The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation is a private foundation in Manhattan Beach, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $485,370 in 24 grants; the typical grant was $27,500 and the largest $334,000. 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$485,370
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$27,500
- Largest grant$334,000
- Assets$298 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was down from $509,400 the year before.
21% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $883,889 | 7 | $193 million |
| 2024 | $509,400 | 28 | $261 million |
| 2025 | $485,370 | 24 | $298 million |
How to apply
The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet 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 John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 22 | $1.3 million |
| Oregon | 1 | $100,000 |
| New York | 1 | $201 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance | General purpose | $334,000 |
| Usopf | General purpose | $167,000 |
| California Science Center | Education | $155,717 |
| Catholic Schools Collaborative | General purpose | $125,000 |
| Lincoln County Foundation | Education | $100,000 |
| The Mission Together Church | General purpose | $100,000 |
| St Maria Goretti Catholic School | Education | $100,000 |
| Pueblo Nuevo Education and Development | Education | $50,000 |
| Vistamar School | Education | $40,000 |
| Reach Academy for Young Men | Education | $30,000 |
| Saint Sebastian Sports Project | General purpose | $30,000 |
| Wiseburn Education Foundation | Education | $30,000 |
| St Anne Parish School | Education | $25,000 |
| Teach for America | Education | $20,235 |
| Catholic Association of Latino Leaders Inc | General purpose | $10,980 |
| Hermosa Beach Education Foundation | Education | $10,000 |
| Students Run America DBA Students Run la | Education | $10,000 |
| Learning Rights Law Center | Education | $6,000 |
| American Martyrs Church | General purpose | $5,110 |
| Catholic Education Foundation | Education | $5,000 |
| Friends of St Lawrence | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Los Angeles Challenge | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Meals on Wheels America | General purpose | $526 |
| Donorchoose | General purpose | $201 |
Officers and trustees
- John H Smet
- Cynthia Lee Smet
Questions people ask
Does The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation give?
$485,370 in tax year 2025, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $27,500.
Who runs The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John H Smet (President) and Cynthia Lee Smet (Secretary).
What does The John H & Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and faith communities.