Private foundation · Hendersonville
Carolyn Smith Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 146 totaling $4.2 million · 36 in Sumner County
- Typical grant
- $8,000 to $30,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $15,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Sumner County, Williamson County, Rutherford County, Washington County, Stewart County, Carter County, Cheatham County and 1 more · plus 19 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 45% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 60 of 134.
- Total giving that year
- $4.8 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4.8M | $4.2M | 146 |
| 2024 | $3.9M | $3.2M | 133 |
| 2023 | $3M | $2.4M | 120 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Randy smith · Gallatin · 6159733613
- What to send
- Formal request from applicants
- Deadlines
- None specific
- Limits
- Restricted to total assets
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- Randy SmithPresident
- Alexander SmithSecretary
- Jessica HaywoodTreasurer
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Human services - local community
- Health - General
- Medical research
- Provide relief for human trafficking survivors & combat human trafficking in Middle Tennessee
- Programs assist adults
- Aid children & families
- Safe home for mothers & children
- Provide low-income housing needs
Tennessee organizations it funded
Sumner County grants are listed first, then the largest. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallatin Shalom Zone | Gallatin, Sumner County | Aid children & families | $200K |
| Grace Place Ministry Inc. | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Safe home for mothers & children | $100K |
| Grace Place Ministry Inc. | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Safe home for mothers & children | $50K |
| Feed Sumner | Gallatin, Sumner County | Serve & feed people of Sumner County | $30K |
| Gallatin Cares | Gallatin, Sumner County | Help low-income people | $30K |
| Hope Family Health Services | Westmoreland, Sumner County | Provide affordable healthcare to all | $30K |
| Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Preserve local & regional art | $28K |
| Habitat for Humanity Sumner County TN | Gallatin, Sumner County | Provide low-income housing needs | $25K |
| Gallatin Day Care Center | Gallatin, Sumner County | Childcare for low-income families | $20K |
| Home Bound Meals Program (hendersonville) | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Serve the elderly population | $20K |
| Papillion Center | Gallatin, Sumner County | Offer individual & family assistance | $20K |
| Sumner County Schools | Gallatin, Sumner County | Support education in Sumner County | $20K |
| United Way of Sumner County | Gallatin, Sumner County | Help for needed | $20K |
| Kore Foundation | Gallatin, Sumner County | Provide resources for families | $15K |
| Ashley's Place | Gallatin, Sumner County | Provide services for abused children | $12K |
| Community Child Care Services | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Safe & creative environment | $10K |
| Foster Families Assistance Network | Gallatin, Sumner County | Provide resources to foster families | $10K |
| Friends of Historic Rock Castle | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Arts & culture | $10K |
| Gallatin Shalom Zone | Gallatin, Sumner County | Aid Children & families | $10K |
| Hendersonville Samaritan Association | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Help families in need | $10K |
| Safe Place for Animals | Gallatin, Sumner County | Provide care & temporary housing pet | $10K |
| Sumner County Casa | Gallatin, Sumner County | Advocates for children | $10K |
| Volunteer State College Foundation | Gallatin, Sumner County | Public community college | $10K |
| Agape to the Nations | Gallatin, Sumner County | Bringing hope to the hopeless | $8,000 |
| Girls Write Nashville | Gallatin, Sumner County | Songwriting mentorship program | $7,500 |