Grantmaking

Partnering for Community Flourishing

Strong communities grow through trusted partnerships, thoughtful investment, and a shared commitment to creating long-term change.

Our grantmaking process is designed to support organizations doing meaningful work, encourage innovation, and respond to emerging opportunities that help individuals and families thrive.

How We Fund

Spring Cycle – Operational Grants

Open Application: February 1 – March 1 each year

Operational Grants strengthen the organizational health of our nonprofit partners, expanding their impact in the community. These grants support the essential systems and structures that make your work possible.

Spring Grants Support:

After completing your Spring application, you will have the opportunity to provide additional information about creative or strategic initiatives, capital campaigns, or medical research projects that may qualify for consideration in our invitation-only Fall cycle.

Spring Cycle - Carolyn Smith Foundation

Fall Cycle – Invitation-Only Grants

The Fall cycle takes a deeper dive with select partners identified through the Spring process or through proactive outreach. These grants support high-impact opportunities that require additional focus or specialized investment.

Fall Grants Support:

Our 2026 Funding Priorities

We welcome partnerships across multiple issue areas, with a focus on opportunities that build long-term pathways toward community flourishing.

Cycle of Economic Prosperity

Economic Prosperity

Sadie Photo, girl with childhood dementia

Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Additional Areas of Support

Carolyn Smith Foundation - Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare

Carolyn Smith Foundation - Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Carolyn Smith Foundation - Education.

Education

Carolyn Smith Foundation Environment

Environment

Carolyn Smith Foundation Healthcare

Healthcare

Elegibility

To be considered for funding, organizations must:

What We Do Not Fund

Apply for a Grant

Spring Cycle applications open February 1 – March 1 each year.

Use the link below to access our grant portal, create an account, or return to an existing application.