Private foundation · Nashville
Henry Laird Smith Foundation
This foundation says it only funds groups it chooses itself. Don't send an unsolicited application. If your work fits, the usual path is an introduction through someone the foundation already knows, such as a board member or a current grantee. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 33 totaling $548K
- Typical grant
- $1,250 to $18K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $5,000, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Williamson County · plus 16 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 18% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 6 of 33.
- Total giving that year
- $601K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $601K | $548K | 33 |
| 2024 | $623K | $590K | 33 |
| 2023 | $692K | $645K | 33 |
How to apply
The foundation's filing doesn't describe how to apply. Look for a website, or send a short letter asking whether it accepts requests.
Board and officers
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- Equitable Trust CompanyCo-trustee
- Overton T SmithTrustee
- Russell O StewartTrustee
- Ellen SmithTrustee
- Jeannette WarnerTrustee
- Sloan Warner JrTrustee
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Groups it already funds are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Harvest | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $150K |
| The Land Trust for Tennessee | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $106K |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $50K |
| Nashville Tree Foundation | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $30K |
| Harpeth Hall School | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $26K |
| Travelers Rest | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $21K |
| Heritage Foundation | Franklin, Williamson County | Donation | $20K |
| The Welcome Garden | Goodlettsville, Davidson County | Donation | $18K |
| Christ Church Cathedral | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $18K |
| St George's Episcopal Church | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $15K |
| St Luke's Community House | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $15K |
| The Hermitage | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $11K |
| Alive Hospice | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $10K |
| Saint Augustine Chapel | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $10K |
| Siloam Family Health Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $10K |
| Nashville Symphony | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $6,000 |
| Meharry Medical College | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $5,000 |
| Ronald Mcdonald House Charities | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $5,000 |
| YWCA of Middle Tennessee | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $5,000 |
| Cheekwood | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $2,500 |
| Vanderbilt College of Arts & Sciences | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $2,500 |
| Vanderbilt Law School | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $2,500 |
| Friends of Warner Parks | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $2,000 |
| Nashville Opera | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $1,250 |
| Nashville Public Television | Nashville, Davidson County | Donation | $1,250 |