The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc
The Smith Tieken Foundation is a private foundation based in Mesa, Arizona. Also known as the Noel C and Ida B Smith Charitable Foundation, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with a focus on general fund grants supporting nonprofit organizations across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$33.2M
+6.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+48.6% YoY
Grant Count
20
+42.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$95K
+4.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's guiding philosophy is reflected in its motto: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."
The foundation considers its donation recipients to be partners in easing the suffering of humans and animals. Primary funding areas include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- Animal welfare
- Food security and hunger relief
- Health and medical services
- Grief support and counseling
- Arts and cultural programs
Grantmaking
The foundation made four grants in 2023 and continues active grantmaking in 2024.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Missouri
The foundation maintains operational presence in Phoenix, Chicago, and Quincy, Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $31,051,879
- Total Revenues: $985,520
- Total Expenses: $1,379,088
- Investment Income and Dividends: $816,369
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $33,159,015
- Total Giving: $1,909,200
The foundation has zero employees and operates as a grantmaking entity.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $33,159,015 | $31,051,879 | $1,765,168 |
| Revenue | $1,920,865 | $985,520 | $69,865 |
| Expenses | $2,034,428 | $1,379,088 | $82,270 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,950,774 | $1,325,601 | $80,000 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,903,753 | $970,255 | $69,865 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,809,244 | $1,537,133 | $88,716 |
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
67 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Cristo Rey St Martin College Prep ($215,000), Center for Enriched Living ($210,000), City Hope ($210,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARIZONA ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE INC PHOENIX, AZ | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING RIVERWOODS, IL | FUND THE PURCHASE OF PASSENGER VANS, SMART BOARDS AND IPAD AIRS | $210,000 |
| ST MARY'S FOOD BANK ALLIANCE PHOENIX, AZ | TO PURCHASE A TRACTOR-TRAILER WITH REFRIGERATION UNIT | $160,000 |
| ARTS OF LIFE GLENVIEW, IL | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| BE KIND PEOPLE PROJECT PHOENIX, AZ | FUND HIGH IMPACT PROJECTS INCLUDING A CO-BRANDED CARGO VAN, ADDITIONAL LED TECHNOLOGY,STOCK & INVENTORY MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT UPGRADE AND SECURITY UPGRADES | $191,200 |
| CHICAGO COLLEGE OF PERFORMING ARTS CHICAGO, IL | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| CYN - GRAYSLAKE GRAYSLAKE, IL | GENERAL FUND | $10,000 |
| DOVER CEMETARY ASSOCIATION LAGRANGE, MO | GENERAL FUND | $5,000 |
| EVANSTON SCHOLARS EVANSTON, IL | FUND OFFICE REMODEL AND TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES | $110,000 |
| HUNKAPI SCOTTSDALE, AZ | HELP FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BARN | $115,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBERT L PACKARD | SEC/TREAS | — | $40,800 |
| JOHN BORTA | President | — | $40,800 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been actively awarding grants in 2024, with recent recipients including organizations focused on animal welfare, food security, grief support services, educational access, equine therapy, and arts programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The foundation's grantmaking demonstrates a commitment to supporting organizations that address both human and animal welfare needs across its geographic focus areas.
$250K Grant Supports Artists with Developmental DisabilitiesSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's guiding philosophy is reflected in its motto: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." The foundation considers its donation recipients to be partners in easing the suffering of humans and animals. Primary funding areas include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services • Animal welfare • Food security and hunger relief • Health and medical services • Grief support and counseling • Arts and cultural programs
How do I apply for a grant from The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $5,000 to $310,000. **Recent Grants (2023-2024):** • Arizona Animal Welfare League: $285,000 (to fund a mobile unit delivering veterinary services) • St Mary's Food Bank Alliance: $160,000 (to purchase a tractor-trailer with refrigeration unit) • United Food Bank: $135,000 (for professional consulting support, staff training, and technology upgrades) • Hunkapi Programs: $115,000 (to help fund construction of a new barn) • Willow House: $118,000 (for …
Where does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in: • Arizona • Illinois • Missouri The foundation maintains operational presence in Phoenix, Chicago, and Quincy, Illinois.
What size grants does The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc awarded 20 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $95K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.8M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
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 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Smith Tieken Foundation Inc'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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