Smikis Foundation
The Smikis Foundation is a private foundation established in 1993 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It operates as a family foundation with a focus on philanthropic grantmaking across multiple sectors including education, environment, community development, and human services.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$803K
-5.6% YoY
Grant Count
17
-5.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$47K
-0.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding interests include:
- Education
- Environment — using law, science, and research to protect Minnesota's environment and natural resources
- Community and Economic Development — work with families in the Twin Cities metro to achieve greater self-sufficiency
- Human Services
- Youth Development and Youth Organizing
- Shelter, Residential Care, and Housing Services
- Community Improvement
Grantmaking
The foundation indicates it is open to new applicants.
Grant Range
approximately $154 (based on historical data)
Average Grant
approximately $154 (based on historical data)
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily supports initiatives in Minnesota, with specific activity in:
- Afton
- Eagan
- Minneapolis
- St. Louis Park
- St. Paul
- Woodbury
The foundation also supports work in Washington, DC.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $14,837,095
- Total Revenue: $1,018,488
- Total Expenses: $5,828,112
- Total Liabilities: $0
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $14,332,453
- Total Giving: $802,500
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| 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
117 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Belwin ($200,000), Great Mn Schools (mn Comeback) ($100,000), Constellation Fund ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GREAT MN SCHOOLS (MN COMEBACK) MINNEAPOLIS, MN | COMMITTED TO IMPROVING EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY FOR LOW-INCOME CHILDREN AND CHILDREN OF COLOR | $100,000 |
| AUDUBON MINNESOTA WOODBURY, MN | CONSERVATION | $7,500 |
| GLOBAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN MINNEAPOLIS, MN | DEDICATED TO PROMOTING WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS INTERNATIONALLY | $10,000 |
| SUMMIT ACADEMY MINNEAPOLIS, MN | EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED NEIGHBORHOODS | $15,000 |
| ACES MINNEAPOLIS, MN | IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION | $5,000 |
| PEOPLE INCOPORATED EAGAN, MN | IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS | $50,000 |
| BELWIN AFTON, MN | IN MINNESOTA INSPIRE CONNECTION TO NATURAL WORLD | $200,000 |
| TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND ST PAUL, MN | LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM | $30,000 |
| MINNESOTA LAND TRUST ST PAUL, MN | PROTECT OPEN SPACE IN MINNESOTA | $45,000 |
| TWIN CITIES RISE MINNEAPOLIS, MN | PROVIDE EMPLOYERS IN TWIN CITIES METRO WITH TRAINED MEN FROM COMMUNITIES OF COLOR | $30,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is directed by:
- David B. Hartwell (uncompensated director)
- Jill KH Geoffrion (uncompensated director)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID B HARTWELL | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| JILL KH GEOFFRION | DIRECTOR | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Smikis Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary funding interests include: • **Education** • **Environment** — using law, science, and research to protect Minnesota's environment and natural resources • **Community and Economic Development** — work with families in the Twin Cities metro to achieve greater self-sufficiency • **Human Services** • **Youth Development and Youth Organizing** • **Shelter, Residential Care, and Housing Services** • **Community Improvement**
How do I apply for a grant from Smikis Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 25 grants in 2023 • Total giving in 2023: approximately $850,000 • Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $200,000 • Average grant size: approximately $154 (based on historical data) **Recent Grants (2023):** • Belwin Conservancy: $200,000 (to inspire connection to the natural world in Minnesota) • The Constellation Fund: $130,000 (to fight poverty in the Twin Cities by raising living standards) • Center for Victims of Torture (CVT): $85,000 (to advance human right…
Where does Smikis Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily supports initiatives in Minnesota, with specific activity in: • Afton • Eagan • Minneapolis • St. Louis Park • St. Paul • Woodbury The foundation also supports work in Washington, DC.
What size grants does Smikis Foundation award?
In 2024, Smikis Foundation awarded 17 grants totaling $803K — an average of about $47K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Smikis Foundation's EIN?
Smikis Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-1742700. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Smikis Foundation'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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