Sample Foundation Inc
The Sample Foundation is a private family foundation based in Billings, Montana. Established in 1954 by John Glen Sample and Helen S. Sample, the foundation has operated for over 70 years with a focus on philanthropic giving in health, social welfare, and services for underserved populations. The foundation was originally incorporated in Florida and relocated its office to Billings, Montana in 1977.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.7M
+12.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$555K
-73.4% YoY
Grant Count
76
-7.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7K
-71.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Sample Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $582K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Sample Foundation's mission is to provide grants to non-profit organizations in the areas of:
- Health — with a focus on the physical or mental health of economically challenged populations
- Social welfare — including programs for vulnerable individuals and populations impacted by poverty, lack of access to services, and unemployment
- Services for underserved populations
The foundation primarily supports capital outlays and equipment purchases to initiate particular projects aligned with its mission.
Funding Exclusions: The foundation does not fund scholarships, operating budgets (including salaries, supplies, gas, and subscriptions), capital campaigns, religious organizations, individual artists, duplication of services, organizations that attempt to influence legislation or intervene in political campaigns, or organizations that lack tax-exempt status.
Grantmaking
The foundation made approximately 52 grants totaling $1,874,449, including notable awards to Yellowstone Art Museum ($1,544,400 for artwork), Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley ($25,000), and Friends of Public Radio ($21,698).
Review Cycle
** August 1st
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Sample Foundation generally limits its grants to organizations located in Montana, with legacy grants also available in Collier County, Florida. The foundation has also indicated funding interests in Washington and Wisconsin.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending October 2023:
- Total assets: $6,818,291
- Total revenues: $3,391,438
- Total expenses: $2,117,756
- Total grants made: $415,000 (annual grants)
As of Most Recent Filing (2024):
- Total assets: $7,676,399
- Total giving: $555,315
Revenue Composition (FYE 10/2023):
- Total grants and contributions: $2,334,168
- Investment income and dividends: $258,529
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,676,399 | $6,818,291 | $5,544,609 |
| Revenue | $896,047 | $3,391,438 | $359,944 |
| Expenses | $606,011 | $2,117,756 | $520,415 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $564,896 | $2,097,583 | $487,835 |
| Net Investment Income | $654,033 | $1,041,172 | $137,331 |
| Distributable Amount | $582,472 | $499,956 | $499,404 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Sample Foundation Inc
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Partners Hope Foundation ($20,000), Habitat for Humanity of Missoula ($20,000), Fort Ellis Fire and Rescue ($18,178).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GALLATIN VALLEY BOZEMAN, MT | HIGH-CAPACITY APPLIANCES HOMELESS FAMILY HOUSING | $15,000 |
| HELENA FOOD SHARE INC HELENA, MT | DISPLAY MONITORS FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION ROOM AND PANTRY MARKET DEMO STATION | $1,437 |
| BILLINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS BILLINGS, MT | ORCHARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PROJECT 2024 | $15,000 |
| ST VINCENT DE PAUL OF NORTHCENTRAL MONTANA GREAT FALLS, MT | GRACE HAVEN - WOMEN AND CHILDREN TRANSITIONAL HOUSING - HVAC UPGRADE | $6,000 |
| CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES POLSON, MT | VEHICLE PURCHASE FOR CASA/YOUTH CONNECTION | $10,000 |
| BILLINGS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL BILLINGS, MT | REPLACE FAILING EQUIPMENT WITH COMMERCIAL COIN-FREE UNITS TO LAUNDER DONATIONS FOR HOMELESS & POOR | $4,676 |
| MISSOULA FOOD BANK & COMMUNITY CENTER MISSOULA, MT | NEW BOX TRUCK | $15,000 |
| EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC MILES CITY, MT | REPLACEMENT VEHICLE MARCH 2025 | $10,000 |
| CUSTER COUNTY FOOD BANK MILES CITY, MT | PACKAGING ROOM REMODEL | $5,000 |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GREAT FALLS GREAT FALLS, MT | PROMISE PLACE SHELTER AND DAY CENTER ITEMS | $3,510 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is governed by volunteer Trustees from the Sample family, including Joseph S. Sample and Miriam T. Sample, who carry on the foundation's legacy through grant review and approval responsibilities.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRIDGET SAMPLE JOYNER | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| BARBARA M SAMPLE | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| DAVID F SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| PATRICK G SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| RONALD J YATES JR CPA | TREASURER | 0.1 | — |
| JAMES S SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| JOHN G SAMPLE | EXEC. DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| JOSEPH F SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| KATHERINE S SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| RYAN G SAMPLE | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
Contact Information
The Sample Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 279
Billings, MT 59103
Phone: 406-245-0550
Email: applications@samplefoundation.org
Website: samplefoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sample Foundation Inc fund?
The Sample Foundation's mission is to provide grants to non-profit organizations in the areas of: • **Health** — with a focus on the physical or mental health of economically challenged populations • **Social welfare** — including programs for vulnerable individuals and populations impacted by poverty, lack of access to services, and unemployment • **Services for underserved populations** The foundation primarily supports capital outlays and equipment purchases to initiate particular projects a…
How do I apply for a grant from Sample Foundation Inc?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $999 to $1,544,400, with recent grants including $25,000 for play equipment and $21,698 for winter travel safety initiatives. **Application Process:** • Applications are submitted through Foundant • Required materials include: amount requested, explanation of how grant dollars meet foundation criteria, balance sheet, list of board members, and evidence of tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) • Applications must be accompanied by a letter signed by the chief…
Where does Sample Foundation Inc make grants?
The Sample Foundation generally limits its grants to organizations located in **Montana**, with legacy grants also available in **Collier County, Florida**. The foundation has also indicated funding interests in **Washington** and **Wisconsin**.
What size grants does Sample Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Sample Foundation Inc awarded 76 grants totaling $555K — an average of about $7K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Sample Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Sample Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $582K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Sample Foundation Inc's EIN?
Sample Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 59-6138602. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Sample Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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