Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation
STEINER-HELSBY is a private foundation based in Seattle, Washington. Its filings report grants to charitable organizations, but the foundation’s 2022 filing states that it was terminated on September 30, 2023; it therefore appears to have wound down and stopped grantmaking.
Key facts about Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation
In short: Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation gave $61K across 13 grants in 2023 (avg $5K), mostly in Washington. 31% of 2023 grantees were new. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 91-2091417
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $60,677
- Grants made (2023)
- 13
- Average grant
- $4,667
- Median grant
- $200
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (4 of 13, 2023)
- Primary geography
- Washington (100% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it does not accept unsolicited requests and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$61K
+446.3% YoY
Grant Count
13
-31.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$5K
+698.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3K for 2023 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2023
In 2023, 4 of 13 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $500. How we count
Medians: $90 first-time, $250 repeat.
- 69% of 2023 grantees were also funded in 2022. Method
- Giving grew 158% from 2020 to 2023. Method
- In 2023 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2023). 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
No mission statement for STEINER-HELSBY is provided. Its 2023 grants included support for a university foundation, an art museum, a public media organization, and other charitable organizations.
The University of Washington Foundation describes its mission as facilitating private contributions for the benefit of the University of Washington. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art says it connects people with contemporary art and craft of the Puget Sound region. Pike Place Market Foundation says it raises funds for programs serving low-income people, heritage programs, and public improvements at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The Arboretum Foundation says it promotes, protects, and enhances the Washington Park Arboretum. Junior League of Seattle describes its mission as advancing women’s leadership for community impact.
Grantmaking
How to Apply
.
Ready to take the next step with Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2023 grant list includes many Washington recipients, including organizations in Seattle and Bainbridge Island. It also lists a $100 grant to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $11K (2021) to $61K (2023). In 2023 it made 13 grants totaling $61K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Schwab Charitable Fund Carlyn J Steiner Donor Joanna Steiner Helsby Donor ($56K). Together the top 10 received $60K.
Grant Size Distribution
78 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 77 grants of 78 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Schwab Charitable Fund Carlyn J Steiner Donor Joanna Steiner Helsby Donor Seattle, WA | General Support | $55,922 |
| University of Washington Foundation Seattle, WA | General Support | $2,000 |
| Arcs Foundation Seattle, WA | General Support | $1,000 |
| Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Bainbridge Island, WA | General Support | $500 |
| KCTS 9 Seattle, WA | General Support | $300 |
| Renegades for Life Seattle, WA | General Support | $250 |
| Bush School Seattle, WA | General Support | $200 |
| Smith College Northampton, MA | General Support | $100 |
| Pike Place Market Foundation Seattle, WA | General Support | $100 |
| Arboretum Foundation Seattle, WA | General Support | $100 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | $3,996 | $64,197 | $60,677 |
| 2022 | $64,314 | $4,016 | $13,967 | $11,106 |
| 2021 | $74,265 | $2,279 | $13,390 | $10,990 |
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $64,314 | $74,265 |
| Revenue | $3,996 | $4,016 | $2,279 |
| Expenses | $64,197 | $13,967 | $13,390 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $60,677 | $11,106 | — |
| Net Investment Income | $702 | $1,155 | — |
| Distributable Amount | $2,606 | $3,283 | $3,855 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 12, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2023 filing lists Carlyn Steiner and Joanna Steiner as directors.
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's 2023 filing lists 2 officers; none of the 2 officers listed in 2023 report compensation.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Carlyn Steiner
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joanna Steiner
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2023. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 613 33Rd Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 322-3435
Frequently asked questions about Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation
How much does Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation give each year?
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation gave $61K across 13 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $11K across 19 grants.
What is Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's median grant in 2023 was $200, and its average grant was $4,667, across 13 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation that year got $14K on average.
Where does Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation give grants?
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation gives mostly in Washington: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Seattle, WA (10 grants).
Does Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's 2023 grants with a stated purpose (13 of 13) were for general or operating support, per its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's largest 2023 grantees include Schwab Charitable Fund Carlyn J Steiner Donor Joanna Steiner Helsby Donor ($55,922), University of Washington Foundation ($2,000) and Arcs Foundation ($1,000), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 97% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
What does Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for STEINER-HELSBY is provided. Its 2023 grants included support for a university foundation, an art museum, a public media organization, and other charitable organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation?
The foundation states that it does not accept unsolicited requests and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2023, Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's EIN?
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-2091417. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2023.
Does Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Wyman Youth Trust
Seattle, WA
The trust supports youth betterment and civic and cultural development, including education, social health, civic, and arts and culture programs, primarily in Washington. Its 2024 grants ranged from $250 to $20,000, with a median of $2,500. It accepts mailed letters of proposal from nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, with deadlines varying by program area.
Assets
$5.0M
Grants
155
Total Given
$488K
Artsfund
Seattle, WA
ArtsFund supports Washington nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, primarily with unrestricted general operating grants, while some awards fund specific projects or capital needs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,500 and ranged from $5,934 to $860,000; Annual Allocations Grants are invitation-only, so unsolicited applications are not accepted for that program.
Assets
$9.6M
Grants
434
Total Given
$10.8M
Gates Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Gates Foundation funds work on global health, poverty reduction, gender equality, economic opportunity, and U.S. education, primarily in low-income countries and the United States. Its 2024 grants had a median of $500,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations are usually invited to apply, with occasional published funding opportunities.
Assets
$78.7B
Grants
4,974
Total Given
$6.3B
M J Murdock Charitable Trust
Vancouver, WA
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust funds nonprofit capacity-building projects, including program and staff expansion, capital improvements, and equipment or technology, across areas such as education, health, arts, and community services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $4,000 to about $1.55 million, with a median of $87,000; it focuses on Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, and also considers projects with more than half their impact there. Applicants start with an eligibility assessment and, if eligible, submit a Letter of Inquiry; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
797
Total Given
$116.6M
The Avista Foundation
Spokane, WA
The Avista Foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, basic needs and poverty, and economic and cultural vitality. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,000, though awards ranged from $20 to $350,000, and it serves communities in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, parts of southern Oregon, Sanders County, Montana, and Juneau, Alaska.
Assets
$10.6M
Grants
577
Total Given
$2.2M
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Sumner, WA
The REI Cooperative Action Fund supports U.S. nonprofits expanding equitable access to the outdoors, connecting historically excluded communities with outdoor experiences, and advancing research on nature and health. In 2024, grants ranged from $9,342 to $386,438, with a median of $15,000; it funds organizations serving communities across the U.S. and does not accept unsolicited grant requests, though recommendations are considered.
Assets
$11.2M
Grants
561
Total Given
$13.5M
Scholar Fund
Seattle, WA
Scholar Fund supports community organizations and programs addressing childcare, college access, economic hardship, and barriers to resources, with a focus on underserved communities. Its 2023 grants had a median of $23,486 and ranged from $5,036 to $1,313,081; 98% of grant dollars went to Washington recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.2M
Grants
535
Total Given
$23.1M
The Roots and Wings Foundation Inc
Seattle, WA
The Roots & Wings Foundation supports nonprofits helping low-income children and families thrive, especially from pregnancy through age three, in areas including basic needs, early learning, health, and safety and justice. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $2 million, with a median of $55,000, and it funds organizations in Wisconsin, Washington, and nationally. It does not accept unsolicited requests; it identifies potential partners and invites aligned organizations to apply.
Assets
$611.8M
Grants
518
Total Given
$66.6M
The Norcliffe Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Norcliffe Foundation funds Puget Sound nonprofits in areas including human services, education, healthcare, arts and culture, environment, and community projects; it supports programs, operations, capacity building, and capital projects. Grants vary widely, but the median is $20,000 and nearly 60% are $15,000 or less. It serves 11 counties in Washington’s Puget Sound region and accepts applications year-round through its online system.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
454
Total Given
$56.5M
Innovia Foundation
Spokane, WA
Innovia Foundation funds nonprofits and community projects focused on health and wellbeing, education and youth, economic opportunity, quality of life, and arts and culture, primarily in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Its 2026 Community Grant awards were capped at $15,000, with most expected to be about $7,500; the application cycle has closed. It accepts applications through its grant programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$286.5M
Grants
422
Total Given
$12.7M
Seattle Foundation
Seattle, WA
Seattle Foundation funds community-led work advancing racial and economic equity in Greater Seattle, including housing, economic opportunity, climate justice, democracy, arts, and organizing; some programs support specific medical or performing-arts needs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $60 to $7 million, with a median of $6,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through program-specific applications or letters of inquiry.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
5,379
Total Given
$177.9M
More Funders in Washington
Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?