Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation is a private foundation in Santa Monica, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $230,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $120,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$230,000
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$120,000
- Assets$4.8 million
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was up from $224,000 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $223,000 | 8 | $4.2 million |
| 2024 | $224,000 | 9 | $4.2 million |
| 2025 | $230,000 | 8 | $4.8 million |
How to apply
Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 | $120,000 |
| California | 6 | $95,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Union of Concerned Scientists | To assist the organization to maintain its charitable and scientific services benefiting the general public and the scientific community. | $120,000 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foundation | To assist the organization in achieving its goals to help end social and legal injustice. | $30,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders USA | To assist the organization to maintain its charitable services benefiting the general public. | $15,000 |
| Salk Insttute for Biological Studies | To assist the institute in its continuing research programs dedicated to curing diseases and advancing knowledge in the fields of microbiology and genetics. | $15,000 |
| Death Penalty Focus | To assist the organization in maintaining its commitment to bringing about the abolition of the death penalty. | $15,000 |
| Trinity Care Hospice Foundation | To help sustain the foundation's goals of providing palliative care for patients afflicted with terminal illness. | $15,000 |
| Los Angeles Innocence Project | To assist the organization in maintaining its charitable goals benefitting wrongly convicted and incarcerated innocent victims and in helping to reform the criminal justice system. | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Los Angeles | To help sustain the organization's commitment to providing information and medical care for women's choices regarding birth control, pregnancy and pregnancy termination and reproductive rights. | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Brigitte Targhetta Irell
- Maia Irell
- Lauren Irell
Questions people ask
Does Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation give?
$230,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Brigitte Targhetta Irell (Trustee), Maia Irell (Trustee) and Lauren Irell (Trustee).
What does Lawrence E & Elaine Smith Irell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research and health.