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Horace Smith Fund

Annual Giving
$0.3M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Horace Smith Fund

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $297,000 (most recent award cycle)
  • Total Assets: $6.91 million
  • Decision Time: ~8 weeks (March 15 deadline to mid-May notification)
  • Award Range: $10,000 - $15,000 total per student
  • Geographic Focus: Hampden County, Massachusetts
  • Number of Awards: 24 students in most recent cycle

Contact Details

Address: Bismarck Place, 16 Union Avenue, Suite 2K, Westfield, MA 01085

Phone: 413-739-4222

Email: info@horacesmithfund.org

Website: www.horacesmithfund.org

Social Media:

  • Facebook: @horacesmithfund
  • Twitter/X: @horacesmithfund

Overview

The Horace Smith Fund was established in 1899 from the estate of Horace Smith (1808-1893), co-founder of Smith & Wesson. After his death, Smith's executors used the remainder of his substantial estate "for public purposes," creating a fund dedicated to assisting deserving Hampden County students in financing their higher education. The fund was significantly strengthened in 1967 when the estate of Walter S. Barr and his wife Elizabeth was incorporated into the endowment, representing 44% of the fund's overall net worth. Today, with assets of $6.91 million, the fund operates as a 501(c)(3) private foundation that has distributed more than $5 million in scholarships over the past 20 years. In its most recent cycle, the fund awarded $297,000 to 24 individuals, including high school seniors, current college students, and graduate students pursuing advanced degrees across various fields of study.

Funding Priorities

Scholarship and Fellowship Programs

Walter S. Barr Scholarship - High School Seniors

  • Total Award: Up to $12,000 over four years
  • Annual Amount: $3,000 per academic year
  • Payment Structure: $1,500 per semester, paid directly to institution
  • Eligibility: High school seniors entering college for the first time who are residents of Hampden County, MA
  • Application Method: Online or mail by March 15

Walter S. Barr Scholarship - Current College Students

  • Total Award: Up to $12,000 (varies based on remaining undergraduate years)
  • Annual Amount: $3,000 per academic year
  • Payment Structure: $1,500 per semester, paid directly to institution
  • Eligibility: College students continuing their undergraduate studies who are residents of Hampden County, MA
  • Application Method: Online or mail by March 15

Walter S. Barr Fellowship - Graduate Students

  • Total Award: Up to $15,000 over two years
  • Annual Amount: $7,500 per academic year (originally $5,000, amounts vary)
  • Payment Structure: $3,750 per semester, paid directly to institution
  • Eligibility: College graduates continuing their education in graduate school who are permanent or qualified former residents of Hampden County
  • Application Method: Online or mail by March 15

William R. Rooney Award - Special Needs Students

  • Total Award: $10,000 over four years
  • Eligibility: Special needs students who are high school seniors entering college for the first time, residents of Hampden County
  • Named After: A past Executive Director with a desire to assist special needs students
  • Additional Requirement: Must submit IEP or 504 Plan with application
  • Application Method: Online or mail by March 15

Priority Areas

The fund focuses exclusively on supporting individual students from Hampden County, Massachusetts, pursuing higher education at all levels (undergraduate and graduate). All academic disciplines and fields of study are supported. The fund emphasizes both academic merit and financial need in its selection process.

Geographic Eligibility

  • High School Seniors and Current College Students: Must be residents of Hampden County, MA, and graduates of eligible secondary or private schools
  • Graduate Students (Fellowship applicants): Must be permanent residents of Hampden County or qualified former residents
  • The fund maintains an extensive list of eligible Hampden County high schools, including public, charter, and private/boarding institutions. Prospective applicants from schools not currently listed are encouraged to contact the fund directly.

What They Don't Fund

  • Students who are not residents of Hampden County, Massachusetts (or qualified former residents for fellowships)
  • Students below 3.0 GPA (for renewal/continuation of awards)
  • Organizations or institutions (the fund only provides scholarships to individuals)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (from most recent tax filing):

  • Wayne L. Webster - President (unpaid)
  • Anthony Giacomoni - Treasurer (unpaid)
  • Josephine Sarnelli - Clerk/Executive Director ($38,179 compensation)
  • James W. Broderick Jr. - Trustee (unpaid)
  • Teresa Regina - Trustee (unpaid)
  • Kathleen Bourque - Trustee (unpaid)

The fund operates with a small staff and volunteer board structure, keeping administrative costs low (7.0% of expenses go to officer compensation) while directing the majority of funds (82.5% of expenses) to charitable disbursements.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Deadline: March 15 (all materials must be received by this date)

Submission Methods:

  • Online submission through www.horacesmithfund.org
  • Mail to: The Horace Smith Fund, Bismarck Place, 16 Union Avenue, Suite 2K, Westfield, MA 01085

Required Materials:

  1. Completed Application Form: Available online or by request

  2. Official Transcripts:

    • High school transcript (for high school seniors and special needs applicants)
    • College transcript (for current college students and graduate students)
    • Must be sent directly from school to the fund via mail or email to info@horacesmithfund.org

  3. Three References:

    • Must be from non-relatives
    • For high school seniors: At least two should be from a guidance counselor and teacher familiar with your ability and potential
    • For graduate students: At least two should be from college or graduate school professors familiar with your ability and potential
    • References can be submitted online or by mail

  4. Standardized Test Scores (encouraged but not required):

    • High school seniors: SAT or ACT scores (use College Board code 0017 for SAT)
    • Graduate students: GRE scores must be sent directly to the fund office

  5. Personal Statement/Essay:

    • This is described as "a critical part of your application"
    • Should present who you are and who you hope to become
    • Must explain education and career goals
    • Should address financial circumstances affecting college attendance
    • Should distinguish you from other outstanding applicants

  6. Financial Information:

    • Financial profile (included in application)
    • College financial aid package (if received before March 15 deadline, must be submitted; if received after application submission but before deadline, should be forwarded to the fund)

  7. IEP or 504 Plan (for William R. Rooney Award applicants only)

Important Submission Notes:

  • DO NOT staple or permanently bind application materials
  • The fund employs encrypted data storage and secure connections for online submissions
  • If your school is not on the eligible schools list, contact the fund before applying

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: March 15
  • Notification: All applicants will be notified by mail; successful applicants are usually notified by mid-May
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 8 weeks from submission to decision

Reapplication Policy

Yes, unsuccessful applicants can reapply. The fund explicitly states that applicants who don't qualify in one cycle may submit applications in subsequent years. There is no mention of any waiting period or restrictions on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the fund's guidance and evaluation criteria, successful applications demonstrate the following:

Strong Academic Performance

  • Competitive GPA and class rank
  • Strong standardized test scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates, GRE for graduate students)
  • Awards will be based on "all available information, including academic records, recommendations, and examination scores"

Demonstrated Financial Need

  • The fund gives consideration to "both the merit and the financial need of the applicant"
  • Include college financial aid package to demonstrate need
  • Address specific financial barriers in your personal statement

Compelling Personal Statement

  • The fund explicitly states: "The 'personal statement/essay' is a critical part of your application as it helps to distinguish you from other outstanding applicants"
  • Should present "who you are and who you hope to become"
  • Must explain education and career goals clearly
  • Should address how financial circumstances affect your ability to attend college
  • Focus on thoughtful content rather than just listing activities

Quality References

  • Secure recommendations from educators who know you well and can speak to your "ability and potential"
  • For high school seniors: guidance counselor and teacher references are valued
  • For graduate students: professor recommendations demonstrating academic promise are crucial

Maintaining Awards

  • Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA (B average) to continue receiving funds
  • Complete transcripts must be submitted at the end of each semester to qualify for continued support

Application Presentation

  • Follow all instructions carefully (e.g., don't bind materials)
  • Submit all required documents by March 15 deadline
  • Ensure transcripts and test scores are sent directly from institutions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Local Focus is Everything: This fund exclusively serves Hampden County, Massachusetts residents. Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable, though graduate students can be "qualified former residents."

  • The Essay Matters: The fund explicitly calls the personal statement "a critical part of your application" that helps distinguish candidates. Invest significant time in crafting a compelling narrative about who you are and your goals.

  • Both Merit and Need Count: Awards consider both academic achievement and financial circumstances. Strong candidates demonstrate excellence while clearly articulating financial barriers to education.

  • GPA Maintenance Required: The 3.0 minimum GPA for renewal is strictly enforced. Recipients must submit transcripts each semester, so consistent academic performance is essential.

  • Reapplication is Welcome: Unsuccessful applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply in subsequent years. Use feedback from the process to strengthen future applications.

  • Modest Award Cycle: With approximately 24 awards from 297,000 in the most recent cycle, competition is likely significant. The fund has been supporting students for over 120 years and has specific evaluation criteria honed over time.

  • Direct Payment Model: Awards go directly to institutions, not students, demonstrating the fund's commitment to ensuring resources are used for educational expenses.

References

  1. The Horace Smith Fund official website - www.horacesmithfund.org (Accessed January 2025)

  2. "About Horace Smith" - Horace Smith Fund History, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/our-history/horace-smith/ (Accessed January 2025)

  3. "About Walter Barr" - Horace Smith Fund History, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/our-history/walter-s-barr/ (Accessed January 2025)

  4. "Applications for Student Scholarships" - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/applicants/ (Accessed January 2025)

  5. "High School Senior Scholarship" - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/applicants/for-high-school-seniors/ (Accessed January 2025)

  6. "Graduate Student Scholarships" - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/applicants/for-graduate-students/ (Accessed January 2025)

  7. "Scholarships for High School Seniors with Disabilities" - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/applicants/for-high-school-seniors-with-special-needs/ (Accessed January 2025)

  8. "FAQs" - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.horacesmithfund.org/faq/ (Accessed January 2025)

  9. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Horace Smith Fund (EIN: 042235130), https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42235130 (Accessed January 2025)

  10. Charity Navigator Profile - Horace Smith Fund, https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/042235130 (Accessed January 2025)

  11. "Horace Smith Fund offers scholarships and fellowships" - WWLP-22News, https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/horace-smith-fund-offers-scholarships-and-fellowships/ (Accessed January 2025)

  12. "Horace Smith Fund Offers Scholarship and Fellowship Funds" - BusinessWest, https://businesswest.com/blog/horace-smith-fund-offers-scholarship-fellowship-funds/ (Accessed January 2025)

  13. "The Horace Smith Fund Awards $382,000 to Area Students" - Western Mass EDC, https://www.westernmassedc.com/the-horace-smith-fund-awards-382000-to-area-students/ (Accessed January 2025)

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