J R Simplot Company Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,983,936 (2025 fiscal year)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Reviewed quarterly
• Grant Range: $500 - $517,905
• Average Grant: $33,930
• Total Assets: $74.1 million
• Geographic Focus: U.S. communities with Simplot Company facilities, emphasis on Idaho
• Number of Grants: 134 awards (2025)

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 27, Boise, ID 83707-0027

Phone: (208) 336-2110

Website: www.simplot.com/company/foundation

Online Application Portal: https://simplot.versaic.com/Login

Overview

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Inc (EIN: 82-0522113) is a private family foundation established in 1953, supporting nonprofit organizations across the United States with total assets of $74.1 million. In the 2025 fiscal year, the foundation distributed $2,983,936 through 134 grants to organizations working in arts, education, food and agriculture, health and human services, and youth programs. The foundation primarily focuses on communities where J.R. Simplot Company maintains facilities, with particular emphasis on Idaho, though grants have been awarded to organizations across multiple states including Kansas, California, Washington, North Dakota, Arkansas, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Oregon. The foundation takes a strategic approach to funding, emphasizing preventative programs for youth and supporting organizations that align with the company's core business areas in food and agriculture.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with quarterly review cycles. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through their online portal at https://simplot.versaic.com/Login.

• General Grants: $500 - $517,905 (average $33,930)
  • Reviewed quarterly by the board of directors
  • Rolling application process
  • Online submission required

Priority Areas

Arts & Culture Organizations which encourage creative, cultural endeavors through the visual and performing arts.

Education

• Public and private higher education institutions
• Certain elementary and secondary school projects and activities
• Notable example: The College of Idaho's Collaborative Science Research Fund, an endowed fund enabling students to engage in professional research

Food & Agriculture Industry organizations connected to food and agriculture, aligning with Simplot Company's core business in agricultural production and food processing.

Health & Community

• Health care organizations
• Human services programs
• Community development initiatives

Youth Programs Programs and activities which specifically benefit young people, with particular emphasis on programs targeted at the prevention, rather than treatment or correction, of youth-related problems.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. Applicants should contact the foundation directly for detailed information about funding restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Gay C. Simplot - President & Director

John Edward Simplot - Vice President & Director

Scott R. Simplot - Director

John D. Simplot - Director

James Alderman - Secretary

Brent Hocklander/Moylan - Treasurer

All board members serve without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts grant applications through an online portal system:

1. Visit the online application portal at https://simplot.versaic.com/Login
2. Complete the online proposal form
3. Submit all required documentation electronically
4. Await notification of submission status

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Decision Timeline

• Review Schedule: Quarterly
• Notification: The foundation notifies applicants about submission status as soon as possible following quarterly board meetings
• Typical Timeline: Varies depending on when application is submitted relative to quarterly review cycle

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. With 134 grants awarded in 2025 totaling nearly $3 million, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program, though the total number of applications received is not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organizations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication guidelines and any waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment

The foundation "primarily supports nonprofit organizations located in communities with company facilities, with emphasis on organizations in Idaho." J.R. Simplot Company operates facilities across the western United States, including:

• Idaho: Headquarters in Boise, plus food processing plants, feedlots, farms, and ranches
• Washington: Food processing facilities, farms, and ranching operations
• North Dakota & Arkansas: Food processing plants
• Wyoming, Utah, Nevada: Mining operations and ranches
• Oregon: Retail locations and ranching operations
• California: Fertilizer manufacturing plants
• Other Western States: Fertilizer manufacturing and distribution facilities across twelve western states

Organizations located in or serving these communities are more likely to be considered.

Mission Alignment

The foundation's five priority areas (arts, education, food/agriculture, community health and human services, youth) reflect both the Simplot family's philanthropic interests and the company's business focus. Applications should clearly demonstrate how projects align with one or more of these areas.

Preventative Focus

For youth programs specifically, the foundation emphasizes "programs targeted at the prevention, rather than treatment or correction, of youth-related problems." Applications should highlight preventative strategies and early intervention approaches.

Food and Agriculture Connection

Given the Simplot Company's position as "a dynamic global food and agriculture leader," organizations working in agriculture, food security, agricultural education, or related fields may find strong alignment with foundation priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic proximity matters: Organizations in communities with Simplot Company facilities (particularly in Idaho and western states) receive priority consideration
• Wide grant range: With grants from $500 to over $500,000, the foundation funds projects of varying scales; the average grant of $33,930 suggests many mid-sized awards
• Quarterly review cycles: Plan application timing around quarterly board meetings for more predictable timelines
• Online applications only: Ensure you have all required information ready before beginning the online portal application
• Preventative youth programs: For youth-serving organizations, emphasize prevention and early intervention rather than remedial programs
• Food and agriculture alignment: Organizations working in or adjacent to food and agriculture sectors may find particularly strong alignment
• Education is a priority: Higher education institutions and K-12 programs receive significant support, as evidenced by endowed research funds and educational grants

References

• J.R. Simplot Company Foundation official website: www.simplot.com/company/foundation (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - J R Simplot Company Foundation Inc (EIN 82-0522113): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/820522113 (accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ - J R Simplot Company Foundation profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/j-r-simplot-company-foundation,820522113/ (accessed January 2026)
• The College of Idaho news release: "J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Endows College of Idaho Research Fund": https://www.collegeofidaho.edu/news/jr-simplot-company-foundation-endows-college-idaho-research-fund (accessed January 2026)
• J.R. Simplot Company corporate website: www.simplot.com (accessed January 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Jr Simplot Foundation Inc profile (accessed January 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF tax filings for fiscal years 2023-2025 (accessed via ProPublica January 2026)