Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation is a private foundation in Potomac, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $641,821 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 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 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$641,821
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$1.3 million
- New grantees39%
Giving in 2025 was up from $213,785 the year before.
39% 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 | $159,927 | 13 | $2.5 million |
| 2024 | $213,785 | 15 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $641,821 | 15 | $1.3 million |
How to apply
Gordon V and Helen C Smith 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 Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 1 | $500,000 |
| South Dakota | 1 | $67,530 |
| Illinois | 2 | $40,091 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $15,000 |
| Maryland | 3 | $7,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 4 | $2,700 |
| California | 1 | $2,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Wesleyan University | General support | $500,000 |
| American Friends Sch of St Jude | General support | $67,530 |
| Opportunity International | General support | $40,000 |
| Cornerstone Schools of Washington | General support | $15,000 |
| Bethesda United Methodist Church | General support | $6,450 |
| Individual | General support | $5,000 |
| Tukutana | General support | $2,500 |
| Pittsburgh Kids Foundation | General support | $2,000 |
| Aetas Mirabilis Foundation | General support | $1,500 |
| The Falls Church Anglican | General support | $600 |
| Individual | General support | $400 |
| Braws | General | $400 |
| Weta | General support | $200 |
| Rock Creek Conservancy | General support | $150 |
| Mulberry School | General support | $91 |
Officers and trustees
- Helen Smith
- Gordon V Smith
- Bruce G Smith
- Douglas I Smith
- Cynthia J Skarbek
Questions people ask
Does Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation give?
$641,821 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Helen Smith (President), Gordon V Smith (Treasurer), Bruce G Smith (Director) and Douglas I Smith (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Gordon V and Helen C Smith Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and faith communities.