The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc. is a private foundation based in Mesa, Arizona. Established in 2007 as the Noel C. and Ida B. Smith Charitable Foundation and renamed in 2022, it is the legacy of Noel and Ida Smith and Fred and Gail Tieken. Its stated purpose is to ease the suffering of humans and animals.
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc gave $2.6M across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $113K), mostly in Arizona. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,601,188
- +36.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- +15.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $113,095
- +18.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $57,183
- Total assets
- $33,371,925
- +0.6% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Arizona (77% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. It invites selected partners to apply for specific project grants.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2158 N Gilbert Rd Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: (480) 834-3550
Website: https://smithtieken.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Arizona Animal Welfare League Inc ($260K). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 46 grants of 75 (61%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website identifies Phoenix, Chicago, and Quincy as locations connected with its partners. In filing year 2025, 77% of grant dollars went to recipients in Arizona, 23% to recipients in Illinois, and less than 1% to recipients in Missouri.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc gives
- 70% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 3151% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 134% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $80K (2022) to $2.6M (2025). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $2.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Animal Welfare League Inc Phoenix, AZ | Provide Funds for Hvac Installation Project | $260,000 |
| Arts of Life Glenview, IL | Grant to establish a ceramics studio in highland park | $260,000 |
| Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation Phoenix, AZ | Grant to provide funds for the following projects: van for volunteer transportation; construction truck for housing projects; covered parking with solar | $260,000 |
| Save the Family Foundation of Arizo Mesa, AZ | Grant for infrastructure improvements: webside redesign; technology upgrades; two vehicles for family home visits and client transportation support; building maintenance | $255,000 |
| Be Kind People Project Phoenix, AZ | Grant to upgrade equipment, technology and crm upgrades/project management | $250,000 |
| United Food Bank Mesa, AZ | Grants to provide funds for the following projects: upgrade the inventory management system; purchase a 24-26 foot refrigerated box truck | $250,000 |
| St Mary's Food Bank Phoenix, AZ | Grant to Purchase a New Warehouse Management System | $225,730 |
| Arizona Refugee Center Mesa, AZ | Grant to provide help with operating expenses for 2026 | $225,000 |
| Free Arts for Abused Children of AR Phoenix, AZ | Funds Provided for Technology, Data and Facility Upgrades | $178,275 |
| Imentor Chicago Chicago, IL | Grant for travel, supplies and consulting to build out the new technology platform | $170,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,371,925 | $2,869,802 | $2,764,548 | $2,601,188 | 23 | $2,664,264 | $2,851,120 | $1,995,592 |
| 2024 | $33,159,015 | $1,920,865 | $2,034,428 | $1,909,200 | 20 | $1,950,774 | $1,903,753 | $1,809,244 |
| 2023 | $31,051,879 | $985,520 | $1,379,088 | $1,285,000 | 14 | $1,325,601 | $970,255 | $1,537,133 |
| 2022 | $1,765,168 | $69,865 | $82,270 | $80,000 | 4 | $80,000 | $69,865 | $88,716 |
| 2021 | $1,777,573 | $68,855 | $114,408 | $108,000 | 14 | $108,000 | $68,100 | $96,959 |
| 2020 | $1,823,126 | $57,347 | $112,326 | $110,000 | 15 | — | $61,962 | $97,054 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.0M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is “to ease the suffering of humans and animals.” Its 2025 giving included support for animal welfare, food assistance, refugee and immigrant services, education, arts, and services for people facing trauma or other challenges.
The grantees describe their work in their own terms. The Arizona Animal Welfare League says it provides care and protection for animals and promotes humane values. United Food Bank says it unites communities to alleviate hunger. Arizona Refugee Center describes its work as helping refugees and immigrants build self-sufficiency and integrate into the community. Other 2025 recipients included Evanston Scholars, which supports college access and success for first-generation and low-income students, and Willow House, which provides support to people coping with death and dying.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $2,601,188. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $260,000, with a median of $57,183. It reported 20 grants totaling $1,909,200 in 2024 and 14 grants totaling $1,285,000 in 2023.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $260,000 to Arizona Animal Welfare League for an HVAC installation project, $260,000 to Arts of Life to establish a ceramics studio in Highland Park, and $260,000 to Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation for volunteer transportation, a construction truck, and covered parking with solar. Other large awards included $255,000 to Save the Family Foundation of Arizona for infrastructure improvements, $250,000 each to Be Kind People Project and United Food Bank for equipment, technology, or systems projects, and $225,730 to St. Mary’s Food Bank for a warehouse management system.
The foundation’s website says it provides annual gifts to partner organizations and, selectively, invites partners to apply for grants for specific needs. Grant-funded projects must advance the organization’s mission, address a tangible need that will not require significant ongoing funding, and use the funds in the following calendar year. The foundation requires periodic progress reports.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Robert L. Packard as secretary/treasurer and John Borta as president. The foundation’s website says Packard joined the board in 2019 and Borta joined in 2020.
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc is led by John Borta, President since 2022 (on filings since 2020); all 2 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John Borta
President
Vice President → President, 2022
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$40K (2023) → $46K (2025)
Robert L. Packard
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$40K (2023) → $46K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Gail Smith Tieken (2020–2021) — President & Cob
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $46K, to Robert L Packard (Sec/Treas). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc
How much does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc give each year?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc gave $2.6M across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $1.9M across 20 grants.
What is The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $57,183, and its average grant was $113,095, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc give grants?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc gives mostly in Arizona: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (23%). The most frequent recipient cities were Phoenix, AZ (7 grants) and Mesa, AZ (3 grants).
Does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 43% of The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 23) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Arizona Animal Welfare League Inc ($260,000), Arts of Life ($260,000) and Rancho Feliz Charitable Foundation ($260,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc reported $33.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is “to ease the suffering of humans and animals.” Its 2025 giving included support for animal welfare, food assistance, refugee and immigrant services, education, arts, and services for people facing trauma or other challenges. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1405041. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 28, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Arizona
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Community Foundation funds nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, government agencies, and most religious organizations in areas including arts and culture, community development, the environment, health, and education. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,760; most funding goes to Arizona, though it also awards grants nationally. Competitive grants require an online application during an open cycle; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,174
Total Given
$92.9M
The Picerne Family Charitable Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix-based Picerne Family Charitable Foundation funds nonprofits and programs in education, arts, health and mental health, older-adult services, affordable housing, equity, and the environment. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,250, though amounts varied widely; specific programs offer awards up to $15,000 and serve areas including Southern California, San Diego, and Orange County. The profile describes application processes for certain programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$23.9M
Grants
672
Total Given
$2.5M
Petsmart Charities Inc
Phoenix, AZ
PetSmart Charities funds programs that improve companion animals’ well-being, including adoption, veterinary care, pet food assistance, and disaster response, in the U.S. and Canada. Its median grant is $15,000; the profile states that disaster-response requests are open to eligible animal welfare and human service organizations, while its veterinary-care Accelerator grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$96.8M
Grants
655
Total Given
$48.1M
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust
Phoenix, AZ
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust funds nonprofits and community partners serving Maricopa County, Arizona, in arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, religion, and nonprofit capacity. In 2025, grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a median of $7,500. It uses a competitive application process that begins with a Letter of Inquiry; unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed.
Assets
$429.9M
Grants
483
Total Given
$24.5M
More similar funders
More Funders in Arizona
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-smith-tieken-foundation-inc-morg_171ebdbf24c04c9bb2daad25a625ed57
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_261405041_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-smith-tieken-foundation-inc-morg_171ebdbf24c04c9bb2daad25a625ed57},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?