West Star Foundation
West Star Foundation is a private foundation based in Reno, Nevada. Its 2020 filing was marked as its final return; the filing states that it granted all assets to eligible charitable organizations by December 31, 2020. The foundation therefore appears to have wound down and stopped grantmaking.
West Star Foundation at a glance
In short: West Star Foundation gave $583K across 49 grants in 2020 (avg $12K), top state Washington. Source: 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2020)
- $583,205
- Grants made (2020)
- 49
- Average grant
- $11,902
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Primary geography
- Washington (18% of itemized 2020 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2020 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2020; updated September 2026.
How to apply to West Star Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation stated that it made contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its final-return filing indicates that this is not a current application process.
- Contact
Mailing address: 14130 Saddlebow Drive, Reno, NV 89511
Phone: (560) 563-0172
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who West Star Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2020
The largest 2020 recipient was Idaho Community Foundation ($73K). Together the top 10 received $314K.
Grant Size Distribution
49 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 48 grants of 49 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2020, the largest shares of grant dollars went to organizations in Washington (18%), Idaho (16%), California (13%), Nevada (8%), and Utah (7%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2020 grant dollars across all 49 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2020 it made 49 grants totaling $583K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Community Foundation Boise, ID | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $73,205 |
| Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $40,000 |
| Operation Underground Railroad Inc Cedar City, UT | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $40,000 |
| Everett Gospel Mission Everett, WA | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $29,000 |
| Cornell College Mt Vernon, IA | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $25,000 |
| University of Nevada Foundation Reno, NV | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $25,000 |
| Sacred Earth Foundation Florissant, CO | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $22,000 |
| Friends of the Weiser River Trail Council, ID | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $20,000 |
| Global Child Nutrition Foundation National Harbor, MD | Training Material Funding | $20,000 |
| International Children's Care Vancouver, WA | Unrestricted gift to assist with the mission of the charity | $20,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,670 | $591,118 | $583,205 | 49 | $9,777 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, West Star Foundation reported a distributable amount of $10K for 2020 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2020 grantees included organizations with varied missions. For example, the Idaho Community Foundation describes its work as strengthening Idaho communities through philanthropy, and Everett Gospel Mission says it engages with the community to alleviate poverty. Cornell College describes its mission as developing students’ intellectual curiosity, creativity, and moral courage, while Peppermint Ridge provides homes and support services for people with developmental disabilities.
Grantmaking
In 2020, the foundation made 49 grants totaling $583,205. Grants ranged from $2,000 to $73,205, with a median grant of $10,000. Its largest grants included $73,205 to Idaho Community Foundation, $40,000 each to Loyola Marymount University and Operation Underground Railroad, and $29,000 to Everett Gospel Mission. Other grants included $25,000 each to Cornell College and the University of Nevada Foundation, and $20,000 each to Sacred Earth Foundation, Friends of the Weiser River Trail, Global Child Nutrition Foundation, International Children’s Care, Light Bearers Ministries, and The Carter Center.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2020 filing listed David J Pugh as President/Director and William M Pugh as Secretary/Director. It listed James L Pugh, Marylyn H Parmelee, Lori E Pugh, Richard H Pugh, Santoshi Wagner-Anue, and Hazel Blume as members.
West Star Foundation is led by David J. Pugh, President & Director on the 2020 filing; none of the 8 officers listed in 2020 report compensation.
Officers on the 2020 filing
David J. Pugh
President & Director
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William M. Pugh
Secretary & Director
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hazel Blume
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James L. Pugh
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori E. Pugh
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marylyn H. Parmelee
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard H. Pugh
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Santoshi Wagner-Anue
Member
New on the 2020 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020. "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 West Star Foundation
How much does West Star Foundation give each year?
West Star Foundation gave $583K across 49 grants in 2020, according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is West Star Foundation's typical grant size?
West Star Foundation's median grant in 2020 was $10,000, and its average grant was $11,902, across 49 grants on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does West Star Foundation give grants?
West Star Foundation's top state is Washington, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Idaho (16%) and California (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Langley, WA (6 grants), Reno, NV (3 grants), Freeland, WA (3 grants) and Everett, WA (2 grants).
Does West Star Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 98% of West Star Foundation's 2020 grants with a stated purpose (48 of 49) were for general or operating support, per its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are West Star Foundation's largest grantees?
West Star Foundation's largest 2020 grantees include Idaho Community Foundation ($73,205), Loyola Marymount University ($40,000) and Operation Underground Railroad Inc ($40,000), according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2020 grant dollars.
What does West Star Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2020 grantees included organizations with varied missions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from West Star Foundation?
The foundation stated that it made contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is West Star Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2020, West Star Foundation reported a distributable amount of $10K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is West Star Foundation's EIN?
West Star Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 41-6020517. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020.
Does West Star Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 11, 2021)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal year 2020
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West Star Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?