Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen is a private foundation based in Santa Barbara, California. Its 2024 filing reports 19 grants totaling $1,663,570 to charitable organizations, including a church, a college, social-service organizations, and other nonprofits.
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen at a glance
In short: Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen gave $1.7M across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $88K), mostly in California. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,663,570
- +125.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- +58.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $87,556
- +42.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $37,698,418
- -5.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (4 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (79% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1114 State Street Suite 243, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 966-6634
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Montecito Covenant Church ($510K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
97 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 66 grants of 97 (68%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the reported share of grant dollars by recipient state was California 79%, Arizona 10%, Georgia 9%, Florida 2%, and North Carolina 1%. The percentages may not total 100% because of rounding.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 19 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $107K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $40K repeat.
- 63% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 98% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 111% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $738K (2023) to $1.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montecito Covenant Church Santa Barbara, CA | General & Unrestricted | $510,000 |
| Westmont College Santa Barbara, CA | Internship Program | $400,000 |
| Young Life - California Central Region AF56 Prescott, AZ | General Support | $161,000 |
| Haggai International Institute Norcross, GA | Leadership Training Session | $150,000 |
| Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Santa Barbara, CA | General Support | $100,000 |
| Family Care Network Inc San Luis Obispo, CA | General Support | $60,000 |
| Providence School Inc Santa Barbara, CA | General Support | $50,000 |
| Langham Partnership USA Milpitas, CA | General Support | $40,000 |
| Wycliffe Bible Translators Inc Orlando, FL | General Support | $30,000 |
| Healing Well & Living Free Foundation Encinitas, CA | General Support | $30,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $37,698,418 | $36,819 | $2,147,807 | $1,663,570 | 19 | $1,943,854 | $1,746,442 |
| 2023 | $39,788,212 | $5,867,516 | $1,129,242 | $738,487 | 12 | $972,287 | $1,588,740 |
| 2022 | $35,049,938 | $-232,689 | $1,119,433 | $788,188 | 22 | $976,820 | $1,463,780 |
| 2021 | $36,798,585 | $-81,276 | $1,042,825 | $838,337 | 17 | $949,095 | $1,817,741 |
| 2020 | $37,922,104 | $4,103,610 | $1,449,622 | $1,158,049 | 27 | — | $1,735,035 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen reported a distributable amount of $1.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations working in areas including education, religious activities, homelessness and addiction services, family wellbeing, cancer support, and youth development. These are grantees’ stated missions, not stated priorities of the foundation.
For example, Westmont College describes its mission as cultivating scholars, servants, and leaders through a Christian liberal arts education. Santa Barbara Rescue Mission says it provides physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual resources to people struggling with homelessness and addiction. Family Care Network says it works to enhance the wellbeing of children, adults, and families in partnership with its community. Santa Barbara School of Squash says it helps underserved students succeed through squash, education, and mentoring.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $1,663,570. Grants ranged from $2,000 to $510,000, with a median of $30,000. The largest reported awards included $510,000 to Montecito Covenant Church for general and unrestricted support, $400,000 to Westmont College for an internship program, $161,000 to Young Life - California Central Region AF56 for general support, and $150,000 to Haggai International Institute for a leadership training session. Other grants included $100,000 to Santa Barbara Rescue Mission for general support and $60,000 to Family Care Network for general support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Lynne Mtahmisian as director and president; Sharon Peck as director and vice president; and Ruth Kovacs as director, secretary, and vice president.
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen is led by Lynne Mtahmisian, Director & President on every filing since 2020; all 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Lynne Mtahmisian
Director & President
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$44K (2020) → $120K (2024)
Ruth Kovacs
Director, Secretary & Vice President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$44K (2020) → $120K (2024)
Sharon Peck
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$44K (2020) → $120K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $120K, to Ruth Kovacs (DIR, Sec, VP). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen
How much does Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen give each year?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen gave $1.7M across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $738K across 12 grants.
What is Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's typical grant size?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's median grant in 2024 was $30,000, and its average grant was $87,556, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen that year got $13K on average.
Where does Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen give grants?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen gives mostly in California: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Arizona (10%) and Georgia (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Santa Barbara, CA (8 grants).
Does Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen give general operating support?
Yes: 79% of Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (15 of 19) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's largest grantees?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's largest 2024 grantees include Montecito Covenant Church ($510,000), Westmont College ($400,000) and Young Life - California Central Region AF56 ($161,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 64% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen reported $37.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.7M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations working in areas including education, religious activities, homelessness and addiction services, family wellbeing, cancer support, and youth development. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's EIN?
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-3757530. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Alice Tweed Tuohy Foundation funds capital projects—such as construction, renovations, equipment, and technology—for nonprofits in youth, education, health, community, recreation, and the arts in South Santa Barbara County. Its typical grant is around $40,000, with recent awards ranging from $8,000 to $100,000. It accepts applications without an invitation during its open online application cycle.
Assets
$11.5M
Grants
46
Total Given
$1.9M
Williams-Corbett Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Williams-Corbett Foundation supports California nonprofits working in areas such as mental health, education, housing, food access, and cancer care, with a strong Santa Barbara-area presence. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,674 to $40,000, with a median of $15,000. It has no grant application form; organizations may submit a request letter by March 15 or September 15.
Assets
$23.4M
Grants
79
Total Given
$1.2M
Santa Barbara Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Foundation supports a wide range of community needs in Santa Barbara County, including behavioral and physical health, food and shelter, education, conservation, and arts programs. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $25,000, though individual awards varied widely. It invites applicants to review program opportunities and eligibility requirements and apply through each program’s stated process; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$503.6M
Grants
447
Total Given
$107.7M
Christian Community Foundation of Memphis
Memphis, TN
The foundation supports a broad range of U.S. charities through donor-advised funds, with a particular focus on Christian ministries and community transformation in Memphis; its Hope for Memphis Fund serves eligible Gospel-centered nonprofits in the Memphis metro area. Its 2025 grants had a median of $22,050, and it accepts applications for the Hope for Memphis Fund during its stated application cycle.
Assets
$229.0M
Grants
636
Total Given
$109.7M
Orange County Community Foundation
Irvine, CA
The Orange County Community Foundation supports a wide range of causes, including human services, education, health, arts, the environment, and community development, primarily in Orange County and also beyond. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$743.6M
Grants
975
Total Given
$120.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/hugh-eand-marjorie-spetersen-morg_861e529c922344ac9ab2eb8b02f7c5f3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_203757530_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Hugh E\& Marjorie Spetersen funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/hugh-eand-marjorie-spetersen-morg_861e529c922344ac9ab2eb8b02f7c5f3},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Hugh E& Marjorie Spetersen down — hundreds of funders to go?