Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation is a private foundation in Washington, Utah. In tax year 2025 it gave $90,000 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $2,625 and the largest $14,750. 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$90,000
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$2,625
- Largest grant$14,750
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $85,000 the year before.
15% 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 | $81,564 | 17 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $85,000 | 18 | $1.9 million |
| 2025 | $90,000 | 20 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
Paul and Ruth Lyon Family 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 Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Utah.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 18 | $86,750 |
| California | 1 | $2,250 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Philanthropies | General donation | $14,750 |
| Hale Center Theater-Friends of HCT | General donation | $13,000 |
| St George Musical Theater | General donation | $10,000 |
| NAMI | General donation | $6,700 |
| Volunteers of America | General donation | $6,700 |
| The Road Home | General donation | $6,700 |
| Primary Childrens Hospital | General donation | $5,000 |
| Best Friends Animal Society | General donation | $5,000 |
| Switchpoint | General donation | $4,000 |
| John A Moran Eye Center | General donation | $3,000 |
| Guide Dogs for the Blind | General donation | $2,250 |
| Wasatch Community Acupuncture | General donation | $2,000 |
| Huntsman Cancer Foundation | General donation | $2,000 |
| Humane Society of Utah | General donation | $2,000 |
| Utah Food Bank | General donation | $2,000 |
| Granite Education Foundation | General donation | $1,900 |
| Marine Toys for Tots Foundation | General donation | $1,000 |
| League of Utah Writers | General donation | $1,000 |
| SLS Foundation Inc Salt Lake Singer | General donation | $500 |
| Cultural Arts Society of West Jorda | General donation | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert P Christenson
- Lowell Lyon
- Inna Lyon
- Raylene Lyon
- Sylva Christenson
- Linda Lyon
Questions people ask
Does Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation give?
$90,000 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $2,625.
Who runs Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert P Christenson (Chairman), Lowell Lyon (Vice Chair), Inna Lyon (Secretary) and Raylene Lyon (Treasurer) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Paul and Ruth Lyon Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, animals and health.