Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Boca Raton, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $9.5 million in 55 grants; the typical grant was $150,000 and the largest $1.1 million. 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$9.5 million
- Number of grants55
- Typical grant$150,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$24.1 million
- New grantees36%
Giving in 2025 was up from $9.2 million the year before.
36% 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 | $8.6 million | 63 | $28.3 million |
| 2024 | $9.2 million | 52 | $16.3 million |
| 2025 | $9.5 million | 55 | $24.1 million |
How to apply
Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc 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 Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 20 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 9 | $2.3 million |
| District of Columbia | 11 | $2.2 million |
| Virginia | 8 | $1.0 million |
| Texas | 3 | $700,000 |
| California | 4 | $545,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $375,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $350,000 |
| Arizona | 2 | $300,000 |
| Ohio | 2 | $203,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $200,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Institute | Education/public policy | $1.1 million |
| Texas Public Policy Foundation | Energy policy | $575,000 |
| Real Clear Foundation | Education | $400,000 |
| University of Notre Dame | Education | $350,000 |
| George Mason University FDTN - the Mercatus Center | Education | $300,000 |
| New Civil Liberties Alliance | Public policy | $300,000 |
| VMTS Education Inc | Public policy | $300,000 |
| Pacific Research Institute | Research | $270,000 |
| Fdrlst Media Foundation | Public policy | $250,000 |
| Heterodox Academy | Education | $250,000 |
| The Graduate Center Foundation Inc | Education | $250,000 |
| Unleash Prosperity Inc | Public policy | $230,000 |
| The Federalist Society | Public policy | $210,000 |
| American Enterprise Institute | Public policy | $200,000 |
| Clemson University | Education | $200,000 |
| Government Accountability Institute | Public policy | $200,000 |
| Princeton University | Education | $200,000 |
| The Foundation for Cultural Review | Public policy | $200,000 |
| Foundation for the Constitution | Education | $175,000 |
| Duke University | Education | $165,000 |
| American Legislative Exchange Council | Public policy | $150,000 |
| American Watchdogs Inc | Public policy | $150,000 |
| Arizona State University | Education | $150,000 |
| Atlas Economic Research FDTN | Public policy | $150,000 |
| Center for American Greatness | Education | $150,000 |
| Defense of Freedom Institute | Public policy | $150,000 |
| Freedom Foundation | Public policy | $150,000 |
| Intercollegiate Studies Institute | Education | $150,000 |
| President & Fellows of Harvard College | Education | $150,000 |
| State Policy Network | Public policy | $150,000 |
| The Claremont Institute | Education | $150,000 |
| The Daily Caller News Foundation | Education | $150,000 |
| The Heritage Foundation | Public policy | $150,000 |
| Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation | Education | $120,000 |
| Kenyon College | Education | $103,000 |
| CO2 Coalition | Ecology | $100,000 |
| Fair Elections Fund | Public policy | $100,000 |
| Miami University | Education | $100,000 |
| New York University | Education | $100,000 |
| Prager U Foundation | Education | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas W Smith
- Lori Smith Curley
- Diane G Smith
- James Piereson
- Victoria McKenzie
- Thomas McWilliams
- Randall Gilberd
- Thomas Tryforos
Questions people ask
Does Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc give?
$9.5 million in tax year 2025, across 55 grants, with a typical grant of $150,000.
Who runs Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Thomas W Smith (President & Chairman), Lori Smith Curley (Trustee), Diane G Smith (Vice President, Trustee) and James Piereson (Trustee/Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Thomas W Smith Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and arts and culture.