W. W. Smith Charitable Trust Basic Needs Grant

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides grants to nonprofit organizations addressing critical basic needs, specifically in the areas of food, clothing, and shelter. Rooted in a strong philanthropic tradition, the Trust has prioritized support for the most vulnerable populations—namely, disadvantaged children and older adults—living within the Greater Philadelphia region, encompassing Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as well as the City of Camden, New Jersey. The Trust’s grantmaking in this area is informed by ongoing monitoring of regional needs and trends, which allows for adaptive funding strategies that remain relevant to the community it serves. The purpose of the Basic Needs grants is to provide direct assistance through programs that have a tangible impact on the daily lives of those in need. Grants are intended to fund activities such as the distribution of perishable and nonperishable food, baby formula, and prepared meals; provision of clothing or vouchers for children and older adults; and housing-related needs, including furniture, housing payments, utility bills, and repairs or equipment essential to emergency shelter or transitional housing programs. Additionally, facilities improvements are eligible if they directly impact clients’ ability to access food or housing services, such as renovations to pantries or shelters. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations classified under 501(c)(3) and must have been in existence for at least one year. Further, the organization must maintain an active service location within the specified geographic region. Applications are accepted from programs that offer direct benefits to children or seniors; the Trust notes that the further a request deviates from this core intent, the less likely it is to be funded. Grants are awarded for a one-year term, and organizations that receive funding for three consecutive years are required to wait for a two-year period before reapplying. Applications are submitted online via the Trust’s dedicated portal. Hard copy and emailed submissions are not accepted. The application deadlines are June 15 and December 15 of each year, with notifications issued during the subsequent Fall and Spring Trustee Meetings respectively—October/November for June applicants, and April/May for December applicants. Applicants unsure of alignment with the Trust’s priorities are encouraged to submit a partial draft (including program description and budget) at least three weeks before the deadline for preliminary feedback via email. While there is no formal pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept note, the Trust offers prospective applicants the opportunity to confirm alignment by reviewing draft applications submitted in advance. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a minimum of $5,000. Higher awards may be considered for specific projects upon inquiry. Funds are not to be used for activities outside the literal provision of food, clothing, or shelter unless they have a demonstrably direct benefit to the intended vulnerable populations. Contacts for additional guidance include the Trust’s official email address at [email protected] and telephone line at 610-397-1844. Organizations considering applying should start early to ensure eligibility and alignment with the Trust’s guidelines, and factor in the twice-annual submission windows and internal wait periods for consecutive awardees.