Thistle Foundation
Thistle Foundation is a private foundation, based in Vienna, VA. IRS filing data is available from 2024 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $94K in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 1 grant totaling $100K. Net investment income was $3K.
Key facts about Thistle Foundation
In short: Thistle Foundation gave $100K across 1 grant in 2025 (avg $100K), mostly in Washington. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 61-2144281
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $100,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 1
- Average grant
- $100,000
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $94,398
- Primary geography
- Washington (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$94K
-52.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$100K
-60.0% YoY
Grant Count
1
-50.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$100K
-20.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Thistle Foundation reported a distributable amount of $5K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Thistle Foundation gives
- In 2025 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 all 1 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 1 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
3 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GONZAGA Spokane, WA | EDUCATION | $100,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $94,398 | $200,000 |
| Revenue | $3,098 | $450,000 |
| Expenses | $106,790 | $251,935 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $106,791 | $251,935 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,098 | — |
| Distributable Amount | $4,606 | $9,850 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 11, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Thistle Foundation is led by Christopher Finlay, CEO on every filing since 2024 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christopher Finlay
CEO
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2024–2025. "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 Thistle Foundation
How much does Thistle Foundation give each year?
Thistle Foundation gave $100K across 1 grant in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $250K across 2 grants.
How large is Thistle Foundation?
Thistle Foundation reported $94K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $107K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
Where does Thistle Foundation operate?
Thistle Foundation has awarded grants in Virginia, Washington.
What is Thistle Foundation's EIN?
Thistle Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-2144281. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2024–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Here's the math on researching Thistle Foundation by hand.
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