Grants

We welcome proposals from 501(c)(3) designated organizations in good standing that forward the mission and goals of the Foundation. Our grants are restricted to programs in Trenton, New Jersey, except for female teenage mentoring (Newark, New Jersey) and college scholarships for college bound students involved in ministry or are a special needs student across the state of New Jersey. Organizations may submit a proposal only once each calendar year. Proposals that fit the requirements may apply.

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Eligibility Requirements
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Learn More About How our Extended Learning Grant addresses COVID-19 Related Disparities

Organizations may apply for as many grants as appropriate, unless they are the recipient of the Forever Forward grant.

Grassroots organizations as defined by the foundation are as follows:

Grassroots organizations are started by like-minded people who are passionate about empowering communities.  They speak directly to a subsection of the community with whom are in their circle of influence.  Grassroots organizations have leadership and organizational “gaps” that may hinder their growth and support from the larger community; however, these organizations have big ideas about change but little resources to become the transformative agent that they seek to be in their community. The Smith Family Foundation is seeking to provide some of these resources to organizations who further our mission to Educate, Cultivate, and Transform lives in Trenton, NJ

  Have non-profit, tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or 509(a) of the IRS Code and be in good standing

  Be located in or provide service to communities within Smith Family Foundation service area

  Fiscal stability

  Address community needs related to our funding priorities

  Established leadership/governance

  Diverse board and staff; reflective of the community being served

  Make efforts to collaborate with other groups providing similar programs or services

  Include financial commitments from a variety of sources

  Utilize an effective evaluation plan specific to the proposed funding opportunity/initiative

  Demonstrate measurable goals and outcomes

  Must have complete 501 (c)(3) designation letter

EDUCATION

  • Academic Enrichment
  • College Prep
  • Professional Development
  • Extended School Time Programming
  • Summer Camps
  • Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

  • Leadership Development
  • Homelessness
  • Job Training
  • Summer Camp/Summer Programs
  • Parenting Skills
  • Academic Enrichment

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

  • Ministry Leadership Development
  • Ministry Capacity Building
  • Summer Bible Camp

YOUTH & FAMILIES

  • Mentoring (Young Women in Newark)
  • Youth Development
  • Fine & Performance Arts
  • Parent/Community Engagement
  • Scholarship for Students in Ministry

   Direct support of individuals

  Endowments

  School clubs/organizations, including, but not limited to bands, athletic or academic teams, booster clubs, PTO/PTA

  Meals, tickets, dues, membership fees, travel, tuition, subscriptions and other tangible benefits

  Childcare fees/subsidies or K-12 tuition

  Sponsorships, fundraisers, races, telethons, marathons, benefits, banquets, galas, golf tournaments, festivals or other events

  Feasibility studies, project research or development phases, including the cost of hiring consultants or planners

  Medical research

  Local programs in places other than Trenton, NJ. (with the exception to mentoring groups for teen girls in Newark, NJ)

  Capital campaigns