Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund

The Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund is administered through Wells Fargo Trust Philanthropic Services and provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations serving southeastern Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on Delaware County. The fund was established from the estate of Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith in 1977. A prominent figure in Philadelphia society and active in civic life, Ethel Smith created the foundation to support community needs, especially in the areas of medical, educational, cultural, health, arts, and human services. Her philanthropic vision continues through this foundation, which adapts its funding priorities over time in response to changing community needs as determined by its trustee. Grants awarded by the fund support capital projects, special programs, and operating expenses. However, operating expense grants are usually reserved for charities that do not have capital requirements and where ongoing funding is not expected. Although there are no strict programmatic limitations, the foundation historically concentrates its funding in the six primary areas mentioned above. Applications that request funding for deficit financing, salaries, construction or renovations of real estate not owned by the applicant, professional fundraising fees, or multi-year grants exceeding three years are not considered. In addition, organizations may not receive more than one grant per year and are ineligible for funding if they have received grants for three consecutive years, until one year after the final award in that sequence. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. They must also be located in southeastern Pennsylvania, with primary emphasis given to those serving Delaware County. Applications must include a complete project budget. A progress report is required within six months of receiving the funds; failure to submit a report by the end of the grant period may result in a request to return the awarded funds and will affect eligibility for future grants. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, to be considered for review, submissions must be received by either March 1 or September 1 for the two semi-annual grant review cycles. Decisions on applications are typically communicated by June and December, respectively. Applicants will receive an automated email confirming submission. Final funding decisions rest with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., acting as trustee, with advisory input from a local committee of community members selected for their expertise in local needs assessment. The average grant size ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. While there is no publicly stated total funding pool or a specified number of awards, grants are made in amounts deemed meaningful to the applicant’s specific initiative. Importantly, organizations should not expect renewable or multi-year funding and should plan their financial strategies accordingly. Recipients of funding over a three-year period must pause applications for a year before becoming eligible again. For assistance with the application or any technical issues, applicants can contact Wells Fargo Grant Administration at grantadministration@wellsfargo.com or by phone at 1-888-235-4351. Additional information may be found on the foundation’s application portal, and prospective applicants are encouraged to start early to meet the deadlines of March 1 or September 1.