Thistlewood Foundation
Accepts applications
Thistlewood Foundation is a private foundation in Lafayette, Louisiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $357,000 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $32,000 and the largest $150,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$357,000
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$32,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$3.7 million
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $8,000 the year before.
60% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $460,000 | 4 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $8,000 | 2 | $4.1 million |
| 2025 | $357,000 | 5 | $3.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mariusz Smolij 412 Travis Street, Lafayette, LA 70503 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | smolijmariusz@cs.com |
| What to submit, restrictions | A formal process is being established. |
| Deadlines | There is no pre-determined deadline for submissions. |
What Thistlewood Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Louisiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4 | $342,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Arts Society of New Orleans | Gen funding, equipment upgrades | $150,000 |
| Ul at Lafayette College of the Arts | Funding | $150,000 |
| Moncus Park | General funding | $32,000 |
| Society for Louisiana Irises | Iris preservation, study | $15,000 |
| Master Gardeners of Lafayette | General funding | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Oren Smith
- Jim Leonard
- Mariusz Smolij
- Ashley Moore
- Dr Gordon H Brooks
- Daniel Weilbaecher Jr
- Virginia A Stuller
Questions people ask
Does Thistlewood Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: There is no pre-determined deadline for submissions..
How much does Thistlewood Foundation give?
$357,000 in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $32,000.
Who runs Thistlewood Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Oren Smith (Director), Jim Leonard (Treasurer-Fo), Mariusz Smolij (President) and Ashley Moore (Treasurer-Cu) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Thistlewood Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.