Philanthropy in Action
Philanthropy in Action is a private foundation focused on Medical Research, based in Spokane, WA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2022. In 2022, it awarded 2 grants totaling $143K.
Philanthropy in Action at a glance
In short: Philanthropy in Action gave $143K across 2 grants in 2022 (avg $71K), mostly in Washington. Source: 2022 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2022)
- $142,600
- -52.2% vs 2021
- Grants made (2022)
- 2
- -80.0% vs 2021
- Average grant
- $71,300
- +138.8% vs 2021
- Median grant
- $71,300
- Primary geography
- Washington (100% of itemized 2022 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2022 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2022; updated September 2026.
Who Philanthropy in Action funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2022
The largest 2022 recipient was Innovia Foundation ($128K). Together the top 2 received $143K.
Grant Size Distribution
19 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 16 grants of 19 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2022 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Philanthropy in Action gives
- In 2022 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2022, annual grant giving ranged from $143K (2022) to $302K (2020). In 2022 it made 2 grants totaling $143K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Innovia Foundation Spokane, WA | Health philanthropy partnership fund, general operating grant to be subgranted to six community organizations. | $127,600 |
| Latinos En Spokane Spokane, WA | Elder Comadres Health Coaching Program | $15,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | $60,098 | $155,957 | $142,600 | 2 | $177,337 | $10,060 |
| 2021 | $2,459,056 | $59,525 | $462,249 | $298,517 | 10 | $589,289 | $21,303 |
| 2020 | $17,541,430 | $703,322 | $567,210 | $302,460 | 7 | — | — |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Philanthropy in Action reported a distributable amount of $10K for 2022 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Philanthropy in Action is led by Thomas E. Smith, President & Board Chair on every filing since 2020; none of the 5 officers listed in 2022 report compensation.
Officers on the 2022 filing
Thomas E. Smith
President & Board Chair
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Stokes
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Martin
Vice President
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Selecky
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lily Zhang
Top Financial Officer
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: David Luhn (2020–2021) — Top Financial Officer
- Former: Jeffrey Bell (2020) — Interim President & Board Chair · Filing note: Through 920
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2022. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Philanthropy in Action
How much does Philanthropy in Action give each year?
Philanthropy in Action gave $143K across 2 grants in 2022, according to its 2022 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2021 it gave $299K across 10 grants.
What is Philanthropy in Action?
Philanthropy in Action is a private foundation focused on Medical Research, based in Spokane, WA.
Where does Philanthropy in Action operate?
Philanthropy in Action has awarded grants in Washington.
How much is Philanthropy in Action required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2022, Philanthropy in Action reported a distributable amount of $10K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Philanthropy in Action's EIN?
Philanthropy in Action's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-1438586. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2022.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2022
Live grants for the work Philanthropy in Action funds
Medical Research Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Philanthropy in Action's focus areas in our free grants database
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Figures come from Philanthropy in Action'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.
Philanthropy in Action down — hundreds of funders to go?