The J Spencer Barnes
The J Spencer Barnes is a private foundation focused on Medical Research, based in Grand Rapids, MI. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2026. As of 2026, the organization holds $30K in total assets. In 2026, it awarded 2 grants totaling $4K. Net investment income was $1K.
The J Spencer Barnes at a glance
In short: The J Spencer Barnes gave $4K across 2 grants in 2026 (avg $2K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $3,650
- +4.3% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 2
- -33.3% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $1,825
- +56.4% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $1,825
- Total assets
- $29,587
- -9.7% vs 2025
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated September 2026.
Who The J Spencer Barnes funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was St Marys Hospital Foundation ($2K). Together the top 2 received $4K.
Grant Size Distribution
11 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 11 grants of 11 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The J Spencer Barnes gives
- In 2026 it paid out 108% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $3K (2024) to $5K (2020). In 2026 it made 2 grants totaling $4K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Marys Hospital Foundation Grand Rapids, MI | Program Support | $2,400 |
| Learning Difference Resource Group Grand Rapids, MI | Program Support | $1,250 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,587 | $1,768 | $4,950 | $3,650 | 2 | $3,650 | $1,318 | $3,382 |
| 2025 | $32,769 | $1,805 | $5,052 | $3,500 | 3 | $3,500 | $1,185 | $2,966 |
| 2024 | $36,016 | $854 | $4,528 | $3,300 | 3 | $3,300 | $522 | $2,829 |
| 2023 | $39,690 | $2,160 | $1,369 | — | — | — | $1,511 | $2,404 |
| 2022 | $38,899 | $3,807 | $5,968 | $4,500 | 3 | $4,500 | $3,266 | $3,059 |
| 2021 | $41,060 | $4,316 | $5,425 | $4,000 | 3 | — | $3,766 | $3,214 |
| 2020 | $42,169 | $1,815 | $5,899 | $4,630 | 5 | — | $1,405 | $3,012 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The J Spencer Barnes reported a distributable amount of $3K for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The J Spencer Barnes is led by Robert Woodhouse Jr., President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2026 report compensation.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Robert Woodhouse Jr.
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Scott Dwyer
Secretary
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Stevens Wharton-Bickley
Vice President
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The J Spencer Barnes
How much does The J Spencer Barnes give each year?
The J Spencer Barnes gave $4K across 2 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $4K across 3 grants.
How large is The J Spencer Barnes?
The J Spencer Barnes reported $30K in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What is The J Spencer Barnes?
The J Spencer Barnes is a private foundation focused on Medical Research, based in Grand Rapids, MI. It holds $30K in total assets as of 2026.
Where does The J Spencer Barnes operate?
The J Spencer Barnes has awarded grants in Michigan.
What is The J Spencer Barnes's EIN?
The J Spencer Barnes's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-3499166. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2026.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 11, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 27, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 2, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 17, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 31, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 31, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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