Smith County Action Fund

The Smith County Action Fund is a community grant program administered through a charitable foundation committed to enhancing the well-being of Smith County. This unrestricted endowed fund was established through the generous contributions of individuals seeking to support both present and future community needs. The Foundation’s Board evaluates the fund’s annual distribution capacity and allocates community grants accordingly. The purpose of the Smith County Action Fund is to improve the quality of life in Smith County by supporting initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission. It is designed to be flexible and responsive, addressing a broad spectrum of issues and populations. Funding is available to support projects and programs that provide community benefits, advance charitable purposes, or improve organizational capacity. Applicants can propose initiatives ranging from new program launches to capital improvements and even permanent endowment contributions tied to specific causes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government bodies, and religious organizations. Individuals or groups working on charitable projects may also apply, provided they partner with a qualified fiscal agent. If such a partnership isn’t feasible, applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation to determine their eligibility and whether additional reporting requirements will apply. For-profit entities are generally ineligible unless their application supports a clearly defined charitable purpose. Grant funding may be used for a wide array of purposes, including launching new projects or programs, professional development, organizational strengthening, equipment purchases, or capital improvements. While requests to fund endowments are accepted, these are less likely to receive funding unless they directly support a targeted initiative. Applications for operating deficits, debt retirement, discriminatory activities, political endeavors, or retroactive funding are not eligible for support. Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online grant system. The program operates in a spring cycle with a defined submission window from February 15 to April 15. Application resources such as a FAQ, brochures, instructional guides, and videos are provided to assist applicants. Grants are limited to projects conducted within Smith County. For additional information or application support, applicants are encouraged to contact Aurielle Hughes, Director, by phone at 785.686.5290. The grant cycle recurs annually, with the next expected application window anticipated in Spring 2026.

Successful applications align closely with the Foundation’s mission to improve quality of life; applicants are encouraged to demonstrate clear community impact.