Simson First Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Simson First Foundation is a private foundation in Columbus, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $25,143 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $800 and the largest $5,000. 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$25,143
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$800
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$74,755
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2025 was down from $64,299 the year before.
63% 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 | $12,134 | 32 | $155,736 |
| 2024 | $64,299 | 31 | $97,604 |
| 2025 | $25,143 | 27 | $74,755 |
How to apply
Simson First 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 Simson First Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 16 | $9,643 |
| Florida | 8 | $7,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| She'arim USA Charitable Trust | Religious | $5,000 |
| American Horticultural Society | Cultural | $2,500 |
| Little Garden Club of Columbus | Cultural | $2,500 |
| Pelotonia | Medical | $1,149 |
| Eckerd College | Educational | $1,000 |
| Florida Botanical Garden | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Florida Holocaust Museum | Educational | $1,000 |
| Greater Cols Arts Council | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Lori Schottenstein Chabad | Religious | $1,000 |
| Museum American Arts Craft Movement | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Naples Botanical Garden | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Selby Gardens | Cultural | $1,000 |
| Tikkun Hayam-Repair the Sea | Educational | $1,000 |
| Short North Alliance | Cultural | $800 |
| Franklin Park Conservatory & Garden | Cultural | $690 |
| Columbus Museum of Art | Cultural | $650 |
| Friends of Goodale Park | Cultural | $535 |
| Babson College Foundation | Educational | $500 |
| Imagine Museum | Cultural | $500 |
| Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Comm | Cultural | $500 |
| The Karen Wellington Foundation Liv | Cultural | $250 |
| Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society Inc | Cultural | $125 |
| Pbs-Wosu Public Media | Cultural | $120 |
| Ohio Fire Museum | Cultural | $100 |
| Stonewall Columbus Inc | Cultural | $100 |
| Franklinton Arts District | Cultural | $89 |
| Short North Rotary | Cultural | $35 |
Officers and trustees
- Sherran S Blair
- Dee Kates
- Kay Rothman
- Kory Blair Farkas
Questions people ask
Does Simson First Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Simson First Foundation give?
$25,143 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $800.
Who runs Simson First Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Sherran S Blair (President), Dee Kates (Secretary/Tr), Kay Rothman (Vice Preside) and Kory Blair Farkas (Trustee).
What does Simson First Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and faith communities.