Vivian L. Smith Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 76-0101380
• Annual Giving: $4,110,000 (2023)
• Total Assets: $66,740,659
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000
• Number of Awards: 152 grants (2023)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Houston/Harris County, TX, but also Alabama, Georgia, and other states with no geographic restrictions
• Application Deadlines: Quarterly - February 15, May 15, August 15, October 25

Contact Details

Address: 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1050, Houston, TX 77027

Phone: (713) 986-8030

Email: vlsf@vlsfoundation.com

Contact Person: Amy Meckel, Secretary/Treasurer

Overview

The Vivian L. Smith Foundation was established in 1981 in Texas and received its IRS ruling in 1984. This private grantmaking foundation, based in Houston, supports charitable, scientific, religious, literary, and educational organizations with annual giving of approximately $4.1 million from assets totaling $66.7 million. The foundation gives primarily for arts and cultural programs, education, medical research, and religious agencies and churches. While giving is directed primarily to organizations located in Houston and Harris County, Texas, the foundation maintains no formal restrictions on geographical areas or charitable fields, having funded initiatives across various cities including Austin, Dallas, and Philadelphia, and states including Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. With 152 grants awarded in 2023, the foundation demonstrates consistent philanthropic activity across its focus areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle with no specific named programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly by the board of trustees.

• Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000
• Application Method: Quarterly deadlines with written submissions
• Review Schedule: Applications reviewed at quarterly board meetings following submission deadlines

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations in the following categories:

• Arts and Cultural Programs: Museums, performing arts organizations, and cultural institutions
• Education: Educational institutions and programs at various levels
• Medical Research: Research institutions and medical programs
• Religious Organizations: Churches, religious agencies, and faith-based organizations
• Human Services: Organizations serving community needs
• Philanthropy and Voluntarism: Grantmaking foundations and volunteer programs

Geographic Scope

• Primary Focus: Houston and Harris County, Texas
• Extended Reach: Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and other U.S. states
• Official Policy: No restrictions to geographical areas or charitable fields

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals: The foundation does not make grants to individuals
• Non-Qualifying Organizations: Must be Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees who serve without compensation:

• Suzanne R. Benson - President, Trustee
• Ransom C. Lummis - President, Trustee
• Amy M. Meckel - Secretary, Treasurer
• Richard H. Skinner - Trustee
• Sandra Smith Dompier - Trustee
• Cynthia J. Adkins - Trustee
• Kirby Cohn McCool - Trustee
• Judy S. Tate - Trustee

All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity without compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Deadlines: Grants must be submitted by the following quarterly deadlines:

• February 15 (for Spring meeting)
• May 15 (for Summer meeting)
• August 15 (for Fall meeting)
• October 25 (for Winter meeting)

Submission Requirements:

• No specific application form is required
• Applications should specify the purpose of the grant request
• Must include proof that the organization is a qualifying Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) organization
• Written submissions should be sent to the foundation's office

Contact for Applications: Amy Meckel, Secretary/Treasurer 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1050 Houston, TX 77027 Phone: (713) 986-8030 Email: vlsf@vlsfoundation.com

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed at quarterly board meetings following the submission deadlines. The foundation holds quarterly meetings to review and decide on grant applications submitted by the deadline dates.

Success Rates

Based on 2023 data, the foundation awarded 152 grants totaling $4,110,000. With the quarterly application process and consistent grant activity across multiple years (160 awards in 2022, 138 awards in 2021), the foundation demonstrates active and sustained grantmaking. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Eligibility Requirements

Critical Requirement: Organizations must be qualifying Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) organizations. This is a strict eligibility criterion that applicants must meet and document in their application.

Section 509(a) refers to publicly supported charities that receive substantial support from the general public or governmental sources, rather than from a small number of donors. Applicants should:

• Ensure they have the appropriate 509(a) classification
• Include documentation of their tax-exempt status and 509(a) classification with their application
• Verify their classification if uncertain by consulting their IRS determination letter or Form 990

Alignment with Funding Priorities

Given the foundation's focus on arts and cultural programs, education, medical research, religious organizations, and human services, successful applications likely:

• Clearly demonstrate how the project fits within one of these priority areas
• Articulate the community need being addressed
• Provide specific details about how grant funds will be used

Geographic Considerations

While the foundation has its strongest presence in Houston and Harris County, it does fund organizations in other Texas cities and out-of-state locations including Alabama, Georgia, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. Organizations outside Houston should not be discouraged from applying but should:

• Clearly explain any connections to the foundation's primary service area
• Demonstrate the significance and impact of their work
• Understand that Houston/Harris County organizations may receive preference given the foundation's stated primary focus

Grant Amount Strategy

With grants ranging from $1,000 to $200,000 and 152 awards made in 2023, the average grant size is approximately $27,000. Organizations should:

• Request amounts appropriate to their project scope and organizational size
• Provide detailed budget justification
• Consider that the foundation makes both small and large grants, suggesting flexibility in funding different scales of projects

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Quarterly Deadlines Are Firm: Plan ahead to meet one of the four annual deadlines (February 15, May 15, August 15, October 25) as the foundation reviews applications on a quarterly cycle

• Documentation is Essential: Include proof of 509(a) status with your application - this is a strict eligibility requirement that cannot be waived

• No Formal Application Form: While there's no required application form, this means applicants should create comprehensive, well-organized proposals that clearly specify the grant purpose

• Broad but Focused: While the foundation states "no restrictions to geographical areas or charitable fields," giving is primarily directed to Houston/Harris County and four specific areas (arts/culture, education, medical research, religious organizations)

• Consistent Grantmaker: With 152 grants in 2023, 160 in 2022, and 138 in 2021, the foundation demonstrates reliable, active grantmaking year over year

• Wide Grant Range: The $1,000-$200,000 range suggests the foundation funds both small and large projects, making it accessible to organizations of various sizes

• Direct Contact Available: Amy Meckel serves as the primary contact and appears accessible for questions about the application process

References

• Candid Foundation Directory. "Vivian L Smith Foundation." Foundation Directory Online. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SMIT031 (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• GrantStation. "Vivian L. Smith Foundation." https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/vivian-l-smith-foundation (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• GuideStar by Candid. "Vivian L Smith Foundation - GuideStar Profile." https://www.guidestar.org/profile/76-0101380 (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• Instrumentl. "Vivian L Smith Foundation | Houston, TX | 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/vivian-l-smith-foundation (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• Grantmakers.io. "Vivian L Smith Foundation Profile." https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/760101380-vivian-l-smith-foundation/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• Cause IQ. "Vivian L Smith Foundation | Houston, TX." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/vivian-l-smith-foundation,760101380/ (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Vivian L Smith Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/760101380 (Accessed February 24, 2026)

• The Grantsmanship Center. "Vivian L. Smith Foundation." https://www.tgci.com/funder/vivian-l-smith-foundation (Accessed February 24, 2026)