Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,698,236 (2023)
• Total Assets: $39.6 million (2023)
• 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) - based on recent 990-PF records
• 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 $39.6 million as of 2023 and has demonstrated significant grantmaking activity, distributing approximately $1.7 million to 21 organisations 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 organisations, and family support services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation does not operate formal grant programmes 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 totalling $1,698,236, the average grant was 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 (based on recent 990-PF records)

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 organisations
• 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. Organisations interested in support would need to:

• Develop personal relationships with Smith family members or foundation trustees
• Be referred by organisations 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:

• Organisations serving children and families in need
• Community foundations that can distribute funds locally
• Health organisations 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 organisations
• Broad Geographic Reach: Despite being Louisville-based, the foundation supports organisations across at least 12 states (based on recent 990-PF records)
• Diverse Interests: Past giving shows support for children's services, community foundations, and health causes
• Substantial Resources: With nearly $40 million in assets, the foundation has significant capacity for grantmaking
• Young Foundation: Established in 2020, the foundation has demonstrated consistent grantmaking activity
• No Application Burden: The foundation maintains minimal public presence and administrative requirements, focusing resources on grantmaking rather than infrastructure

References

• Cause IQ. (2025). Smith Brothers Family Foundation | Louisville, KY. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/smith-brothers-family-foundation,843726366/
• Instrumentl. (2025). Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc | 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/smith-brothers-family-foundation-inc
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. (2025). Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc - Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/843726366
• Grantmakers.io. (2025). Grantmakers.io Profile - Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/843726366-smith-brothers-family-foundation-inc/
• Grantable. (2025). SMITH BROTHERS FAMILY FOUNDATION INC | Foundation Profile & Grants. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/smith-brothers-family-foundation-inc-us-foundation-843726366
• GuideStar. (2025). Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc - GuideStar Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/84-3726366
• Charity Navigator. (2025). Smith Brothers Family Foundation Inc. | Charity Navigator Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/843726366

Research conducted December 27, 2025