The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence is a private foundation focused on Crime & Legal Related, based in Chicago, IL. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2023. In 2023, it awarded 2 grants totaling $20K.
Key facts about The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence
In short: The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence gave $20K across 2 grants in 2023 (avg $10K), mostly in California. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 36-4395364
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $20,236
- Grants made (2023)
- 2
- Average grant
- $10,118
- Median grant
- $10,118
- Primary geography
- California (74% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$20K
+478.2% YoY
Grant Count
2
+100.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
+189.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence reported a distributable amount of $506 for 2023 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence gives
- In 2023 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $4K (2022) to $131K (2021). In 2023 it made 2 grants totaling $20K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society ($15K). Together the top 2 received $20K.
Grant Size Distribution
6 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 5 grants of 6 (83%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society San Francisco, CA | Preserve and present the legal history of hte west and about the vital importance of an independent judiciary. | $15,000 |
| Federal Judges Association Rockville, MD | Support and enhance the role of federal judge members within a fair and impartial independent judiciary. | $5,236 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $30,859 | $36,608 |
| Revenue | $-1,946 | $728 | $11,309 |
| Expenses | $28,913 | $6,477 | $136,823 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $20,236 | $3,500 | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | $5,513 |
| Distributable Amount | $506 | $1,596 | $7,516 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 25, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS December 6, 2023)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2023
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence is led by Honorable Marilyn Huff, President since 2022 (on filings since 2021); none of the 7 officers listed in 2023 report compensation.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Honorable Marilyn Huff
President
Secretary & Director → President, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Honorable Irene M. Keeley
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Honorable Lawrence L. Piersol
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Kevin M. Forde
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Honorable W. Royal Fergeson Jr Ret
Secretary
Director, President & Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Honorable Cynthia M. Rufe
Vice President
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Jane Forde
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Honorable John M. Walker (2021) — Treasurer & Director
- Former: Honorable Margaret M. McKeown (2021) — Vice President & Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2023. "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 Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence
How much does The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence give each year?
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence gave $20K across 2 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $4K across 1 grant.
What is The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence?
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence is a private foundation focused on Crime & Legal Related, based in Chicago, IL.
Where does The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence operate?
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence has awarded grants in California, Illinois, Maryland.
How much is The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2023, The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence reported a distributable amount of $506 on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence's EIN?
The Spencer Williams Foundation for Judicial Independence's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4395364. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2023.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
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