Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn
Accepts applications
Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn is a private foundation in La Crosse, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $278,667 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $30,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$278,667
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$6.3 million
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was up from $263,500 the year before.
6% 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 | $271,500 | 35 | $5.6 million |
| 2024 | $263,500 | 33 | $5.8 million |
| 2025 | $278,667 | 32 | $6.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Darwin Isaacson 230 Front Street North, La Crosse, WI 54601 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (608) 782-1148 |
| What to submit | Letter outlining organization's needs and exemption qualifications including brief resume of the organization's past qualifying activities. |
| Restrictions | La Crosse County, WI as preferred area of participation |
What Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 32 | $278,667 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation | Education | $30,000 |
| Viterbo University | Education | $26,000 |
| Aquinas Catholic Schools Foundation | Humanitarian | $25,000 |
| La Crosse Area Family YMCA | Annual campaign | $17,000 |
| Gundersen Medical Foundation | Medical | $16,667 |
| WTC Foundation | Education | $15,000 |
| First Presbyterian Church | Ministry | $15,000 |
| Great Rivers United Way | Humanitarian | $15,000 |
| Junior Achievement | Education | $14,000 |
| Catholic Charities | Humanitarian | $12,500 |
| La Crosse Valley View Rotary Club | Moon tunes | $8,000 |
| Salvation Army | Humanitarian | $7,500 |
| Family & Children's Center | Child welfare | $5,000 |
| La Crosse Community Theatre | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| Alliance Family Services | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| Ufah | Annual fundraising campaign | $5,000 |
| The Parenting Place | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity la Crosse Area | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| Good Fight Community Center | Humanitarian | $5,000 |
| St Clare Health Mission | Medical | $5,000 |
| Coulee Recovery Center | Education | $4,000 |
| Wafer | Humanitarian | $4,000 |
| Hunger Task Force Of La Crosse | Humanitarian | $4,000 |
| La Crosse County Historical Society | Education | $3,000 |
| Children's Museum Of La Crosse Inc | Education | $3,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of la Crosse | Building great futures | $3,000 |
| Adult & Teen Challenge | Humanitarian | $3,000 |
| Blue Stars | New instruments | $2,500 |
| The Exchange | Humanitarian | $2,500 |
| La Crosse Symphony Orchestra | Arts | $2,000 |
| Mobile Meals of La Crosse Inc | Serve seniors, disabled or | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Yan Arsenault
- Darwin Isaacson
- Mark Chamberlain
Questions people ask
Does Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn give?
$278,667 in tax year 2025, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn?
Its 2025 filing lists Yan Arsenault (Director), Darwin Isaacson (Director) and Mark Chamberlain (Director).
What does Smith Russell & Vera Private Fdn fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and human services.