The Fred L. Hartley Family Foundation concentrates on one-off and multi-year sizable gifts for capital projects, museum/exhibit restoration, and biomedical research. While based in Montana, its funding is geographically dispersed (California, Texas, Montana) and favors institutions that support public-facing science and cultural exhibits as well as targeted medical research and veteran/community safety projects.
Fred L Hartley Family Foundation’s recent giving is marked by repeated six-figure support for precision medicine research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The foundation has also backed museum exhibit work, community safety equipment, and capital projects, showing a pattern of funding tangible improvements rather than broad operating support. Its largest recent grants include $100,000 for Project Jonathan Fund for Precision Medicine in IBD and $84,595 for exhibit lighting at the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology. Across the grant list, the foundation combines medical research with cultural and community infrastructure. In one stream, it supports clinical and genetic research tied to cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. In another, it finances restoration and completion work for museums and public exhibits, such as the California Science Center Foundation and the Montana Historical Society. It also funds local facilities and equipment for USO San Antonio, fire service groups, libraries, and youth recreation organizations. The record shows a regional funder with a strong tilt toward Montana recipients and a consistent preference for project-based grants.
Medical research is one of the clearest threads in the foundation’s grantmaking. It gave $100,000 to Cedars Sinai Medical Center for Project Jonathan Fund for Precision Medicine in IBD and another $50,000 to UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation for a program for genetic screening in pancreatic cancer. Museum and exhibit preservation is another recurring area. The foundation awarded $50,000 to California Science Center Foundation for restoration of the Union Oil DC3 exhibit and $84,595 to San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology for exhibit lighting matching donation. It also supports community facilities and public-use infrastructure. Examples include $80,000 to Uso San Antonio for capital improvements and $35,000 to North Lake County Library Foundation for library remodeling. In Montana, its grants have also backed sports, conservation, and school-related facilities.
Typical grants sit in the project range rather than the very small or very large end of the spectrum, with a p25 of $5,000, median of $10,000, and p75 of $25,000. The recent record includes repeated support for some organizations across multiple years, including Cedars Sinai Medical Center, San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology, Useo San Antonio, California Science Center Foundation, Flathead Electric Cooperative, Special Olympics Montana, and Friends of Ferndale Mt Fire. The foundation funds individuals and does not make program-related investments. The grant list suggests direct, restricted project support, often tied to capital work, equipment, or research.
$393K
$7.1M
$474K
$469K
Most grants fall between $5K and $25K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$25K
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Relatively concentrated portfolio of larger grants (many $50k–$300k), with repeat funding to select institutional grantees (e.g., Cedars-Sinai). Grants are typically project- or capital-focused rather than general operating seed funding, and the foundation funds both local Montana cultural projects and high-profile national institutions.
Notable grantees: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology, California Science Center Foundation, Montana Historical Society, USO San Antonio
Grants are concentrated in Montana, which accounts for 62% of recipient grants and is the top state by grant count. Within Montana, recipients include Helena, Kalispell, Ronan, Polson, Great Falls, Bigfork, and Bozeman-area communities through nearby groups. Outside the state, the foundation also gives in California and Texas, with multiple grants in Los Angeles and San Antonio. All listed recent grants went to U.S. recipients.
The foundation’s recent grants repeatedly support project-based work: medical research, museum exhibit restoration, community safety equipment, and capital improvements. Examples include precision medicine in IBD, exhibit lighting and restoration, library remodeling, and fire communications upgrades.
The grant-size distribution is centered on modest project grants: p25 is $5,000, median is $10,000, and p75 is $25,000. The recent record also includes larger awards such as $100,000 and $84,595.
Yes. Montana is the top state by grant count, and 62% of recipient grants go to organizations in Montana. Recent Montana recipients appear in Bigfork, Kalispell, Ronan, Polson, Helena, and Great Falls.
Yes. Several organizations appear across multiple years, including Cedars Sinai Medical Center, San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology, Uso San Antonio, California Science Center Foundation, Flathead Electric Cooperative, Special Olympics Montana, and Friends of Ferndale Mt Fire.
Yes. Recent grants include $100,000 to Cedars Sinai Medical Center for Project Jonathan Fund for Precision Medicine in IBD and $50,000 to UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation for a program for genetic screening in pancreatic cancer.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEDARS SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PROJECT JONATHAN FUND FOR PRECISION MEDICINE IN IBD |
| CEDARS SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | PROJECT JONATHAN FUND FOR PRECISION MEDICINE IN IBD |
| CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | RESTORATION OF THE UNION OIL DC3 EXHIBIT |
| VESTERHEIM MUSEUM | DECORAH, IA | $50,000 | 2025 | COMPLETION OF THE FOUNDRY HOUSE IN THE FOLK MUSEUM |
| MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HELENA, MT | $50,000 | 2025 | COMPLETION OF THE CHARLES RUSSELL GALLERY AND THE MONTANA FIREARMS COLLECTION |
| USO SAN ANTONIO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $40,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION AND LAKE COUNTY | RONAN, MT | $36,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR SOLOR ENERGY SYSTEM |
| MIRACLE LEAGUE OF NW MONTANA | KALISPELL, MT | $30,000 | 2025 | REFURBISHMENT OF THE TURF AT THE MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD AT KIDSPORTS COMPLEX |
| FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE | KALISPELL, MT | $25,000 | 2025 | COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS |
| BIGFORK YOUTH BASEBALL INC | BIGFORK, MT | $25,000 | 2025 | CONTRUCTION OF THE BIGFORK BASEBALL FACILITY |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS MONTANA | GREAT FALLS, MT | $25,000 | 2025 | 2024 MT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT |
| CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | RESTORATION OF THE UNION OIL DC3 EXHIBIT |
| FRIENDS OF FERNDALE MT FIRE | BIGFORK, MT | $25,000 | 2025 | RADIO COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE |
| CIBOLO CENTER FOR CONSERVATION | BOERNE, TX | $15,000 | 2025 | CONSTRUCTION OF A GREENHOUSE |
| SISTERDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT | SISTERDALE, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE HILL COUNTRY | KERRVILLE, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | RELIEF, SUPPLIES, AND SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE JULY 4TH FLOODING |
| MOUNTAIN HOME FIRE DEPARTMENT | MOUNTAIN HOME, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| HUNT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT | HUNT, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| BIGFORK FOOD BANK | BIGFORK, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | FOOD SUPPLIES |
| COMFORT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT | COMFORT, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| BIGFORK FOOD BANK | BIGFORK, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | FOOD SUPPLIES |
| FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE | KALISPELL, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS |
| TURTLE CREEK FIRE DEPARTMENT | KERRVILLE, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| NORTHWEST MONTANA VETERANS STAND DOWN & FOOD PANTRY | KALISPELL, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | FOOD SUPPLIES & REPAIR OF FREEZER EQUIPMENT |
| INGRAM FIRE DEPARTMENT | INGRAM, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT |
| BIGFORK LADIES SERVICE CLUB | BIGFORK, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM |
| BIGFORK LADIES SERVICE CLUB | BIGFORK, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM |
| AID THE SILENT | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $7,500 | 2025 | PURCHASE OF LISTENING BOXES FOR STUDENTS OF TEXAS |
| CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $7,500 | 2025 | AED SAFETY EQUIPMENT |
| L'ARCHE JACKSONVILLE | JACKSONVILLE, FL | $7,000 | 2025 | REPLACEMENT/REMODEL OF THE KITCHEN IN GRATEFUL HOUSE, JACKSONVILLE |
| LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN HOME | KALISPELL, MT | $6,000 | 2025 | STORAGE CONTAINER FOR FARM AND LIVING EQUIPMENT |
| BIGFORK PLAYHOUSE CHILDREN'S THEATER | BIGFORK, MT | $5,125 | 2025 | PURCHASE OF IPADS FOR THE SHOW BAND |
| ALANO CLUB OF KALISPELL INC | KALISPELL, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | INSTALLATION OF NEW HVAC EQUIPMENT |
| VISION GUIDE DOGS | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $5,000 | 2025 | MATCH FOR ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| NORTHWEST MONTANA VETERANS STAND DOWN & FOOD PANTRY | KALISPELL, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | FOOD SUPPLIES & THANKSGIVING TURKEYS |
| SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $5,000 | 2025 | INSTALLMENT OF A APOLLO COMMAND MODULE |
| COATS FOR KIDS KALISPELL | KALISPELL, MT | $5,000 | 2025 | CHILDRENS WARM COATS |
| FIRST TEE OF SAN ANTONIO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $5,000 | 2025 | GRANTS FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR EQUIPMENT, TOURNAMENT FEES, AND LESSONS |
| FLATHEAD SHELTER FRIENDS INC | KALISPELL, MT | $4,000 | 2025 | INTERCOM SYSTEM AT THE FACILITY |
| ALANO CLUB OF KALISPELL INC | KALISPELL, MT | $3,250 | 2025 | PURCHASE OF KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND SIX NEST SECURITY CAMERAS FOR CLUB FACILITIES |
| IMAGINEIF LIBRARY FOUNDATION | KALISPELL, MT | $3,000 | 2025 | BIGFORK LIBRARY 3D PRINTER AND ACCESSORIES & ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER |
| CEDARS SINAI MEDICAL CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2024 | RESEARCH |
| SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $84,595 | 2024 | EXHIBIT LIGHTING MATCHING DONATION |
| USO SAN ANTONIO | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $80,000 | 2024 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS |
| NORTH LAKE COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION | POLSON, MT | $35,000 | 2024 | LIBRARY REMODELING FUND |
| ST SIMON ISLAND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION | ST SIMONS ISLAND, GA | $25,000 | 2024 | SPORTS COMPLEX AT MALLERY PARK |
| FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE | KALISPELL, MT | $25,000 | 2024 | COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS |
| SPECIAL OLYMPICS MONTANA | GREAT FALLS, MT | $20,000 | 2024 | 2023 MT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AND WINTER ACTIVITIES |
| AID THE SILENT | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $20,000 | 2024 | CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACILITY |
| SAN ANTONIO AREA FOUNDATION | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $10,500 | 2024 | UNDERWATER RESCUE AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT |
PROJECT JONATHAN FUND FOR PRECISION MEDICINE IN IBD
PROJECT JONATHAN FUND FOR PRECISION MEDICINE IN IBD
RESTORATION OF THE UNION OIL DC3 EXHIBIT
VESTERHEIM MUSEUM
$50,000COMPLETION OF THE FOUNDRY HOUSE IN THE FOLK MUSEUM
MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$50,000COMPLETION OF THE CHARLES RUSSELL GALLERY AND THE MONTANA FIREARMS COLLECTION
USO SAN ANTONIO
$40,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR SOLOR ENERGY SYSTEM
MIRACLE LEAGUE OF NW MONTANA
$30,000REFURBISHMENT OF THE TURF AT THE MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD AT KIDSPORTS COMPLEX
FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
$25,000COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
BIGFORK YOUTH BASEBALL INC
$25,000CONTRUCTION OF THE BIGFORK BASEBALL FACILITY
RESTORATION OF THE UNION OIL DC3 EXHIBIT
FRIENDS OF FERNDALE MT FIRE
$25,000RADIO COMMUNICATIONS UPGRADE
CIBOLO CENTER FOR CONSERVATION
$15,000CONSTRUCTION OF A GREENHOUSE
SISTERDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
RELIEF, SUPPLIES, AND SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE JULY 4TH FLOODING
MOUNTAIN HOME FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
HUNT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
BIGFORK FOOD BANK
$10,000FOOD SUPPLIES
COMFORT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
BIGFORK FOOD BANK
$10,000FOOD SUPPLIES
FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
$10,000COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
TURTLE CREEK FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
NORTHWEST MONTANA VETERANS STAND DOWN & FOOD PANTRY
$10,000FOOD SUPPLIES & REPAIR OF FREEZER EQUIPMENT
INGRAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
$10,000EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
BIGFORK LADIES SERVICE CLUB
$10,000SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
BIGFORK LADIES SERVICE CLUB
$10,000SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB
$7,500AED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
L'ARCHE JACKSONVILLE
$7,000REPLACEMENT/REMODEL OF THE KITCHEN IN GRATEFUL HOUSE, JACKSONVILLE
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN HOME
$6,000STORAGE CONTAINER FOR FARM AND LIVING EQUIPMENT
BIGFORK PLAYHOUSE CHILDREN'S THEATER
$5,125PURCHASE OF IPADS FOR THE SHOW BAND
ALANO CLUB OF KALISPELL INC
$5,000INSTALLATION OF NEW HVAC EQUIPMENT
VISION GUIDE DOGS
$5,000MATCH FOR ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
NORTHWEST MONTANA VETERANS STAND DOWN & FOOD PANTRY
$5,000FOOD SUPPLIES & THANKSGIVING TURKEYS
SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
$5,000INSTALLMENT OF A APOLLO COMMAND MODULE
COATS FOR KIDS KALISPELL
$5,000CHILDRENS WARM COATS
FIRST TEE OF SAN ANTONIO
$5,000GRANTS FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR EQUIPMENT, TOURNAMENT FEES, AND LESSONS
FLATHEAD SHELTER FRIENDS INC
$4,000INTERCOM SYSTEM AT THE FACILITY
ALANO CLUB OF KALISPELL INC
$3,250PURCHASE OF KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND SIX NEST SECURITY CAMERAS FOR CLUB FACILITIES
IMAGINEIF LIBRARY FOUNDATION
$3,000BIGFORK LIBRARY 3D PRINTER AND ACCESSORIES & ELECTRIC SNOWBLOWER
SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
$84,595EXHIBIT LIGHTING MATCHING DONATION
USO SAN ANTONIO
$80,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
NORTH LAKE COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION
$35,000LIBRARY REMODELING FUND
ST SIMON ISLAND ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
$25,000SPORTS COMPLEX AT MALLERY PARK
FLATHEAD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
$25,000COMMUNITY SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
2023 MT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AND WINTER ACTIVITIES
SAN ANTONIO AREA FOUNDATION
$10,500UNDERWATER RESCUE AND RECOVERY EQUIPMENT