Virginia Smith Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
Virginia Smith Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Chappell, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $532,750 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $285,000. 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$532,750
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$285,000
- Assets$12.0 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was up from $506,150 the year before.
22% 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 | $530,600 | 37 | $11.4 million |
| 2024 | $506,150 | 32 | $11.6 million |
| 2025 | $532,750 | 32 | $12.0 million |
How to apply
Virginia Smith Charitable Trust 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 Virginia Smith Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 31 | $530,750 |
| Colorado | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarships Paid to Post- Secondary Schools | Scholarships | $285,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Street project | $50,000 |
| Chappell Airport Authority | Runway improvement | $20,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Splash pad for pool | $20,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Ambulance - on call wages | $17,500 |
| Village of Lodgepole NE | Cemetery repairs | $15,000 |
| Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries | Sullivan hills camp | $12,000 |
| South Platte Public Shools | Student washington dc trip | $12,000 |
| Berea Lutheran Church | Support | $5,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Library equipment | $5,000 |
| Chappell Senior Center | Casbinet and ceiling fans | $5,000 |
| Solid Rock Bible Church | Food pantry | $5,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Emt support | $5,000 |
| Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Gloria Dei Lutheran Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Lodgepole United Methodist Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Chappell United Methodist Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Chappell Assembly of God Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| St Joseph's Catholic Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Solid Rock Bible Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| United Methodist Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Assembly of God Church | Operating | $5,000 |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Support | $5,000 |
| Chappell Methodist Church | Window & door repair | $4,500 |
| Creek Valley Public Schools | Weight room | $4,000 |
| City of Chappell Nebraska | Fish for pond | $2,300 |
| Chappell Senior Center | Kcts cattle guards | $2,250 |
| Succeed Inc | Chamber of commerce | $2,200 |
| Sedgwick County Mem Hosp | Clinic equipment | $2,000 |
| Zion Lutheran Church | Food pantry | $2,000 |
| Big Springs Assembly of God Church | Youth camp | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jerome E Cabela
- Kenneth Fornander
- Leonard Littlejohn
- Janet Flohr
Questions people ask
Does Virginia Smith Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Virginia Smith Charitable Trust give?
$532,750 in tax year 2025, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Virginia Smith Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Jerome E Cabela (Trustee), Kenneth Fornander (Trustee), Leonard Littlejohn (Officer/Trus) and Janet Flohr (Chairperson/).
What does Virginia Smith Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and community development.