William and Janita Smith Foundation
Preselected recipients only
William and Janita Smith Foundation is a private foundation in Burlington, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $425,000 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $45,000. 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$425,000
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$6.3 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was down from $475,000 the year before.
50% of its 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $225,000 | 12 | $5.1 million |
| 2024 | $475,000 | 18 | $5.7 million |
| 2025 | $425,000 | 22 | $6.3 million |
How to apply
William and Janita 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 William and Janita Smith Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Wisconsin. It also paid $7,500 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 8 | $155,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $70,000 |
| Colorado | 2 | $55,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $40,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $30,000 |
| Michigan | 2 | $20,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $15,000 |
| California | 1 | $12,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Rising | General Fund | $45,000 |
| Love With Actions | General Fund | $40,000 |
| Safe Families for Children WI | General Fund | $35,000 |
| Alongsiders International Inc | General Fund | $30,000 |
| Naomis House | General Fund | $30,000 |
| The GLO House | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Embrace Grace | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Mount Zion Baptist Charitable | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Agape House | General Fund | $20,000 |
| Hogar De Vida | General Fund | $15,000 |
| Heal and Thrive | General Fund | $15,000 |
| House of Providence | General Fund | $15,000 |
| Project 82 Kenya | General Fund | $15,000 |
| Burlington Transitional Living Center Inc | General Fund | $15,000 |
| Zoe International | General Fund | $12,500 |
| C247 Fathers Arms Ministries | General Fund | $10,000 |
| Life Choices | General Fund | $10,000 |
| Hope Street | General Fund | $10,000 |
| New Horizons | General Fund | $10,000 |
| Embers International | General Fund | $10,000 |
| Bethany Vision Nepal | General Fund | $7,500 |
| Sacred Beginnings | General Fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William Smith
- Janita Smith
- Steve Jensen
- Leslie Thorngate
Questions people ask
Does William and Janita Smith Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does William and Janita Smith Foundation give?
$425,000 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs William and Janita Smith Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William Smith (President), Janita Smith (Vice President), Steve Jensen (Treasurer) and Leslie Thorngate (Secretary).
What does William and Janita Smith Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international and faith communities.