Smart Family Foundation Of New York

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,935,500 (2023)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $175,000 (per recent 990-PF records)
• Total Assets: $49.8 million
• Number of Grants: 78 awards (2023)
• Geographic Focus: United States (primarily New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, per recent 990-PF records)

Contact Details

Address: 100 Connell Dr Ste 2200, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922-2741

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or publicly listed contact information. Organisations seeking to apply should research application procedures through foundation databases or direct inquiry to the registered address.

Overview

The Smart Family Foundation of New York is a private family foundation with total assets of approximately $49.8 million and annual giving of $2.9 million. The foundation is governed by three trustees—Mary Smart, David Stone, and Jim Danatos—who are actively involved in its grantmaking decisions. Based on recent 990-PF records, the foundation supports organisations primarily in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with grantmaking reaching organisations across 11 states.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Based on recent 990-PF records:

• Individual grants have ranged from approximately $5,000 to $175,000, with a median award of $25,000 and an average of approximately $37,635
• The foundation made 78 grants in 2023, totalling $2,935,500

Priority Areas

While the foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus in its public records, grant recipients have included:

• Educational institutions and universities (including New York University)
• Jewish and cultural organisations (including American Jewish Committee and PEF Israel Endowment Funds)
• Arts and performing arts organisations (including New Jersey Performing Arts Center Corporation)
• Science and educational media (including Science Friday Initiative)
• Social service nonprofits and community organisations

Grant-making focuses primarily on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services, per third-party sources analysing 990-PF records.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private foundation, only organisations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are eligible to receive grants.

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Mary Smart - Chair, Secretary, and Director

• Compensation: $112,500 (15 hours per week)

David Stone - President, Treasurer, and Director

• Compensation: $112,500 (15 hours per week)

Jim Danatos - Director

• Compensation: $27,500 (5 hours per week)

The foundation employs 2 staff members and is governed by the three-member board of trustees who are actively involved in the foundation's grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not maintain a public website or publicly advertised application process. Based on third-party sources, this foundation typically selects grantees rather than accepting unsolicited proposals and operates on an invitation-only basis.

Organisations wishing to be considered for funding should seek to establish contact with the foundation's trustees through professional networks or introductions.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. As a private foundation with trustee-driven grantmaking, decision timeframes likely vary based on the trustees' meeting schedule and evaluation process.

Grant History

• The foundation made 78 grants in 2023, consistent with prior years (74 awards in 2022, 73 in 2021, 74 in 2020, 77 in 2019)
• Average grant size is approximately $37,635

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only process: The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals; funding is by invitation only
• Focus areas: Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services appear to be primary focus areas based on 990-PF data
• Geographic concentration: The majority of grants go to organisations in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey
• Grantees include established institutions: Grant recipients include well-established organisations such as New York University and the American Jewish Committee, suggesting the foundation funds organisations at a range of stages
• Research trustee interests: With only three trustees making decisions, understanding their backgrounds and interests may provide insight into what resonates

References

• Smart Family Foundation of New York profile, Cause IQ (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/smart-family-foundation-of-new-york,813395492/) - accessed January 2026
• Smart Family Foundation of New York, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/813395492) - accessed January 2026
• Smart Family Foundation of New York, Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/813395492) - accessed January 2026
• Smart Family Foundation of New York profile, Grantable (https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/smart-family-foundation-of-new-york-us-foundation-813395492) - accessed January 2026
• Smart Family Foundation of New York 990 Report, Instrumentl (https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/smart-family-foundation-of-new-york) - accessed January 2026
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for EIN 81-3395492