, he has served in a variety of leadership roles and brings a deep commitment to teamwork, operational excellence, and community impact. Todd is passionate about supporting the people and programs that help strengthen the communities Friesen Group serves.
Linda Edwards, Board Member
Linda Edwards is Chief Executive Officer of Friesen Group and has been with the organization since 1987. Over the course of her career, she has held leadership roles across many areas of the company, reflecting a deep commitment to growth, service, and community impact. Linda is passionate about supporting the people and communities Friesen Group serves and helping create opportunities for others to thrive.
Executive Director
Marchelle Sellers
Marchelle Sellers is a seasoned nonprofit executive with nearly three decades of experience in strategic leadership, fundraising, and financial stewardship. She specializes in building sustainable philanthropic models, including endowments and scholarship programs, while strengthening governance and operational excellence. Known for her heart-centered leadership and disciplined execution, Marchelle cultivates meaningful donor relationships and designs initiatives that create lasting impact.