The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation is a private foundation in Bellevue, Washington. In tax year 2023 it gave $262,350 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $50,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2023.
- Grants paid, 2023$262,350
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$4.7 million
- New grantees62%
Giving in 2023 was up from $245,200 the year before.
62% of its 2023 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $245,200 | 20 | $3.8 million |
| 2023 | $262,350 | 21 | $4.7 million |
How to apply
The Lester and Bernice 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 The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 15 | $171,350 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $26,500 |
| Arizona | 1 | $25,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $17,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2023
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer | General operation | $50,000 |
| Hawaii State Junior Golf Association | General operation | $26,500 |
| The Cuyamungue Institute | General operation | $25,000 |
| Renton Schools Foundation | General operation | $20,000 |
| Global Credit Union Foundation | General operation | $17,000 |
| The Overlake School | General operation | $16,000 |
| Holy Names Academy Foundation | General operations | $11,350 |
| Children's Miracle Network | General operation | $10,000 |
| Overlake Medical Center Foundation | General operation | $10,000 |
| Providence Portland Medical Foundation | General operation | $10,000 |
| Porchlight Congregations for the Homeless | General operation | $10,000 |
| Children's Hospital Foundation | General operation | $10,000 |
| Hydrocephalus Association | General operation | $10,000 |
| Village Theatre | General operation | $8,500 |
| PRC | General operation | $7,500 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | General operations | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Children Tacoma | General operation | $5,000 |
| Toys for Kids | General operation | $3,500 |
| ALS One | General operation | $2,500 |
| King County Chapter of Credit Unions | General operation | $2,500 |
| Little Bit Therapeutic Riding | General operation | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Alexander M Smith
- Kimberly Miller
Questions people ask
Does The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation give?
$262,350 in tax year 2023, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation?
Its 2023 filing lists Alexander M Smith (Director (Part-Time)) and Kimberly Miller (Director (Part-Time)).
What does The Lester and Bernice Smith Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and youth programs.