Areas of focus
Provide funding for youth and education programs that support a positive environment for youth development and enrich the quality of life for youth.
Programs can include a variety of fields involving but not limited to education, sports, music, and after-school programs.
Support programs that challenge youth to deal successfully with barriers that may prevent them from succeeding.
Providing opportunities for youth to have a successful life is a focal point for the Smith Foundation.
Matching grants are of special interest.
Application Process
Grant submissions are reviewed two times a year: February and August.
To assist with the review processes, grant requests should be submitted by January 15 and July 15.
If an organization has a need that does not align with the review periods, please email us at admin@lesterandrobertasmithfoundation.org, so that we can visit with you about the opportunity.
We require a one-page cover letter to be included with the online submission along with the information requested below.
Absence of information will result in delaying the application process.
To be eligible, a charity must hold a 501(c)(3) non-profit status as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Tucson or Southern Arizona.
The Lester and Roberta Smith Foundation reserves the right to change the application criteria at any time.
The organization and/or project must not duplicate or significantly overlap the work of public agencies on the federal, state, or local level.
The organization must serve the community without discrimination based on age, color, citizenship, disability, gender, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation.
The organization must keep accounting books available for regular independent outside audit and make the results available upon request.
The organization must comply with applicable laws regarding registration and reporting.
The organization must exhibit the highest standards of business and ethical conduct.
Funds cannot be used for traditional operating expenses or deficits, brick and mortar projects or multi-year grant commitments.
Information you will need for Application
Organization Name:
Mission of the Organization:
Copy of Article of Incorporation (Attachment)
Copies of the organization’s 990 for the last two years. (Attachment)
Ages of Individuals Benefiting from the Grant
a. Pre-K
b. K-6
c. Middle School
d. High School
e. All of the Above
Amount of Request:
Submission Letter of Interest (Attached)
If approved, how will the funds be used? Please describe the nature and scope of the proposed program and anticipated results. (No more than 1000 words)
Preliminary timetable. (Attachment)
Preliminary budget outline (Attachment)
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Title:
Street Address:
City:
Zip:
Daytime Phone:
E-Mail:
Reporting Requirements
Funds provided by the Lester and Roberta Smith Foundation must be used only for the purpose specified in the application submitted.
Funds will be dispensed upon approval.
Within 60 days of the funds being awarded, the beneficiary must provide Lester and Roberta Smith Foundation a letter describing the results and/or photos of the activities or program, an accounting in reasonable detail of the use of the grant.
Failure by an applicant to comply with these requirements will make it likely that future requests will not be considered.
Application Submission
Each request for financial support is individually considered. While we would very much like to honor all requests, we regret that we are unable to do so. No applicant should interpret our inability to act favorably on a request as a failure to appreciate or recognize the value or level of effort, dedication, or achievement involved with the organization requesting support.
