SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST
Cite this
Plain text SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST. furp.org, nonprofit organization profile, tax years 2020–2024. https://furp.org/org/searle-freedom-trust-367244615. Retrieved 2026-10-25.
APA furp.org. (n.d.). SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST [Nonprofit organization profile; tax years 2020–2024]. Retrieved October 25, 2026, from https://furp.org/org/searle-freedom-trust-367244615
MLA “SEARLE FREEDOM TRUST.” furp.org, tax years 2020–2024, https://furp.org/org/searle-freedom-trust-367244615. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.
Retrieved 2026-10-25; covers tax years 2020–2024. Data: furp.org, CC BY 4.0.
2024 · Form 990PF · revenue $4.3M · expenses $21.5M · assets $22.4M
- Also known as
- C/O KINSHIP LLC
- EIN
- 36-7244615
- Address
- PO BOX 1707, MADISON, WI 53701-1707
- NTEE code
- T122
- Exempt type
- 501(c)(3): charitable, religious, educational, scientific or literary (trust)
- Ruling date
- January 1999 (when the IRS recognized its exemption)
- IRS status
- Exempt (unconditional) (IRS Business Master File) IRS data ↗
- Tax-deductible donations
- Yes: listed in IRS Publication 78 (private foundation) Pub 78 ↗
- Foundation status
- Private non-operating foundation
- Cross-check
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
Each tax year counts once: when a return was amended, only the latest return for that period is used below (superseded returns stay listed, greyed, under Finances).
People paid by the organization
9 people paid across every filing: current people first, then by total pay from this organization. Organizations counts every nonprofit each person appears on.
| Name | Latest title | Years | Latest year pay | Total pay from here | Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly Dennis | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 2020-2024 | $713,162 | $3,187,652 | 2 |
| Kinship Trust Company Llc Institution | TRUSTEE | 2020-2024 | $325,000 | $2,524,500 | 1 |
| Richard J Tren | PROGRAM OFFICER | 2020-2024 | $359,970 | $1,563,649 | 1 |
| Courtney E Myers | PROGRAM OFFICER | 2020-2024 | $362,103 | $1,490,270 | 1 |
| Jennifer E Mcdougal | OFFICE MANAGER | 2020-2024 | $126,105 | $566,014 | 1 |
| Steven F Hayward | GRANT ADVISOR | 2020-2024 | $24,957 | $139,315 | 2 |
| Stephen Moore | GRANT ADVISOR | 2020-2024 | $22,000 | $123,000 | 1 |
| James Piereson | GRANT ADVISOR | 2020-2024 | $23,740 | $113,966 | 1 |
| William H Mellor (former) | GRANT ADVISOR | 2020 | $10,764 | $10,764 | 2 |
Officers and directors, no compensation reported
3 people listed on the returns with $0 (or no amount) in every compensation column: current people first. Hours are as filed on the latest return each person appears on.
| Name | Latest title | Years | Hrs/wk (latest) | Compensation | Organizations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D Gideon Searle | TRUSTEE | 2020-2024 | 1 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Michael D Searle | FAMILY ADVISOR | 2020-2024 | 0 | $0 reported | 1 |
| Ethan O Meers | FAMILY ADVISOR | 2020-2024 | 1 | $0 reported | 1 |
People by year
2024 · 11 people listed · 8 paid, $2.0M
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY O DENNIS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $598,139 | - | $115,023 | $713,162 | 2 |
| COURTNEY E MYERS | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $288,900 | - | $73,203 | $362,103 | 1 |
| RICHARD J TREN | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $288,900 | - | $71,070 | $359,970 | 1 |
| KINSHIP TRUST COMPANY LLC Institution | TRUSTEE | 10 | $325,000 | - | $0 | $325,000 | 1 |
| JENNIFER E MCDOUGAL | OFFICE MANAGER | 40 | $109,080 | - | $17,025 | $126,105 | 1 |
| STEVEN F HAYWARD | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,000 | - | $13,957 | $24,957 | 2 |
| JAMES PIERESON | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,000 | - | $12,740 | $23,740 | 1 |
| STEPHEN MOORE | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,000 | - | $11,000 | $22,000 | 1 |
| D GIDEON SEARLE | TRUSTEE | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| MICHAEL D SEARLE | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| ETHAN O MEERS | FAMILY ADVISOR | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2023 · 11 people listed · 8 paid, $2.2M
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY O DENNIS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $569,657 | - | $108,004 | $677,661 | 2 |
| KINSHIP TRUST COMPANY LLC Institution | TRUSTEE | 10 | $650,000 | - | $0 | $650,000 | 1 |
| COURTNEY E MYERS | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $270,000 | - | $67,423 | $337,423 | 1 |
| RICHARD J TREN | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $270,000 | - | $65,595 | $335,595 | 1 |
| JENNIFER E MCDOUGAL | OFFICE MANAGER | 40 | $103,886 | - | $16,266 | $120,152 | 1 |
| STEVEN F HAYWARD | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $16,912 | $29,912 | 2 |
| JAMES PIERESON | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $14,226 | $27,226 | 1 |
| STEPHEN MOORE | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $13,000 | $26,000 | 1 |
| D GIDEON SEARLE | TRUSTEE | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| MICHAEL D SEARLE | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| ETHAN O MEERS | FAMILY ADVISOR | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2022 · 11 people listed · 7 paid, $1.4M
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY O DENNIS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $527,460 | - | $103,601 | $631,061 | 2 |
| COURTNEY E MYERS | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $250,000 | - | $58,446 | $308,446 | 1 |
| RICHARD J TREN | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $250,000 | - | $57,405 | $307,405 | 1 |
| JENNIFER E MCDOUGAL | OFFICE MANAGER | 40 | $96,190 | - | $15,787 | $111,977 | 1 |
| STEVEN F HAYWARD | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $15,707 | $28,707 | 2 |
| STEPHEN MOORE | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $13,000 | $26,000 | 1 |
| JAMES PIERESON | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $13,000 | $26,000 | 1 |
| D GIDEON SEARLE | TRUSTEE | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| MICHAEL D SEARLE | FAMILY ADVISOR | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| KINSHIP TRUST COMPANY LLC Institution | TRUSTEE | 10 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| ETHAN O MEERS | FAMILY ADVISOR | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2021 · 11 people listed · 8 paid, $1.9M
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KINSHIP TRUST COMPANY LLC Institution | TRUSTEE | 10 | $599,500 | - | $0 | $599,500 | 1 |
| KIMBERLY O DENNIS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $502,343 | - | $96,536 | $598,879 | 2 |
| RICHARD J TREN | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $238,148 | - | $54,203 | $292,351 | 1 |
| COURTNEY E MYERS | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $211,578 | - | $50,863 | $262,441 | 1 |
| JENNIFER E MCDOUGAL | OFFICE MANAGER | 40 | $91,610 | - | $14,690 | $106,300 | 1 |
| STEVEN F HAYWARD | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $15,000 | - | $16,305 | $31,305 | 2 |
| STEPHEN MOORE | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $13,000 | - | $13,000 | $26,000 | 1 |
| JAMES PIERESON | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,000 | - | $11,000 | $22,000 | 1 |
| D GIDEON SEARLE | TRUSTEE | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| MICHAEL D SEARLE | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| ETHAN O MEERS | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
2020 · 12 people listed · 9 paid, $2.2M
| Name | Title | Hrs/wk | From org | From related | Other | Total | Orgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KINSHIP TRUST COMPANY LLC Institution | TRUSTEE | 10 | $950,000 | - | $0 | $950,000 | 1 |
| KIMBERLY O DENNIS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $478,422 | - | $88,467 | $566,889 | 2 |
| RICHARD J TREN | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $222,569 | - | $45,759 | $268,328 | 1 |
| COURTNEY E MYERS | PROGRAM OFFICER | 40 | $174,785 | - | $45,072 | $219,857 | 1 |
| JENNIFER E MCDOUGAL | OFFICE MANAGER | 40 | $87,247 | - | $14,233 | $101,480 | 1 |
| STEVEN F HAYWARD | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,500 | - | $12,934 | $24,434 | 2 |
| STEPHEN MOORE | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $11,500 | - | $11,500 | $23,000 | 1 |
| JAMES PIERESON | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $7,500 | - | $7,500 | $15,000 | 1 |
| WILLIAM H MELLOR | GRANT ADVISOR | 1 | $5,000 | - | $5,764 | $10,764 | 2 |
| D GIDEON SEARLE | TRUSTEE | 1 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| MICHAEL D SEARLE | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
| ETHAN O MEERS | FAMILY ADVISOR | 0 | $0 | - | $0 | $0 | 1 |
Highest-paid independent contractors
2023 · 1 contractor · $91K
| Name | Location | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERARD ALEXANDER | WASHINGTON, DC | GRANTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION | $91,282 |
2022 · 1 contractor · $85K
| Name | Location | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERARD ALEXANDER | WASHINGTON, DC | GRANTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION | $84,520 |
2021 · 1 contractor · $80K
| Name | Location | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERARD ALEXANDER | WASHINGTON, DC | GRANTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION | $80,496 |
2020 · 1 contractor · $80K
| Name | Location | Service | Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERARD ALEXANDER | WASHINGTON, DC | GRANTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION | $80,496 |
Who the money went to
Grants this organization reported paying: Schedule I Part II of the Form 990, or the grants-paid list on the 990-PF. Open a year for every recipient. Recipients link to their own page when the grant names an EIN we have (990-PF grants list no EIN, so those link only on an exact, unique name and state). Grants to individuals are counted; their names are not shown.
2024 · 80 grants to organizations · $18.9M
2023 · 102 grants to organizations · $20.0M
2022 · 120 grants to organizations · $24.4M
2021 · 120 grants to organizations · $24.1M
2020 · 115 grants to organizations · $22.2M
Negative amounts are returned or refunded grants; they are listed last and left out of the totals of grants paid.
Who gave
No contributors are listed on Schedule B in the e-filed returns we have for this organization.
Finances
Newest first. Each filing: its name on one row, its figures on the row beneath. Greyed filings are superseded by a later return for the same period and are left out everywhere else on this page.
| Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Net assets | Contributions | Program revenue | Officer pay | Employees | Volunteers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · Form 990PF | ||||||||
| $4,286,637 | $21,514,414 | $22,377,003 | $21,781,694 | - | - | $956,139 | - | - |
| 2023 · Form 990PF | ||||||||
| -$220,157 | $23,569,902 | $54,469,398 | $54,076,964 | - | - | $1,258,657 | - | - |
| 2022 · Form 990PF | ||||||||
| $8,962,293 | $26,946,897 | $76,871,981 | $76,668,068 | - | - | $566,460 | - | - |
| 2021 · Form 990PF | ||||||||
| $14,770,909 | $27,413,255 | $94,348,355 | $94,171,920 | - | - | $1,140,843 | - | - |
| 2020 · Form 990PF | ||||||||
| $12,616,372 | $25,750,004 | $105,094,955 | $104,953,916 | $0 | - | $1,463,922 | - | - |
Connected to
Organizations that list some of the same people on their returns (officers, directors, key employees on this organization’s latest return), and related organizations it lists on Schedule R.
- POLITICAL ECONOMY RESEARCH CENTER INC Bozeman, MT · 2 people in common (Kimberly Dennis, Steven F Hayward)
Funders of this organization
Not reported: no grants to this organization appear in the filings we have (tax years 2010 to 2025).
Similar organizations
Ranked without any AI: same NTEE code first, then the same NTEE group; then revenue within 2x, 5x or 10x; then the same state; then similar name and mission text. Same state only · More (100)
| Organization | State | NTEE | Latest revenue | Latest expenses | Top-paid title | Top pay | Why similar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WCTC FOUNDATION INC | WI | T12 | $2,379,188 | $1,074,341 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $125,386 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x, same state |
| RAYMOND AND MARIE GOLDBACH FOUNDATION INC | WI | T12 | $6,736,395 | $3,433,122 | PRES/TREASURER | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x, same state |
| FREEDOM START FOUNDATION | FL | T12 | $2,907,686 | $50,000 | CHAIRMAN | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| BUSHY PARK FOUNDATION TRUST | FL | T12 | $2,216,910 | $160,610 | TRUSTEE | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| ARKANSAS CHAMPIONS TRUST | AR | T12 | $6,402,510 | $6,559,671 | DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| RYAN SEACREST FOUNDATION INC | CA | T12 | $2,878,635 | $2,599,121 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO | $301,509 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| HERSCHEL AND ESTHER WAXMAN CHARITY TRUST | NY | T12 | $3,000,000 | $0 | PRES | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| SEAL FUTURE FOUNDATION INC | NY | T12 | $3,597,132 | $3,450,143 | CEO (THRU 12/24) | $165,000 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| CARROT SEED FOUNDATION INC | CT | T12 | $5,007,826 | $93,093 | PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| TROON FOUNDATION | NC | T12 | $4,867,672 | $3,055,574 | PRESIDENT | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| ROBERT J TRULASKE JR FAMILY FOUNDATION | MO | T12 | $4,214,655 | $2,261,198 | PRESIDENT | $105,332 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| MANNHEIMER CHARITABLE TR | NH | T12 | $4,101,249 | $841,251 | Trustee | $37,569 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| THE TREE OF LIFE FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL INC | FL | T12 | $4,766,380 | $4,615,651 | DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| BRAIN RESEARCH FOUNDATION | IL | T12 | $3,032,233 | $3,405,331 | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO | $463,104 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| THE FRIENDS OF FOSTER CARE | VA | T12 | $2,446,035 | $2,127,886 | BOARD CHAIR & CEO | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| ERNEST L RUTH E & FRANCES E FENTRES S MEMORIAL FUND | TX | T12 | $3,724,676 | $942,371 | TRUSTEE | $69,854 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| FRANCES P BUNNELLE FOUNDATION | SC | T12 | $2,329,946 | $3,212,077 | CFO THRU 10/30/25 | $257,699 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| S&S FOUNDATION | CA | T12 | $5,500,000 | $5,115 | CEO | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| THE VERITY CHARITABLE FUND INC | NJ | T12 | $3,022,261 | $39,826 | CEO | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| SEACHANGE CAPITAL PARTNERS INC | NY | T12 | $3,735,687 | $3,267,486 | MNG PARTNER | $229,880 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| FOUNDATION FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE | DC | T12 | $3,734,471 | $3,216,357 | PRESIDENT | $227,422 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| FOUNDATION TO DECREASE WORLD SUCK | MT | T12 | $3,615,189 | $3,080,106 | President | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| KERMIT G PHILLIPS II CHARITABLE TR | NC | T12 | $5,142,964 | $3,351,361 | MANAGING DIRECTOR | $185,304 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| WILLIAM A REED AND MARY J REED CHARITABLE FAMILY FOUNDATION | MO | T12 | $2,721,400 | $2,147,012 | TREASURER DIRECTOR | $91,938 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
| THE CHARLIE & MOLL ANDERSON FOUNDATION | AL | T12 | $4,027,458 | $5,699,987 | DIRECTOR | $0 | Same NTEE code T12, revenue within 2x |
Who funds organizations like this
Grantors that funded the 100 most similar organizations. Ranked by total given to them. Foundations (990-PF) and donor-advised fund sponsors only. Same matching as Funders above (by EIN, or by name for foundations).
The full list · all similar organizations
Where the money went
Every expense line on each return, biggest first: Form 990 Part IX (with its program, management and fundraising columns), 990-EZ Part I, or 990-PF Part I. Event marks lines the organization itself describes as events. “Events” in each summary adds those lines, conferences and meetings, and the direct costs of fundraising events. Unusual is not the same as improper. Many of these patterns have ordinary explanations. Check the filing.
2024 · Form 990PF · $21,514,414 spent · pay $2,092,655 · grants $18,866,185 · events $56,011
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions, gifts, grants paid | $18,866,185 | 87.7% | |
| Pay: officers, directors, trustees | $956,139 | 4.4% | |
| Other salaries and wages | $686,880 | 3.2% | |
| Pension plans and employee benefits | $449,636 | 2.1% | |
| Occupancy | $361,793 | 1.7% | |
| Other expenses | $130,912 | 0.6% | |
| Travel, conferences and meetings | $56,011 | 0.3% | |
| Fees: accounting | $4,350 | 0.0% | |
| Interest | $987 | 0.0% | |
| Taxes | $776 | 0.0% | |
| Depreciation and depletion | $745 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $21,514,414 | 100% |
2023 · Form 990PF · $23,569,902 spent · pay $2,326,842 · grants $19,997,457 · events $62,215
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions, gifts, grants paid | $19,997,457 | 84.8% | |
| Pay: officers, directors, trustees | $1,258,657 | 5.3% | |
| Other salaries and wages | $643,886 | 2.7% | |
| Pension plans and employee benefits | $424,299 | 1.8% | |
| Other expenses | $396,730 | 1.7% | |
| Occupancy | $352,299 | 1.5% | |
| Taxes | $314,572 | 1.3% | |
| Interest | $117,062 | 0.5% | |
| Travel, conferences and meetings | $62,215 | 0.3% | |
| Fees: accounting | $1,980 | 0.0% | |
| Depreciation and depletion | $745 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $23,569,902 | 100% |
2022 · Form 990PF · $26,946,897 spent · pay $1,436,576 · grants $24,383,160 · events $59,691
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions, gifts, grants paid | $24,383,160 | 90.5% | |
| Other salaries and wages | $596,190 | 2.2% | |
| Pay: officers, directors, trustees | $566,460 | 2.1% | |
| Other expenses | $480,728 | 1.8% | |
| Pension plans and employee benefits | $273,926 | 1.0% | |
| Taxes | $230,621 | 0.9% | |
| Occupancy | $216,231 | 0.8% | |
| Interest | $113,196 | 0.4% | |
| Travel, conferences and meetings | $59,691 | 0.2% | |
| Fees: accounting | $24,952 | 0.1% | |
| Depreciation and depletion | $1,742 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $26,946,897 | 100% |
2021 · Form 990PF · $27,413,255 spent · pay $1,926,821 · grants $24,063,039 · events $25,802
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions, gifts, grants paid | $24,063,039 | 87.8% | |
| Pay: officers, directors, trustees | $1,140,843 | 4.2% | |
| Other expenses | $655,880 | 2.4% | |
| Other salaries and wages | $541,336 | 2.0% | |
| Occupancy | $306,201 | 1.1% | |
| Pension plans and employee benefits | $244,642 | 0.9% | |
| Taxes | $213,559 | 0.8% | |
| Interest | $211,307 | 0.8% | |
| Travel, conferences and meetings | $25,802 | 0.1% | |
| Fees: accounting | $9,362 | 0.0% | |
| Depreciation and depletion | $1,284 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $27,413,255 | 100% |
2020 · Form 990PF · $25,750,004 spent · pay $2,165,683 · grants $22,227,592 · events $28,663
| Line | As described | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contributions, gifts, grants paid | $22,227,592 | 86.3% | |
| Pay: officers, directors, trustees | $1,463,922 | 5.7% | |
| Other expenses | $732,453 | 2.8% | |
| Other salaries and wages | $484,600 | 1.9% | |
| Occupancy | $323,174 | 1.3% | |
| Pension plans and employee benefits | $217,161 | 0.8% | |
| Interest | $174,235 | 0.7% | |
| Taxes | $89,209 | 0.3% | |
| Travel, conferences and meetings | $28,663 | 0.1% | |
| Fees: accounting | $6,827 | 0.0% | |
| Depreciation and depletion | $2,168 | 0.0% | |
| Total | $25,750,004 | 100% |
Comments