Private foundation · Hendersonville
Carolyn Smith Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 146 totaling $4.2 million · 5 in Williamson 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
Williamson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harpeth Conservancy | Brentwood, Williamson County | Provide clean water & ecosystems | $50K |
| One Generation Away | Franklin, Williamson County | Distribute healthy foods to needed | $40K |
| The Nature Conservancy Tennessee | Brentwood, Williamson County | Help conserve TN lands, waters | $40K |
| Ella's House | Franklin, Williamson County | Support for pregnant and parenting student mothers | $2,500 |
| High Hopes Inc. | Franklin, Williamson County | Equip families skills education | $2,500 |
| The Store | Nashville, Davidson County | Provide food for needy | $225K |
| Gallatin Shalom Zone | Gallatin, Sumner County | Aid children & families | $200K |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Medical research | $200K |
| Inspiritus Inc. | Nashville, Davidson County | Food Bank | $150K |
| Fiftyforwardsenior Citizens Inc. | Nashville, Davidson County | Programs assist adults | $100K |
| Grace Place Ministry Inc. | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Safe home for mothers & children | $100K |
| Nashville Rescue Mission | Nashville, Davidson County | Help people that are homeless | $100K |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN | Nashville, Davidson County | Food to poor families | $100K |
| Siloam Health | Nashville, Davidson County | Assist needy through health care | $100K |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Medical research | $100K |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Medical research | $100K |
| Nashville Public Media Inc. | Nashville, Davidson County | Supported civic news organization | $83K |
| Community Resource Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Provide essentail items for the needy | $75K |
| Corner to Corner | Nashville, Davidson County | Create opportunities for economic growth | $75K |
| Martha O'bryan Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Moving people out of poverty | $75K |
| Equal Chance for Education | Nashville, Davidson County | Provide equal opportunity education | $62K |
| Abe's Garden Community | Nashville, Davidson County | Improve lives of Alzheimer Patients | $60K |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee | Nashville, Stewart County | Youth mentoring programs | $60K |
| A Soldier's Child Foundation | Smyra, Rutherford County | Support fallen soldier's children | $50K |
| Grace Place Ministry Inc. | Hendersonville, Sumner County | Safe home for mothers & children | $50K |