Thomas R Brown Family Private Foundation
The Thomas R Brown Family Private Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation based in Tucson, Arizona. Established in 2005, the foundation operates as a private foundation focused on philanthropic giving across multiple states and communities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$45.6M
+0.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.8M
+48.4% YoY
Grant Count
16
+60.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$173K
-7.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's guiding philosophy is expressed through its founder's vision: "Educated and engaged people will have the chance for quality employment and prosperity, and with this will come a higher quality of life and a better community."
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Science and STEM education
- Human Services
- Philanthropy and Voluntarism
Grantmaking
The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmaking is by invitation only.
Grant Range
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports projects across multiple U.S. states and cities, including:
- Arizona (primary focus)
- California
- Washington
- Colorado
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- New York
Specific communities served include Brookline, Denver, Ft Branch, Phoenix, Seattle, Tucson, and West Point.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets:
- 2024: $45,601,566
- 2023: $45.4 million
Annual Giving:
- 2024: $2,767,098
- 2023: $1.9 million
- 2022: $2.5 million
Revenue & Expenses:
- 2024 Total Revenue: $1,578,850
- 2024 Total Expenses: $3,477,964
- 2023 Total Revenue: $967,000
- 2023 Total Expenses: $2.38 million
Liabilities:
- 2023: $302,000
Giving Rate: Approximately 4.1% of assets annually (based on 2023 data)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $45,601,566 | $45,444,832 | $44,060,144 |
| Revenue | $1,578,850 | $966,772 | $-462,422 |
| Expenses | $3,477,964 | $2,382,642 | $2,679,706 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,767,098 | $1,865,000 | $2,483,274 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,559,938 | $1,175,822 | $1,394,788 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,211,859 | $2,158,301 | $2,217,189 |
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
53 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Mary B. Bernal — Chief Executive Officer/Secretary (volunteer, no compensation)
Sarah B. Smallhouse — President/Treasurer (volunteer, no compensation)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY B BERNAL | CEO/SEC | 2 | — |
| SARAH B SMALLHOUSE | PRES/TREAS | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has supported educational initiatives at the University of Arizona, including funding for a Thomas R. Brown Leadership Chair in electrical and computer engineering. The foundation also maintains active partnerships with Arizona-focused organizations including the Center for the Future of Arizona and Arizona Town Hall.
News & Events - Center for the Future of ArizonaSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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