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Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.7M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
00

Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,698,236 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $89.7 million (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 21 grants awarded (2023)
  • Average Grant Size: $80,868
  • Geographic Focus: Multi-state (DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, KY, NY, OH, PA, RI, UT, VA)
  • Foundation Type: Private family foundation

Contact Details

Address: 201 E Jefferson Street, Suite 150, Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: (859) 494-0523

EIN: 84-3726366

Note: No public website or email address available.

Overview

The Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc is a private family foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky, that received tax-exempt status from the IRS in April 2020. Despite being relatively newly established, the foundation manages substantial assets of $89.7 million as of 2024 and has demonstrated significant grantmaking activity, distributing approximately $1.7 million to 21 organizations in 2023. The foundation is led by family members Scott S. Smith (President), Sean S. Smith (Vice President), Shandralyn D. Smith (Treasurer), and Victoria A. Smith (Secretary), along with Barry C. Brauch (Director), all of whom serve without compensation. The foundation does not specify particular subject areas of focus but has supported a diverse range of causes across multiple states, with particular attention to children's services, community foundations, health organizations, and family support services.

In 2024, the foundation experienced substantial growth with total revenue of $56.3 million, primarily from contributions ($50.1 million), indicating strong ongoing support from the Smith family. The foundation maintains high efficiency with 82.8% of expenses going directly to charitable disbursements.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs or publicly defined funding streams. Grantmaking appears to be conducted through trustee discretion based on family interests and priorities.

Grant Range: Based on 2023 data showing 21 grants totaling $1,698,236, individual grants likely range from several thousand dollars to over $100,000, with an average grant of approximately $80,868.

Priority Areas

While the foundation does not specify formal priority areas, known 2023 grant recipients suggest focus areas include:

  • Children and Family Services: Support for organizations like Place of Hope and National Center for Families
  • Community Development: Grants to community foundations including Palm Beach Community Foundation
  • Health and Medical: Support for health-related organizations including Alzheimer's Association
  • Geographic Diversity: Multi-state giving spanning from Hawaii to the East Coast, with concentrations in Florida, Kentucky, and major metropolitan areas

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly stated. As a private family foundation without a public application process, funding decisions are made at the discretion of the trustees based on family interests and existing relationships.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Scott S. Smith - President
  • Sean S. Smith - Vice President
  • Shandralyn D. Smith - Treasurer
  • Victoria A. Smith - Secretary
  • Barry C. Brauch - Director

All board members serve without compensation, reflecting the family foundation's volunteer-led governance structure. The leadership team consists primarily of Smith family members, maintaining strong family control over grantmaking decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Smith Brothers Family Foundation is a private family foundation that makes grants through trustee discretion. They do not accept unsolicited proposals or maintain an online application portal.

Grants are awarded based on:

  • Trustees' knowledge of and relationships with organizations
  • Family members' personal interests and connections
  • Invitation by foundation leadership

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made through ongoing trustee discretion rather than fixed application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as the foundation does not accept them.

Reapplication Policy

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

Application Success Factors

Not applicable - This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Organizations interested in support would need to:

  • Develop personal relationships with Smith family members or foundation trustees
  • Be referred by organizations or individuals already known to the foundation
  • Operate in geographic areas or cause areas that align with demonstrated family interests based on past giving patterns

Based on their 2023 grantmaking, the foundation has shown interest in:

  • Organizations serving children and families in need
  • Community foundations that can distribute funds locally
  • Health organizations addressing specific conditions like Alzheimer's disease
  • Geographic areas including Florida, Kentucky, and other states where the family may have connections

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Private Foundation Structure: This is a family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications - traditional grant writing will not be effective
  • Relationship-Based Giving: All funding appears to flow through existing relationships and trustee knowledge of organizations
  • Broad Geographic Reach: Despite being Louisville-based, the foundation supports organizations across at least 12 states
  • Diverse Interests: Past giving shows support for children's services, community foundations, and health causes
  • Substantial Resources: With nearly $90 million in assets, the foundation has significant capacity for grantmaking
  • Young Foundation with Growth: Established in 2020, the foundation received over $50 million in contributions in 2024, suggesting expanding capacity
  • No Application Burden: The foundation maintains minimal public presence and administrative requirements, focusing resources on grantmaking rather than infrastructure

References

Research conducted December 27, 2025

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