John and Gwen Smart Foundation
Preselected recipients only
John and Gwen Smart Foundation is a private foundation in Lisle, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.4 million in 18 grants; the typical grant was $112,500 and the largest $500,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$3.4 million
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$112,500
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$86.7 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2024 was down from $3.4 million the year before.
27% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2.9 million | 22 | $82.8 million |
| 2023 | $3.4 million | 21 | $73.6 million |
| 2024 | $3.4 million | 18 | $86.7 million |
How to apply
John and Gwen Smart 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 John and Gwen Smart Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 9 | $1.8 million |
| New York | 7 | $955,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $500,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $120,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Usher III Initiative Inc | General operations | $500,000 |
| New York Women's Foundation | General operations | $450,000 |
| Stanford University | Metastatic breast cancer research | $420,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | San andreas corrido | $350,000 |
| Stanford University | Byers eye institute | $300,000 |
| Stanford University | Allen morgan standish library fund | $300,000 |
| Rogosin Institute Inc | General operations | $210,000 |
| Stanford University | Parkinson's research | $150,000 |
| American Nurses Foundation | General operations | $120,000 |
| Creativity Explored | General operations | $105,000 |
| Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary | General operations | $100,000 |
| Cornell University | Weill cornell medicine COVID 19 | $85,000 |
| Women in Need Inc | General operations | $80,000 |
| Three Jewels Outreach Center Inc | Nandi yoga project | $50,000 |
| Kqed Inc | General operations | $50,000 |
| Cultural Activism International Project Inc | Reg earthe project | $50,000 |
| Day One New York Inc | General operations | $30,000 |
| High Plateau Humane Society | General operations | $30,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William Oswald
- Ellen Oswald
- Nancy Smart
Questions people ask
Does John and Gwen Smart Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John and Gwen Smart Foundation give?
$3.4 million in tax year 2024, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $112,500.
Who runs John and Gwen Smart Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists William Oswald (Secretary and Director), Ellen Oswald (Treasurer and Director) and Nancy Smart (President and Director).
What does John and Gwen Smart Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and science and research.