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J R Simplot Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$6.1M

J R Simplot Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6,060,000 (charitable disbursements, fiscal 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (private family foundation)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Variable (25 grants awarded)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Idaho (Boise, Challis, Eagle), with emphasis on local communities
  • Total Assets: $277.3 million (fiscal 2024)

Contact Details

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

Note: This is a private family foundation. Contact information for grant inquiries is not publicly listed. The foundation does not have a public website or application portal.

Overview

The J R Simplot Foundation Inc was established in January 1953 as a private family foundation, receiving tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization. With total assets of $277.3 million as of fiscal year 2024, the foundation represents the philanthropic arm of the Simplot family, one of Idaho's most prominent business families. The foundation has demonstrated consistent growth, with net assets increasing from $166.5 million in 2011 to $277.3 million in 2024. The foundation awarded 25 grants and distributed approximately $6.06 million in charitable disbursements in fiscal 2024. Its mission focuses on supporting initiatives in arts and culture, education, philanthropy, and community development, primarily within Idaho communities including Boise, Challis, and Eagle. The foundation operates as a classic private non-operating foundation, making gifts, grants, or loans to other organizations rather than running its own charitable programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The J R Simplot Foundation Inc operates through trustee discretion rather than formal grant programs. Based on available information, the foundation awarded 25 grants with an average size of approximately $16,000, though grant amounts vary significantly based on the project and organization.

Priority Areas

Arts and Culture: The foundation has demonstrated a commitment to supporting organizations that encourage creative and cultural endeavors through visual and performing arts in Idaho communities.

Education: Support for educational institutions and projects, including schools, colleges, and trade schools. The foundation has been known to support both higher education institutions and elementary/secondary educational initiatives.

Philanthropy and Community Development: Funding for organizations and initiatives that strengthen Idaho communities, with particular focus on the Boise metropolitan area and smaller communities throughout the state.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private family foundation, funding decisions are made at the discretion of the board of directors, who are all members of the Simplot family.

Governance and Leadership

The J R Simplot Foundation Inc is governed entirely by members of the Simplot family, all of whom serve without compensation:

  • Scott Simplot - Director. Scott is chairman and CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company and was named by Forbes in 2016 as the wealthiest person in Idaho with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion.
  • Gay Simplot - Director. Scott's sister, also a billionaire, who works with Scott in running the J.R. Simplot Company.
  • Don Simplot - Director
  • John Edward Simplot - Director
  • John Don Simplot - President and Director

The foundation employs key staff for operational support:

  • Triden Mitchell - IT/AV Manager ($88,155 compensation in 2024)
  • Sam Myers - Facilities Manager ($87,221 compensation in 2024)
  • Allison Talboy Haller - Happiness Coordinator ($77,514 compensation in 2024)

The family-controlled governance structure ensures that philanthropic decisions align with the Simplot family's values and vision for supporting Idaho communities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The J R Simplot Foundation Inc is a private family foundation that operates primarily through trustee discretion. Grants are awarded based on decisions made by the board of directors, who are all members of the Simplot family.

Organizations seeking funding typically need an existing relationship with the foundation or family members, or must be invited to submit a proposal. There is no online application portal, public application guidelines, or published deadlines.

Note: Those seeking grant funding through a public application process should instead consider the J R Simplot Company Foundation Inc (EIN 82-0522113), which is a separate corporate foundation with a public application process at www.simplot.com/company/foundation.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on a trustee discretion model without published decision timelines.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. As a private family foundation making 25 grants from approximately $6 million in charitable disbursements, the foundation supports a limited number of organizations annually.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. As decisions are made at trustee discretion, there is no formal reapplication policy.

Application Success Factors

Given that this is a private family foundation without a public application process, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, organizations that have historically received support from the Simplot family foundations tend to share certain characteristics:

Strong Idaho Connections: The foundation demonstrates a clear commitment to Idaho-based organizations and initiatives that benefit Idaho communities, particularly in the Boise area and surrounding regions.

Educational and Cultural Impact: Based on the foundation's focus areas and the family's documented philanthropic interests, organizations in education and arts/culture appear to be priority sectors. For example, the Simplot family foundations have supported the Boise Philharmonic, Boise Art Museum, the College of Idaho, and University of Idaho.

Community Benefit: Organizations that demonstrate tangible benefits to Idaho communities, particularly in areas aligned with the foundation's interests in education, arts, and community development.

Established Organizations: The foundation appears to support established institutions and organizations with proven track records rather than startup initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a private family foundation - There is no public application process. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited proposals through a standard application portal.

  • Consider the corporate foundation instead - For organizations seeking grant funding through a public application, the J R Simplot Company Foundation Inc (separate entity, EIN 82-0522113) accepts applications at www.simplot.com/company/foundation.

  • Relationship-based funding - The J R Simplot Foundation Inc (this foundation) operates through trustee discretion, meaning funding decisions are made by family members based on their priorities and existing relationships.

  • Idaho focus - The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to Idaho communities, particularly Boise and surrounding areas.

  • Significant assets, selective grantmaking - With $277 million in assets but only 25 grants awarded, the foundation is highly selective in its charitable giving.

  • Arts, education, and community - Historical patterns suggest the foundation prioritizes arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions, and community development initiatives.

  • Family governance - All directors are Simplot family members who serve without compensation, ensuring philanthropic decisions reflect family values and long-term vision.

References

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