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George D Smith Fund Inc

Annual Giving
$4.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,985,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: N/A (no public application)
  • Grant Range: Varies widely (average $290,000)
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

  • Phone: 773-341-1410
  • Address: 1525 E 53rd St Ste 502, Chicago, IL 60615-4530
  • Website: Not available
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The George D Smith Fund Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1956 and incorporated in Delaware, receiving its IRS tax-exempt status in 1958. With total assets of $53.5 million as of December 2023, the foundation distributes approximately $4 million annually through 11-13 grants per year. Founded by George D. Smith Sr., the foundation remains family-operated and focuses its philanthropic efforts on education, health and medical sciences, and information and communications sectors. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications, preferring to proactively identify and support organizations that align with its charitable objectives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants averaging $290,000 to pre-selected organizations.

Priority Areas

  • Education: Higher education institutions including universities and colleges
  • Health and Medical Sciences: Biomedicine, medical specialties, disease research and treatment
  • Information and Communications: Public broadcasting, television, communication media

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's grant history shows no support for:

  • Individual requests
  • General operating support for small organizations
  • International programs
  • Religious organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of family members:

  • Benjamin A. Smith-Donald - President
  • George D. Smith III - Vice President
  • Andrew J. Smith - Vice President
  • Geoffrey B. Smith - Treasurer
  • Sarah A. Smith - Secretary
  • Camilla M. Smith - Director

The foundation was established by George D. Smith Sr. as the major donor and continues to operate as a family foundation maintaining close control over its grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The George D Smith Fund Inc explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations" and "does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." All grants are made at the discretion of the board to organizations they proactively identify.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant history and patterns, organizations that receive funding typically:

  • Are established institutions with national recognition (Stanford, Columbia, NPR, PBS)
  • Have existing relationships with board members
  • Operate in the foundation's priority sectors of education, health, and media
  • Have demonstrated significant impact in their fields

The foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through board members' professional networks and existing relationships within the education, medical, and public media sectors.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made internally without external application processes.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since the George D Smith Fund Inc does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of their grant history reveals patterns in their giving:

  • Institutional Prestige: The foundation consistently funds well-established, nationally recognized institutions such as Stanford University Medical Center, Columbia University Teachers College, and major public broadcasting organizations.

  • Geographic Diversity: While based in Chicago, the foundation funds organizations across the United States, showing no strong geographic preference.

  • Significant Impact Potential: Recipients typically receive substantial grants (averaging $290,000) suggesting the foundation seeks to make meaningful contributions rather than numerous smaller gifts.

  • Alignment with Core Sectors: Organizations receiving funding consistently fall within education, health/medical research, or public media categories.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The George D Smith Fund Inc is a legitimate grant-making foundation with $53.5 million in assets
  • They distribute approximately $4 million annually through 11-13 grants
  • Critical: They do NOT accept unsolicited applications - all grants are invitation-only
  • Focus areas are education (particularly higher education), medical research, and public broadcasting
  • Average grant size is substantial at $290,000
  • The foundation is family-operated with all board positions held by Smith family members
  • Organizations cannot apply directly; relationships and board connections appear essential for consideration

References

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