F.W. Symmes Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,102,500 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 8-10 weeks
• Grant Range: $20,000 minimum (average $62,000 - $92,000)
• Geographic Focus: Greenville County, South Carolina only

Contact Details

Website: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/symmes-foundation/

Phone:

• Susan Stall, Trustee: 864-430-0637
• Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services: 1-888-235-4351

Email: grantadministration@wellsfargo.com

Overview

The F.W. Symmes Foundation was established in 1954 by Fred W. Symmes (1879-1957), a prominent Greenville textile industrialist who organized and managed Nuckasee Manufacturing Co. and Piedmont Plush Mills between 1910 and 1950. The foundation maintains approximately $25 million in assets and distributed $1,102,500 in grants during 2024 across 12 awards. With Wells Fargo Bank serving as sole trustee, the foundation operates with a three-member Board of Trustees, including a family member as stipulated by the founder. The foundation exclusively supports capital projects in Greenville County, South Carolina, maintaining Fred Symmes' vision of strengthening the community's infrastructure and facilities for future generations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Capital Projects Grant Program: $20,000 minimum (semiannual application cycle with April 1 and September 1 deadlines)
  • Average grants range from $62,000 - $92,000
  • Larger grants up to $375,000+ for major infrastructure projects
  • All grants restricted to capital improvements only

Priority Areas

• Arts, Culture, and Humanities (cultural facilities and infrastructure)
• Education (school facilities, libraries, science centers)
• Environment and Animals (environmental and animal welfare facilities)
• Health (health education facilities and medical infrastructure)
• Human Services (facilities serving children, families, vulnerable populations)
• Public/Society Benefit (community facilities)
• Religion (religious facilities and infrastructure)
• Prevention of Cruelty (facilities supporting prevention efforts)

What They Don't Fund

• General operating expenses
• Projects located outside Greenville County, South Carolina
• Organizations that received funding within the past three years
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Projects that cannot be sustained on a continuing basis
• Program or service funding (capital projects only)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation maintains a three-member Board of Trustees as established by Fred W. Symmes, with the requirement that at least one family member remain on the board. Wells Fargo Bank serves as trustee or co-trustee.

Susan Stall, Trustee - Primary contact for grant applications and inquiries. The foundation's governance structure ensures continuity with the founder's charitable vision while leveraging professional philanthropic management through Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through Wells Fargo's grant application system. Organizations must submit complete applications by the posted deadlines. Key requirements include 501(c)(3) status verification, demonstration that benefits will primarily impact Greenville County residents, minimum request of $20,000, and evidence of financial ability to sustain the project long-term.

Decision Timeline

• Spring Cycle: Applications due April 1, decisions communicated by June (approximately 8 weeks)
• Fall Cycle: Applications due September 1, decisions follow similar timeline
• Progress reports required within 12 months of grant award or upon project completion

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, but the foundation awards 12-18 grants annually from available funds.

Reapplication Policy

Strict three-year restriction: Organizations cannot receive funding more than once every three years. This policy requires careful planning to ensure adequate funding is requested for complete project implementation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities:

• Clear capital project focus: The foundation exclusively funds "brick-and-mortar" projects. Successful applications detail specific infrastructure needs, construction plans, and permanent facility improvements.

• Greenville County impact documentation: Applications must quantify the number of Greenville County residents who will benefit and explain how the project addresses specific local needs.

• Financial sustainability demonstration: Include comprehensive budgets showing total project costs, evidence of other secured funding, operating budgets for long-term facility maintenance, and organizational financial statements.

• Relationship building through excellence: Organizations like Greenville Technical College have received over $375,000 in cumulative support since 1998, demonstrating the value of successful stewardship and timely progress reporting.

• Alignment with founder's legacy: Projects supporting educational advancement, cultural resources, underserved populations, and lasting community assets align with Fred Symmes' vision for Greenville County's development.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Capital projects only - no operating support, programs, or services funding
• Three-year restriction between grants requires strategic timing and adequate funding requests
• Greenville County geographic restriction is absolute - regional or statewide projects are ineligible
• $20,000 minimum with typical grants of $62,000-$92,000 suggests preference for substantial projects
• Progress report completion is mandatory before considering new applications
• Two application opportunities annually allow strategic planning for optimal timing
• Long-term relationships valued - excellence in previous grants builds trust for future support

References

• F.W. Symmes Foundation official page, Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/symmes-foundation/ (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Greater Good Greenville Funder Directory: https://greatergoodgreenville.org/resources/funder-directory/fw-symmes-foundation/ (accessed March 10, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN: 57-6017472): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/576017472 (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/f-w-symmes-foundation (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Upstate Business Journal, "Symmes Foundation grant boosts Greenville Tech's new health education facility," August 2024 (accessed March 10, 2026)