Simon W Wardwell Foundation
The Simon W. Wardwell Foundation is a private foundation based in Cranston, Rhode Island, established as a charitable instrument directed in the will of Simon Wardwell in 1920. The foundation became fully funded in November 2020 following the passing of the final family beneficiary, receiving approximately $25 million from Wardwell's estate. The foundation was officially tax-exempt as of April 2013.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+5.9% YoY
Grant Count
21
+5.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$62K
+0.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Simon W. Wardwell Foundation supports and assists programs in four primary focus areas:
- Public Services
- Senior Residences & Services for Seniors
- Education (with particular emphasis on early childhood and kindergarten)
- Hospitals & Healthcare
The foundation's funding distribution reflects these priorities, with Education receiving 45% of grants, Tots to Teen Programs at 22%, Senior Citizens at 16%, Healthcare at 13%, and Public Services at 11%.
Grantmaking
Central Falls Children's Foundation, University of Rhode Island, Boys & Girls Club NRI, YMCA of Pawtucket Inc., Saint Antoine, Segue Institute for Learning, Blackstone Valley Prep, San Miguel School of Providence, Sophia Academy, RISE Prep, St. Raphael Academy, Boys & Girls Club Pawtucket Inc., PACE-RI, Progreso Latino, Nowell Academy, Shri Service Corp, Connecting for Children & Families (Woonsocket), Meals on Wheels RI, and The Learning Community Charter School.
Invitation Only
Grants are by invitation only
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking is geographically limited to four Rhode Island communities:
- Pawtucket
- Central Falls
- Lincoln
- Cumberland
This geographic focus reflects the communities where Simon Wardwell's employees historically lived and worked.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $17,905,644
- Total Revenues: $1,889,709
- Total Expenses: $1,686,387
- Total Giving: $1,310,682
- Number of Employees: 1
Organization Type: 501(c)(3) private foundation EIN: 45-3697597 Address: 2000 Chapel View Blvd Suite 350, Cranston, RI 02920-3040 Phone: 401-443-9975
Charity Rating: The foundation holds a Three-Star rating with an 86% score based on Accountability & Finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | $18,503,416 |
| Revenue | — | — | $810,631 |
| Expenses | — | — | $1,033,928 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | $829,831 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
61 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Trustees:
- Alfred P. Degen (Principal Officer)
- John J. Partridge, Esq.
- David E. Farnum
- Kathleen C. Orovitz
- Jessica Waters
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALFRED P DEGEN | PRESIDENT & TREASURER | 10 | $14,000 |
| JOHN J PARTRIDGE | VICE PRESIDENT | 10 | $13,000 |
| DAVID E FARNUM | SECRETARY | 5 | $14,000 |
| MAUREEN SHERIDAN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 20 | $52,667 |
| JESSICA WATERS | DIRECTOR | 5 | $14,000 |
| KATHLEEN OROVITZ | DIRECTOR | 5 | $14,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has demonstrated consistent grantmaking activity across multiple years. Notable recent grants include support to The Learning Community Charter School for an accelerated learning lab and support to the University of Rhode Island for engineering student career development initiatives. The foundation has also provided ongoing support to organizations serving vulnerable populations, including Shri Service Corp, which uses foundation grants to expand yoga and wellness programs for at-risk youth and seniors in Pawtucket and Central Falls.
Simon W Wardwell Foundation - Full Filing - Nonprofit ExplorerSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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