Irving J Symons Foundation
The Irving J Symons Foundation is a public charity based in Sonora, California. Formed in 2001, it supports charitable and educational activities benefiting Tuolumne County and its residents, with particular concern for local youth.
Irving J Symons Foundation at a glance
In short: Irving J Symons Foundation gave $868K across 18 grants in 2024 (avg $48K), mostly in California. 50% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $867,830
- +21.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 18
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $48,213
- +21.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $27,573
- Total assets
- $52,409,877
- +24.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (9 of 18, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Irving J Symons Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 644 S Washington St, Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: (209) 532-1218
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Irving J Symons Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Sonora Area Foundation ($245K). Together the top 10 received $752K.
Grant Size Distribution
89 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 69 grants of 89 (78%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated mission centers on Tuolumne County and its residents. All grant dollars in 2024 went to recipients in California; the listed recipients include organizations in Sonora, Soulsbyville, Standard, Tuolumne, and Mi Wuk Village.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 18 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Irving J Symons Foundation open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 18 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. With only 18 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $42K; repeat grants $55K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $35K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $607K (2020) to $1.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 18 grants totaling $868K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sonora Area Foundation Sonora, CA | Program support | $244,775 |
| Resiliency Village Soulsbyville, CA | Program Support | $100,000 |
| Friends of Tuolumne County Lodge B Sonora, CA | Building improvements | $100,000 |
| Symons Family Fund Sonora, CA | program support | $67,560 |
| Sierra Repertory Theatre Sonora, CA | Program support | $50,000 |
| Youth Sports Foundation Standard, CA | Program support | $50,000 |
| Tuolumne Park and Recreation Tuolumne, CA | community recreation improvements | $50,000 |
| Interfaith Sonora, CA | Program support | $35,000 |
| Sierra Foothills Residential Care Sonora, CA | Building improvements | $30,000 |
| MiWuk Sugar Pine Fire Protection Mi Wuk Village, CA | Building improvements | $25,145 |
Ready to take the next step with Irving J Symons Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing states that the foundation received an undivided 50% interest in a residential apartment complex and purchased the remaining 50% for $7 million on December 27, 2024. It reports a total fair market value of $14 million, determined by a professional real-estate appraisal, and says there were no restrictions on the donee’s use or disposal of the property.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $52,409,877 | $10,392,649 | $1,364,534 | $867,830 | 18 | $2,828,831 |
| 2023 | $42,073,709 | $1,018,001 | $1,320,008 | $711,650 | 18 | $427,640 |
| 2022 | $39,116,386 | $665,158 | $2,144,780 | $1,670,080 | 20 | $217,895 |
| 2021 | $45,050,468 | $3,296,590 | $1,817,737 | $1,336,685 | 22 | $2,764,977 |
| 2020 | $42,474,683 | $298,876 | $924,206 | $606,903 | 11 | $-168,949 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that its mission is to carry out charitable and educational activities and to support, benefit, and carry out the purposes of the Sonora Area Foundation, whose charitable activities benefit Tuolumne County and its citizens. The filing says particular concern is given to Tuolumne County youth. Its program description identifies education, children’s activities, support for the elderly, the arts, and care of disadvantaged people.
Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Youth Sports Foundation of Tuolumne County says it expands play opportunities for local youth through play spaces, facilities, and sports fields. Interfaith Community Social Services says it meets residents’ basic needs through food, clothing, household items, toiletries, and showers. Sierra Foothills Residential Care says it teaches independent-living skills to people with developmental disabilities. The Jack and Buena Foundation describes providing youth with summer camp, wilderness adventure, and education through Camp Jack Hazard.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation made 18 grants totaling $867,830. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $244,775, with a median of $27,572. Notable grants included $244,775 to Sonora Area Foundation for program support; $100,000 to Resiliency Village for program support; $100,000 to Friends of Tuolumne County Lodge B for building improvements; and $50,000 each to Sierra Repertory Theatre, Youth Sports Foundation, and Tuolumne Park and Recreation.
The foundation also gave $35,000 to Interfaith for program support, $30,000 to Sierra Foothills Residential Care for building improvements, and $25,000 to Sierra Bible Church for a community food pantry. The 2023 Sonora Area Foundation awards page identifies an Irving J. Symons Foundation Award of $50,000 for Interfaith and $40,000 shared among organizations in the Not My Kid group. It describes Interfaith as serving more than 700 Tuolumne County families monthly and the Not My Kid group as addressing youth mental health.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Le Ann Steelman as Executive Director; Clark Segerstrom as President; David Marquez as Vice President; Marianne Wright as Treasurer; and Vicki Albrecht as Secretary. Directors listed were Dana Mayo, Mark Kraft (outgoing), Derek Maxson, Edward Clinite, and Jeff Sargo.
Irving J Symons Foundation is led by Le Ann Steelman, Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 10 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Le Ann Steelman
Executive Director
Executive Di → Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$99K (2021) → $125K (2024)
Clark Segerstrom
President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dana Mayo
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Derek Maxson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Kraft
Director Outgoing
Director → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → Director Outgoing, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edward Clinite
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Sargo
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marianne Wright
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vicki Albrecht
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Marquez
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Carey Haughy (2020–2021) — Secretary
- Former: Gary Dambacher (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Pete Kerns (2020–2021) — Vice President
- Former: Robert Ozbirn (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Tracy Russell (2020) — Director
- Former: William Polley (2020) — Director
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 $125K, to Le Ann Steelman (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Irving J Symons Foundation
How much does Irving J Symons Foundation give each year?
Irving J Symons Foundation gave $868K across 18 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $712K across 18 grants.
What is Irving J Symons Foundation's typical grant size?
Irving J Symons Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $27,573, and its average grant was $48,213, across 18 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Irving J Symons Foundation that year got $42K on average.
Where does Irving J Symons Foundation give grants?
Irving J Symons Foundation gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Sonora, CA (11 grants) and Twain Harte, CA (2 grants).
Does Irving J Symons Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 18 grants with a stated purpose on Irving J Symons Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program support" (7 grants) and "Building improvements" (3 grants).
Who are Irving J Symons Foundation's largest grantees?
Irving J Symons Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Sonora Area Foundation ($244,775), Resiliency Village ($100,000) and Friends of Tuolumne County Lodge B ($100,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 51% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Irving J Symons Foundation?
Irving J Symons Foundation reported $52.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.4M.
What does Irving J Symons Foundation fund?
The foundation states that its mission is to carry out charitable and educational activities and to support, benefit, and carry out the purposes of the Sonora Area Foundation, whose charitable activities benefit Tuolumne County and its citizens. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Irving J Symons Foundation?
Irving J Symons Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Irving J Symons Foundation's EIN?
Irving J Symons Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-2140485. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 31, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Irving J Symons Foundation funds
Youth Development Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Irving J Symons Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Sonora Area Foundation
Sonora, CA
Sonora Area Foundation funds competitive projects in human services, education, arts and culture, health, community benefit, and the environment, primarily to improve quality of life in Tuolumne County. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,500 to $103,500, with a median of about $15,700. It accepts grant requests by letter; no restriction on unsolicited requests is stated.
Assets
$21.8M
Grants
58
Total Given
$1.5M
Sonora Community Hospital dba Adventist Health Sonora
Sonora, CA
Living Gods love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.
Assets
$407.5M
Grants
9
Total Given
$1.0M
Symons Family Fund
Sonora, CA
The Mission of the Symons Family Fund is to benefit, perform the functions of, and carry out the purposes of the Sonora Area Foundation that engage in charitable activities which benefit the residents of Tuolumne County, California.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
5
Total Given
$79K
Sacramento Region Community Foundation
Sacramento, CA
The Sacramento Region Community Foundation supports local nonprofits, community initiatives, scholarships, and capacity-building through funds established by local philanthropists, serving El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. Grant sizes vary by fund; one listed opportunity offers up to $55,000 per year, and its application begins with a Letter of Interest, with selected organizations invited to apply.
Assets
$257.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$26.6M
Adventist Health SystemWest
Roseville, CA
Living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.
Assets
$5.0B
Grants
6
Total Given
$590K
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
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Irving J Symons Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/irving-j-symons-foundation-morg_4c7cc05436734114b9b6ec9f61e589ab
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_912140485_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Irving J Symons Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/irving-j-symons-foundation-morg_4c7cc05436734114b9b6ec9f61e589ab},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 Irving J Symons Foundation'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.
Irving J Symons Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?