The Ronald M Simon Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Newport Beach, California. Its stated mission is to guide underserved students with leadership potential through high school and college toward meaningful careers, principally through the Simon Scholars Program.
Key facts about Ronald M Simon Family Foundation
In short: Ronald M Simon Family Foundation gave $3.3M across 28 grants in 2025 (avg $120K), mostly in California. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 27-2399226
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $3,346,864
- Grants made (2025)
- 28
- Average grant
- $119,531
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $14,995,131
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The prospective-student application window listed on the program website is November 10, 2025, through January 26,…
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.0M
+8.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.3M
+27.3% YoY
Grant Count
28
+64.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$120K
-22.7% YoY
How Ronald M Simon Family Foundation gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Simon Scholars Program’s mission is to guide underserved students who demonstrate leadership potential on a path through high school and college that enhances their opportunities to achieve meaningful careers. The foundation’s filing describes its direct charitable activity as helping students facing difficult life and economic circumstances pursue a college education, with scholarships for tuition and expenses and support for life-skills development.
The foundation’s 2025 grants include organizations with varied charitable activities. For example, Orange County Music and Dance says it provides music and dance education and training for children in Orange County. Chapman University describes its mission as providing a personalized education that supports inquiry, ethical conduct, and productive lives. The Teen Project says it provides housing, education, sober living, and mentoring to young people ages 18 to 24. Pretend City describes its work as supporting young children’s development through play and real-world experiences.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 28 grants totaling $3,346,864. Grant amounts ranged from $274 to $1,737,251, with a median of $10,000. The largest grants included $1,737,251 for “Scholarships to University Students,” $1,000,000 to Orange County Music and Dance Inc., $110,000 to Chapman University, and $75,000 each to Community Service Project Hope Alliance and Young Lives Redeemed.
Review Cycle
The prospective-student application window listed on the program website is November 10, 2025, through January 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
How to Apply
for prospective students.
Ready to take the next step with Ronald M Simon Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported by recipient state for 2025 went to California recipients. The foundation’s program website lists participating high schools in Orange County, and its history describes resources being redirected to maximize impact in Orange County.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 28 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2020) to $3.3M (2025). In 2025 it made 28 grants totaling $3.3M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Scholarships to University Students ($1.7M). Together the top 10 received $3.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
61 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 41 grants of 61 (67%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships to University Students San Clemente, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $1,737,251 |
| Orange County Music and Dance Inc Irvine, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $1,000,000 |
| Chapman University Orange, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $110,000 |
| Community Service Project Hope Alliance Costa Mesa, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $75,000 |
| Young Lives Redeemed Fullerton, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $75,000 |
| Teen Project Sun Valley CA, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $53,000 |
| Bracken's Chicken Garden Grove, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $50,368 |
| Veteran's Relief Foundation Laguna Hills, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $50,000 |
| Choc Children's Foundation Orange, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $34,171 |
| Pretend City the Children's Museum of Orange County Irvine, CA | To Further Donee Organization's Exempt Purpose. | $27,700 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants reported | Grant count |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,346,864 | 28 |
| 2024 | $2,628,705 | 17 |
| 2023 | $1,849,170 | 9 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $14,995,131 | $13,837,363 | $7,639,915 |
| Revenue | $12,750,797 | $16,746,550 | $8,583,595 |
| Expenses | $10,078,913 | $14,923,226 | $7,099,373 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $9,657,038 | $9,098,730 | $6,909,788 |
| Net Investment Income | $484,674 | $3,940,552 | $172,649 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 3, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 18, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Ronald M. Simon as founding chairman; Gary Singer as chairman; Kathy Simon Abels as vice-chair; Benjamin Drutman as president; and Randy Thompson as treasurer. It lists Alex Calabrese, Gilbert Levasseur Jr., James B. Freedman, James V. Mazzo, and Jim Doti as directors. The program’s history identifies Andy Robles as its executive director.
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation is led by Benjamin Drutman, President on every filing since 2023; 2 of 12 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Benjamin Drutman
President
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$286K (2023) → $312K (2025)
Gary Singer Esq.
Chairman
Director → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Ronald M. Simon
Founding Chairman
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Alex Calebrese
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Gilbert Levasseur Jr.
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
James B. Freedman
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
James V. Mazzo
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Jim Doti
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Sandi Simon
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Steven H. Simon
Director
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Kathy Simon Abels
Vice Chair
President → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$288K (2020) → $256K (2025)
Randy Thompson
Treasurer
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Joyce Suber (2020–2022) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $312K, to Benjamin Drutman (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Application contact: Kathy S Abels Phd
Mailing address: 620 Newport Center Drive 12Th Floor, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 373-3500
Email: kabels@simonfoundation.net
Website: https://www.simonscholars.org
Frequently asked questions about Ronald M Simon Family Foundation
How much does Ronald M Simon Family Foundation give each year?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation gave $3.3M across 28 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2.6M across 17 grants.
What is Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $119,531, across 28 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Ronald M Simon Family Foundation give grants?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Irvine, CA (5 grants), Santa Ana, CA (4 grants), Orange, CA (3 grants) and Costa Mesa, CA (3 grants).
Who are Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Scholarships to University Students ($1,737,251), Orange County Music and Dance Inc ($1,000,000) and Chapman University ($110,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 85% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ronald M Simon Family Foundation?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation reported $15.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Its revenue that year was $12.8M.
What does Ronald M Simon Family Foundation fund?
The Simon Scholars Program’s mission is to guide underserved students who demonstrate leadership potential on a path through high school and college that enhances their opportunities to achieve meaningful careers. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ronald M Simon Family Foundation?
The foundation’s filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's EIN?
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-2399226. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Ronald M Simon Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ronald M Simon Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Orange County Community Foundation
Irvine, CA
OCCF supports nonprofits across arts and culture, education, health, human services, the environment, and community development, primarily in Orange County but also beyond through its charitable funds. Its 2025 grants had a median amount of $25,000, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$743.6M
Grants
975
Total Given
$120.4M
Samueli Foundation
Corona Del Mar, CA
The Samueli Foundation primarily funds community well-being and opportunity in Orange County, California, including education, food security, homelessness, and Jewish life in Orange County and Israel. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to nearly $9.7 million, with a median of about $39,500; open initiatives offer awards of $50,000–$100,000, up to $500,000, or up to $1 million, depending on the fund. It does not accept unsolicited requests for strategic grantmaking, but eligible organizations can apply to open initiatives during their application windows.
Assets
$62.2M
Grants
366
Total Given
$80.6M
The Devto Support Foundation
Newport Beach, CA
The DevTo Support Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations serving disadvantaged youth and improving the well-being of individuals and families, with priorities including mentoring, enrichment, sports, faith-based programs, and recovery services. Core grants are typically $10,000–$75,000, while special-initiative grants are $100,000–$250,000; its main geographic focus is Orange County and the Coachella Valley. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$110.4M
Grants
105
Total Given
$4.9M
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
Irvine, CA
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation funds charitable organizations improving access to care for underserved people with structural heart disease, as well as local health, education, economic opportunity, and basic-needs programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1,523,928, with a median of $7,500; it supports communities where Edwards employees live and work, with the largest share of recent funding going to California. It accepts requests through an annual online application cycle, usually opening in late spring.
Assets
—
Grants
224
Total Given
$9.0M
Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation
Long Beach, CA
The Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation supports a range of nonprofits and educational institutions, with 2025 grants including hunger relief, affordable housing, and education. It gave $500–$15,500, with a median of $2,500; nearly all funding went to California, with a small share going to Missouri. Its filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
188
Total Given
$595K
Sisters of St Joseph
Orange, CA
The Sisters of St Joseph funds organizations addressing the needs of working and indigent people, including work on housing, family violence, community services, and at-risk youth. Its focus is Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Humboldt County; 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, with a median of $40,000. The filing does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$52.2M
Grants
63
Total Given
$2.6M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, gender equity, governance, democracy, and philanthropy, with work in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, nationally, and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, though awards ranged from $50 to more than $11 million; it often provides long-term general operating support. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through invited open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
More Funders in California
Ronald M Simon Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?