The Simms Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Simms Family Foundation is a private foundation in Walworth, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $50,180 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $750 and the largest $15,000. 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$50,180
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$750
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$9.1 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $3.7 million the year before.
44% 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 | $460,900 | 68 | $10.1 million |
| 2024 | $3.7 million | 24 | $8.2 million |
| 2025 | $50,180 | 26 | $9.1 million |
How to apply
The Simms 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 The Simms Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 12 | $29,600 |
| Florida | 2 | $9,100 |
| Wisconsin | 8 | $8,730 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| New York | 1 | $250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation | General | $15,000 |
| NCH Healthcare Foundation | General | $7,500 |
| Belfry Music Theatre Foundation | General | $5,000 |
| Advocate Health Foundation | Cancer survivorship fund | $5,000 |
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation | General | $2,500 |
| Embers Academy | General | $2,500 |
| Artis-Naples | General | $1,600 |
| The Arabian Horsemen's Distress Fund | General | $1,000 |
| St Benedict | General | $1,000 |
| St David Episcopal | General | $1,000 |
| Salvation Army | General | $1,000 |
| Ronald McDonald | General | $1,000 |
| Geneva Lake Conservancy | General | $1,000 |
| Water Safety Patrol | General | $500 |
| Walworth Literacy Council | General | $500 |
| National Geographic Society | General | $500 |
| Make Life Better Glenview | General | $500 |
| Kohl's Children Museum | General | $500 |
| Fox River Library | General | $500 |
| Evan Scholars Foundation | General | $500 |
| Christ Community Church | General | $500 |
| Wisconsin Historical Foundation | General | $250 |
| Tunnel to Towers Foundation | General | $250 |
| Water Safety Patrol | General | $240 |
| Milwaukee PBS | General | $240 |
| Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation | General | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- John D Simms Jr
- Michelle P Simms
- Madeleine M Simms
- John D Simms III
- Spencer G Simms
- Michael E Simms
Questions people ask
Does The Simms Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Simms Family Foundation give?
$50,180 in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $750.
Who runs The Simms Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John D Simms Jr (President, Director), Michelle P Simms (Treasurer, Director), Madeleine M Simms (Secretary, Director) and John D Simms III (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Simms Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, health and arts and culture.