The Sylvia & Rip Williams
The Sylvia & Rip Williams is a private foundation, based in Bethesda, MD. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $3.2M in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 2 grants totaling $200K. Net investment income was $205K.
The Sylvia & Rip Williams at a glance
In short: The Sylvia & Rip Williams gave $200K across 2 grants in 2025 (avg $100K), mostly in District of Columbia. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $200,000
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 2
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $100,000
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $3,189,361
- -2.9% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (50% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.
Who The Sylvia & Rip Williams funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Georgetown Presbyterian Church ($100K). Together the top 2 received $200K.
Grant Size Distribution
10 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 8 grants of 10 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Sylvia & Rip Williams gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−17%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 96% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $190K (2021) to $240K (2022). In 2025 it made 2 grants totaling $200K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown Presbyterian Church Washington, DC | General Fund | $100,000 |
| Presbyterian Home for Children Talladega, AL | General Fund | $100,000 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,189,361 | $205,777 | $302,627 | $200,000 | 2 | $297,488 | $205,010 | $310,689 |
| 2024 | $3,286,200 | $150,853 | $296,258 | $200,000 | 2 | $293,713 | $150,263 | $292,936 |
| 2023 | $3,439,201 | $141,361 | $298,928 | $200,000 | 2 | $290,863 | $140,680 | $286,921 |
| 2022 | $3,593,561 | $580,896 | $325,746 | $240,000 | 2 | $323,857 | $580,250 | $297,408 |
| 2021 | $3,336,380 | $136,580 | $270,205 | $190,000 | 2 | — | $135,893 | $279,806 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sylvia & Rip Williams reported a distributable amount of $311K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Sylvia & Rip Williams is led by Robert P. Sampson, President & Secretary on every filing since 2021; all 2 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Robert P. Sampson
President & Secretary
On filings since 2021
2.5 hrs/week
$24K (2021) → $29K (2025)
Lee J. Miller
Vice President & Treasurer
On filings since 2021
2.5 hrs/week
$47K (2021) → $57K (2025)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $57K, to Lee J Miller (VP/Treasurer). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Sylvia & Rip Williams
How much does The Sylvia & Rip Williams give each year?
The Sylvia & Rip Williams gave $200K across 2 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $200K across 2 grants.
How large is The Sylvia & Rip Williams?
The Sylvia & Rip Williams reported $3.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $297K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $311K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
Where does The Sylvia & Rip Williams operate?
The Sylvia & Rip Williams has awarded grants in Alabama, District of Columbia.
What is The Sylvia & Rip Williams's EIN?
The Sylvia & Rip Williams's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 14-1866661. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work The Sylvia & Rip Williams funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Sylvia & Rip Williams's focus areas in our free grants database
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