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    5. Carolyn Smith Foundation
    Carolyn Smith Foundation logo

    Carolyn Smith Foundation

    ActivePhilanthropy & Voluntarism
    HENDERSONVILLE, TNWebsite9102200313

    About Carolyn Smith Foundation

    The Carolyn Smith Foundation concentrates its giving on biomedical research, demonstrated by a single large grant to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for medical research. The foundation appears to fund research at an academic medical center in its region rather than a broad mix of causes. Its giving is targeted and institution-focused rather than dispersed across many organizations.

    Focus Areas

    Medical research at Vanderbilt University Medical CenterBiomedical/clinical research funding in the Nashville/Hendersonville regionLarge single-grant support to academic medical institutions

    Who They Fund

    children and youth (including disabled and displaced/orphaned youth)low-income individuals and familiespeople experiencing homelessnesspeople with substance use disordersolder adults with Alzheimer's / dementia patientsmilitary families / children of fallen service members

    About Carolyn Smith Foundation

    A single medical-research line dominates the Carolyn Smith Foundation’s recent giving: the largest grant on file is $360,000 to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for medical research, following similarly sized awards of $300,000 in 2024 and $250,000 in 2023. That pattern points to sustained support for biomedical work at an academic medical center in Nashville rather than broad, diversified grantmaking. The foundation’s recent list also shows other research-oriented commitments, including $200,000 to Cure San Filippo Foundation and $100,000 to Every Cure Inc., both tied to health and medical research. Beyond research, the foundation makes targeted local awards in Middle Tennessee. Its grant list includes support for Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, food access organizations in Nashville, and services for people experiencing homelessness. Grants also extend to children’s medical needs, dementia-related support, and addiction treatment, showing a mix of institutional research funding and selected direct-service or community-based awards. With annual grants of $9.2 million and a local geographic scope, the foundation gives in concentrated amounts rather than across many small recipients.

    What Carolyn Smith Foundation Funds

    Biomedical research is the foundation’s clearest focus. In 2025, it gave $360,000 to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for medical research, and the same institution received $300,000 in 2024 and $250,000 in 2023. It also supported Cure San Filippo Foundation with $200,000 in 2025 for medical research. The foundation also funds food security and basic needs. Recent grants include $100,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank for food to poor families, $100,000 to Inspiritus Inc. for food bank work, and $75,000 to One Generation Away to distribute healthy foods to people in need. Community support appears in several other areas. Nashville Rescue Mission received $100,000 for helping people who are homeless, while Gallatin Day Care Center received $95,000 for childcare for low-income families. The foundation also gave $50,000 to Shatterproof for addiction treatment.

    How Carolyn Smith Foundation Gives

    Typical grants cluster around five figures, with a p25 of $5,000, a median of $10,000, and a p75 of $24,250. The recent list also shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Cure San Filippo Foundation, Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville Rescue Mission, and Equal Chance for Education. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-off awards. The foundation is a regular funder, not a DAF, and it does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. One active cycle accepts unsolicited applications for operational grants, while the fall cycle is invitation-only.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $4.9M

    Total Assets

    $2.1M

    Total Revenue

    $6.6M

    Total Expenses

    $5.1M

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $5K and $24K, with a median of $10K.

    25th Percentile

    $5K

    Median

    $10K

    75th Percentile

    $24K

    Geographic Reach

    Local14 states funded
    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

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    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceYour privacy choicesEnvironmental footprintSystem Status
    EIN (Tax ID): 81-4706113Latest Form 990: 2026Total assets: $2.1M4 filings on recordFind their full 990 filing →
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    regional communities (Tennessee / local & regional beneficiaries)

    Giving Approach

    Highly concentrated: one large grant to a single beneficiary (institutional medical research), suggesting occasional substantial, targeted gifts rather than many small or diversified grants.

    Funding Style

    direct service / program supportresearch grants (medical/scientific)project-based / place-focused fundingmulti-issue / holistic giving

    Notable grantees: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Topics

    medical research (including disease-specific research like cystic fibrosis)pediatric healthcare and critical-illness support (medical care for children, wish-granting)homelessness prevention and affordable/low-income housingfood security and meal distribution to low-income familiesaddiction treatment and substance use recovery servicesconservation and land/water protection & restoration (regional/TN focus)support for military families / children of fallen soldiers

    Where Carolyn Smith Foundation Makes Grants

    Giving is heavily centered in Tennessee, where 81% of grants go and where the foundation gives most often. Nashville appears repeatedly, including grants to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Nashville Rescue Mission. Hendersonville also appears in the recent list through Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center. Outside Tennessee, recent grants reached Columbia, South Carolina; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; New York, New York; and Norwalk, Connecticut. The country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Carolyn Smith Foundation

    What kinds of work does the Carolyn Smith Foundation support most often?

    The clearest pattern is medical research, especially through Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Recent grants also show support for food security, homelessness services, children’s medical needs, dementia-related support, addiction treatment, and local arts preservation.

    What is the typical grant size?

    Typical awards are modest to mid-sized: the p25 is $5,000, the median is $10,000, and the p75 is $24,250. Recent grants also include larger strategic awards, such as $360,000 and $300,000.

    Does the foundation accept unsolicited applications?

    Yes, for the Spring Cycle – Operational Grants. That cycle accepts open applications from U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners, with priority for organizations rooted in Middle Tennessee. The Fall Cycle is invitation-only.

    Where does the foundation give most of its grants?

    Tennessee is the main giving state, accounting for 81% of grants. Nashville is a recurring recipient city, and Hendersonville also appears in the recent grants list.

    What kinds of organizations receive support from the foundation?

    Recent grantees include an academic medical center, food banks, homeless services, a day care center, a youth mentoring organization, a health nonprofit, and an arts and cultural center. The pattern is concentrated but includes both research institutions and direct-service nonprofits.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2026

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Carolyn Smith Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Opening soonCloses Mar 1, 2027Award: Operational Grants

    Spring Cycle – Operational Grants

    Economic prosperityAffordable and accessible housingFood security and hunger relief+10 more

    Who can apply: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, primarily serve Middle Tennessee with emphasis on Davidson and Sumner Counties, and have operated for at least two years. Fiscally sponsored organizations are eligible. The foundation does not fund individuals, political parties or candidates, religious organizations seeking funding for a religious purpose, or organizations that unlawfully discriminate or are hostile toward people based on age, religion, gender, ethnicity, or orientation.

    Deadline: February 1–March 1 each year; the 2026 cycle is closed and applicants should check back February 1, 2027.

    View & apply

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    The StoreNashville, TN$225,0002026Provide food for needy
    Gallatin Shalom ZoneGallatin, TN$200,0002026Aid children & families
    Cure Sanflippo FoundationColumbia, SC$200,0002026Medical Research
    Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, TN$200,0002026Medical research
    Inspiritus IncNashville, TN$150,0002026Food Bank
    Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TNNashville, TN$100,0002026Food to poor families
    Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, TN$100,0002026Medical research
    Grace Place Ministry IncHendersonville, TN$100,0002026Safe home for mothers & children
    UNC Health FoundationChapel Hill, NC$100,0002026Provide health care
    Nashville Rescue MissionNashville, TN$100,0002026Help people that are homeless
    Siloam HealthNashville, TN$100,0002026Assist needy through health care
    Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders AssocNew York, NY$100,0002026Improve lives of alzheimer patients
    Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, TN$100,0002026Medical research
    FiftyForwardSenior Citizens IncNashville, TN$100,0002026Programs assist adults
    Nashville Public Media IncNashville, TN$83,0002026Supported civic news organization
    Corner to CornerNashville, TN$75,0002026Create opportunities for economic growth
    Martha O'Bryan CenterNashville, TN$75,0002026Moving people out of poverty
    Community Resource CenterNashville, TN$75,0002026Provide essentail items for the needy
    Equal Chance for EducationNashville, TN$62,5002026Provide equal opportunity education
    Abe's Garden CommunityNashville, TN$60,0002026Improve lives of Alzheimer Patients
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TennesseeNashville, TN$60,0002026Youth mentoring programs
    A SOLDIER'S CHILD FOUNDATIONSMYRA, TN$50,0002026SUPPORT FALLEN SOLDIER'S CHILDREN
    ShatterproofNorwalk, CT$50,0002026Addiction treatment
    Harpeth ConservancyBrentwood, TN$50,0002026Provide clean water & ecosystems
    Siloam HealthNashville, TN$50,0002026Assist needy through health care
    Grace Place Ministry IncHendersonville, TN$50,0002026Safe home for mothers & children
    St Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphis, TN$50,0002026Assist children with medical needs
    West Nashville Dream CenterNashville, TN$50,0002026Protect & empower those in distress
    Mother to MotherNashville, TN$50,0002026Provides homeless items to children
    Habitat for Humanity of Greater NashvilleNashville, TN$50,0002026Provide low-income housing needs
    The Nature Conservancy TennesseeBrentwood, TN$40,0002026Help conserve TN lands, waters
    Special Olympics TennesseeNashville, TN$40,0002026Sports training for disabled
    Community Care FellowshipNashville, TN$40,0002026Offer hope, love, & resources
    One Generation AwayFranklin, TN$40,0002026Distribute healthy foods to needed
    Project ReturnNashville, TN$40,0002026Assist the previously incarcerated
    Conexion AmericasNashville, TN$35,0002026Human services - minority
    Mid-Cumberland Human Resource AgencyAshland City, TN$30,0002026Providing knowledge and resources to improve quality of life
    WO Smith Community Music SchoolNashville, TN$30,0002026Aid children low-income
    AncoraGoodlettsville, TN$30,0002026Provide relief for human trafficking survivors & combat human trafficking in Middle Tennessee
    Gallatin CARESGallatin, TN$30,0002026Help low-income people
    Feed SumnerGallatin, TN$30,0002026Serve & feed people of Sumner County
    YMCA Nashville & Middle TNNashville, TN$30,0002026Help people grow spirit, mind, body
    Nashville Symphony AssociationNashville, TN$30,0002026Inspires, educates through music
    The StoreNashville, TN$30,0002026Provide food for needy
    Hope Family Health ServicesWestmoreland, TN$30,0002026Provide affordable healthcare to all
    AncoraGoodlettsville, TN$30,0002026Provide relief for human trafficking survivors & combat human trafficking in Middle Tennessee
    Monroe Harding IncNashville, TN$30,0002026Orphanage for displaced youth
    The Community Foundation of Middle TNNashville, TN$30,0002026Human services - local community
    Monthaven Arts and Cultural CenterHendersonville, TN$27,5002026Preserve local & regional art
    TennGrand Land ConservancyNashville, TN$25,0002026Conservation basements, restoration

    The Store

    $225,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provide food for needy

    Gallatin Shalom Zone

    $200,000
    Gallatin, TN2026

    Aid children & families

    Cure Sanflippo Foundation

    $200,000
    Columbia, SC2026

    Medical Research

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    $200,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Medical research

    Inspiritus Inc

    $150,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Food Bank

    Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN
    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Food to poor families

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Medical research

    Grace Place Ministry Inc

    $100,000
    Hendersonville, TN2026

    Safe home for mothers & children

    UNC Health Foundation

    $100,000
    Chapel Hill, NC2026

    Provide health care

    Nashville Rescue Mission

    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Help people that are homeless

    Siloam Health

    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Assist needy through health care

    Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Assoc

    $100,000
    New York, NY2026

    Improve lives of alzheimer patients

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Medical research

    FiftyForwardSenior Citizens Inc

    $100,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Programs assist adults

    Nashville Public Media Inc

    $83,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Supported civic news organization

    Corner to Corner

    $75,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Create opportunities for economic growth

    Martha O'Bryan Center

    $75,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Moving people out of poverty

    Community Resource Center

    $75,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provide essentail items for the needy

    Equal Chance for Education

    $62,500
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provide equal opportunity education

    Abe's Garden Community

    $60,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Improve lives of Alzheimer Patients

    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee

    $60,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Youth mentoring programs

    A SOLDIER'S CHILD FOUNDATION

    $50,000
    SMYRA, TN2026

    SUPPORT FALLEN SOLDIER'S CHILDREN

    Shatterproof

    $50,000
    Norwalk, CT2026

    Addiction treatment

    Harpeth Conservancy

    $50,000
    Brentwood, TN2026

    Provide clean water & ecosystems

    Siloam Health

    $50,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Assist needy through health care

    Grace Place Ministry Inc

    $50,000
    Hendersonville, TN2026

    Safe home for mothers & children

    St Jude Children's Research Hospital

    $50,000
    Memphis, TN2026

    Assist children with medical needs

    West Nashville Dream Center

    $50,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Protect & empower those in distress

    Mother to Mother

    $50,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provides homeless items to children

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville

    $50,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provide low-income housing needs

    The Nature Conservancy Tennessee

    $40,000
    Brentwood, TN2026

    Help conserve TN lands, waters

    Special Olympics Tennessee

    $40,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Sports training for disabled

    Community Care Fellowship

    $40,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Offer hope, love, & resources

    One Generation Away

    $40,000
    Franklin, TN2026

    Distribute healthy foods to needed

    Project Return

    $40,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Assist the previously incarcerated

    Conexion Americas

    $35,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Human services - minority

    Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency

    $30,000
    Ashland City, TN2026

    Providing knowledge and resources to improve quality of life

    WO Smith Community Music School

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Aid children low-income

    Ancora

    $30,000
    Goodlettsville, TN2026

    Provide relief for human trafficking survivors & combat human trafficking in Middle Tennessee

    Gallatin CARES

    $30,000
    Gallatin, TN2026

    Help low-income people

    Feed Sumner

    $30,000
    Gallatin, TN2026

    Serve & feed people of Sumner County

    YMCA Nashville & Middle TN

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Help people grow spirit, mind, body

    Nashville Symphony Association

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Inspires, educates through music

    The Store

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Provide food for needy

    Hope Family Health Services

    $30,000
    Westmoreland, TN2026

    Provide affordable healthcare to all

    Ancora

    $30,000
    Goodlettsville, TN2026

    Provide relief for human trafficking survivors & combat human trafficking in Middle Tennessee

    Monroe Harding Inc

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Orphanage for displaced youth

    The Community Foundation of Middle TN

    $30,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Human services - local community

    Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center

    $27,500
    Hendersonville, TN2026

    Preserve local & regional art

    TennGrand Land Conservancy

    $25,000
    Nashville, TN2026

    Conservation basements, restoration