Robert E And Marie Orr Smith Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: N/A (No public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (Trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $38,500+
• Geographic Focus: Mid-Atlantic region (PA, VA)

Contact Details

• Administrative Agent: The Glenmede Trust Company, NA
• Address: 1650 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
• Website: None
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

The Robert E And Marie Orr Smith Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1992 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Operating for over 30 years, this 501(c)(3) private foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts on education, children's services, and community development in the Mid-Atlantic region. The foundation is professionally managed by The Glenmede Trust Company, NA, a wealth management firm that provides fiduciary and philanthropic services. With Robert Orr serving as trustee, the foundation maintains a consistent giving pattern supporting organizations that benefit children and youth, with particular emphasis on nursing education endowments, children's hospitals, and anti-drug and violence prevention programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but provides discretionary grants in the following ranges:

• General Support Grants: $10,000 - $38,500+ (based on available examples)
• Annual Recurring Grants: Available for established relationships

Priority Areas

• Higher Education: Nursing scholarship endowments
• Children's Healthcare: Children's hospitals and health services
• Youth Development: Anti-drug and anti-violence education programs
• Community Development: Playgrounds and recreational facilities
• Social Services: Community-based support programs
• Religious Organizations: Roman Catholic churches and institutions

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly documented, but based on grant patterns, unlikely to fund:

• Individual requests
• For-profit organizations
• Political campaigns or lobbying
• International programs

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: Robert Orr

Administrative Services: The Glenmede Trust Company, NA - Founded in 1956, Glenmede provides professional trustee services managing the foundation's fiduciary, tax, and philanthropic responsibilities. This professional management structure ensures systematic grant distribution and compliance with foundation regulations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation operates as a private family foundation where grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustee. Organizations are selected through trustee awareness and existing relationships rather than through competitive applications.

Getting on Their Radar

As a private foundation administered by The Glenmede Trust Company, organizations typically come to the foundation's attention through:

• The trustee's personal knowledge of organizations in the community
• Recommendations through Glenmede's philanthropic advisory services network
• Established relationships with organizations that have received prior funding

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without formal application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not documented - the foundation appears to provide multi-year support to organizations it has previously funded, as evidenced by annual recurring grants to programs like the Delaware Valley School District L.E.A.D. initiative.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented giving patterns:

• Demonstrated Impact on Children and Youth: The foundation consistently supports organizations with clear benefits for young people, particularly in education and safety
• Regional Presence: Organizations in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region align with the foundation's geographic focus
• Established Track Record: The foundation's multi-year support of certain programs suggests they value proven organizational capacity
• Catholic Affiliation: Support for Roman Catholic churches indicates faith-based organizations may have an advantage
• Professional Partnerships: Organizations working with established institutions (school districts, hospitals) appear to be favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation without a public application process - traditional grant applications are not accepted
• Focus areas strongly center on children's welfare, education (especially nursing), and community development
• The foundation provides both one-time and recurring annual support to organizations it values
• Professional management through The Glenmede Trust Company suggests sophisticated due diligence processes
• Geographic focus appears to be Mid-Atlantic region, particularly Pennsylvania and Virginia
• Faith-based (Catholic) organizations receive consistent support
• Building awareness through community presence and demonstrable impact on youth is likely more effective than direct solicitation

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Robert E And Marie Orr Smith Foundation Profile (EIN: 237709897). Accessed February 2026
• GuideStar/Candid - Robert E And Marie Orr Smith Foundation Organization Profile. Accessed February 2026
• Delaware Valley School District L.E.A.D. Program Grant Documentation - Annual $10,000 grant for law enforcement and drug education
• Historic Onancock School Community & Cultural Center Grant Announcement - July 2021, $38,500+ for playground and community development
• The Glenmede Trust Company - Foundation and fiduciary services information
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023) - Available through ProPublica and GuideStar databases