JR Simplot Foundation
At a glance
This funder does not accept unsolicited applications. The foundation chooses the organisations it funds itself.
Key takeaways
- The JR Simplot Foundation is based in Boise, ID, and does not accept unsolicited requests, so it is only approachable by invitation and is likely to be relationship-led rather than open to cold applications.
- Its recorded grants cover higher education, music, ballet, art and history education, opera production, performance venues, essential supplies to underserved people, community displays, equestrian education, community support, and homeless shelters, with higher education taking a dominant share of grant dollars.
- A realistic request would be modest: about 8 in 10 of its 77 grants fall between $500 and $100,000, and half of those 77 grants were $3,750 or less, though its largest recorded grant reached $2,300,000.
- Half of its grant dollars went to organisations it had also funded in the two previous filings, suggesting it tends to keep supporting the same organisations once a relationship is established.
- No geographic focus is stated, though its filings show grants mainly in Idaho; given the invitation-only approach, nonprofits without an existing connection should not expect to apply directly.
Overview
JR Simplot Foundation is a US private foundation based in Boise, ID.
What they fund
Profile based on the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) only: no website or other web source for the foundation was found. Every statement is checked against the filings. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
The foundation’s recorded grants cover higher education; music, ballet, art and history education; opera production; performance venues; essential supplies to underserved people; community displays; equestrian education; community support; and homeless shelters. Recipients include universities, performing-arts and educational organisations, museums, cultural and community organisations, and groups supplying essentials or shelter. Higher education accounts for a dominant share of grant dollars in the filings, alongside grants for arts, educational and community purposes. The record spans post-secondary education, cultural activity, community services and support for people in need.
Geographic Focus
No geographic focus is stated; the filings show grants mainly in Idaho.
How to apply
The foundation states that it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Application success factors
- Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 50% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
- Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 77 grants to organisations were $3,750 or less.
Where grants go
From grants to organisations in the foundation’s filings for tax years 2022–2024.
Grant dollars by state
- The largest single recipient received 46% of grant dollars to organisations.
- In tax year 2024, 50% of grant dollars went to organisations JR Simplot Foundation had funded in earlier filings.
- No grants were paid directly to organisations outside the US.
- <1% of grant dollars went to intermediaries that regrant to other organisations.
Grants
How much do they typically give?
Share of 25 grants in tax year 2024 by size
Median $5,000 (tax year 2024)
The largest grants to organisations in the foundation’s latest filing:
- Idaho State University · Higher education$2,300,0002024 tax year
- University of Idaho · Higher education$1,900,0002024 tax year
- Boise Philharmonic Association · Music education$100,0002024 tax year
- Ballet Idaho · Ballet education$100,0002024 tax year
- Opera Idaho · Opera production$100,0002024 tax year
- John William Jackson Fund · Community support$25,0002024 tax year
- Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy · Performance venue$19,5002024 tax year
- Boise Saddle & Jump Club · Equestrian education$15,0002024 tax year
Grants to organisations listed in the foundation’s Form 990-PF filings. Grants to individuals are not shown.
Officers and directors
- John Don Simplot — President
- Ronald Graves — Secretary
- John Edward Simplot — Director
- Don Simplot — Director
- Gay Simplot — Director
- Scott Simplot — Director
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
3 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 tax year | $8,330,948 | $400,000 | $211,637,770 | Filing for 2022 tax year |
| 2023 tax year | $10,185,596 | $1,551,303 | $239,700,325 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $13,225,846 | $4,602,227 | $287,657,569 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
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At a glance
Applying to JR Simplot Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- Boise, ID
Applying to JR Simplot Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- Boise, ID