The Smart Family Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Smart Family Fund is a private foundation in Lisle, Illinois. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.5 million in 32 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$42.0 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.6 million the year before.
10% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.6 million | 33 | $35.9 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million | 32 | $42.0 million |
How to apply
The Smart Family Fund 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 Smart Family Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 6 | $540,000 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $260,000 |
| Maryland | 4 | $200,000 |
| New York | 2 | $160,000 |
| Connecticut | 4 | $90,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $85,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $70,000 |
| Wyoming | 3 | $45,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $40,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Recidiviz Inc | Recidiviz funding request 2024 | $250,000 |
| Votingworks | Votingworks funding request 2024 | $200,000 |
| Lets Get Ready Inc | Lets get ready - ongoing grant 2024 | $100,000 |
| The Global Good Fund | The global good fund 2024 - ongoing grant | $100,000 |
| Career Technical Education Solutions | Ongoing support - 2024 | $70,000 |
| The Brave House | The brave house - ongoing grant 2024 | $60,000 |
| Horizons Greater Washington Inc | Ongoing support - 2024 | $60,000 |
| Blair House Restoration Fund | Ongoing support - 2024 | $50,000 |
| Kickstart International Inc | Kickstart request 2024 | $50,000 |
| Mighty Writers | Mighty writers - ongoing grant 2024 | $50,000 |
| News Literacy Project Inc | 2024-2027 multi-year capacity building 2/3 | $50,000 |
| St Johns College | Annual fund - 2024 | $50,000 |
| Maret School Inc | Annual fund - 2024 | $40,000 |
| Philadelphia Childrens Alliance | Ongoing support - 2024 | $35,000 |
| Chelseas Fund | Initial support | $25,000 |
| Darien Arts Center | Darien arts center - ongoing grant 2024 | $25,000 |
| Experience Camps | Experience camps - ongoing grant 2024 | $25,000 |
| Ford's Theatre Society | Annual support - 2024 | $25,000 |
| Horizons National Student Enrichment Program Inc | Horizons national funding request 2024 | $25,000 |
| St Johns College | Student support services - 2024 | $25,000 |
| The Network Group Inc | Initial support | $25,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park Foundation Inc | Philip merrill college of journalism scholarships - 2024 | $25,000 |
| Trust for the National Mall | Ongoing support - 2024 | $25,000 |
| Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation | Kiddo! Funding request 2024 | $20,000 |
| Trustees of Princeton University | Princeton university - ongoing grant 2024 | $20,000 |
| Norwarlk Stamford Grassroots Tennis and Education | Norwalk stamford grassroots tennis & education inc - initial grant 2024 | $15,000 |
| React DC | Ongoing support - 2024 | $15,000 |
| Capital Area Food Bank | Direct food support - 2024 | $10,000 |
| Golden Gate National Parks Association | One tam request 2024 | $10,000 |
| Grand Teton National Park Foundation | Gtnpa 2024 | $10,000 |
| Mill Valley Livearts | Throckmorton theater funding request 2024 | $10,000 |
| Wildlife of the American West | Wildlife of the american west request 2024 | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David Archibald Smart
- Roland M Smart
- Jesse Safir
Questions people ask
Does The Smart Family Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Smart Family Fund give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2024, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Smart Family Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists David Archibald Smart (President and Director), Roland M Smart (Vp/Treasurer and Director) and Jesse Safir (Vp/Secretary and Director).
What does The Smart Family Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, international and arts and culture.