James C & Norma I Smith Foundation
The James C & Norma I Smith Foundation is a private foundation located in Dallas, Texas. Its filing describes a purpose spanning arts, education, early childhood development, environment, health, aging, human and social services, and public and civic benefit in North Texas and beyond.
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation at a glance
In short: James C & Norma I Smith Foundation gave $4.3M across 37 grants in 2025 (avg $116K), top state Arizona. 11% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,275,000
- +23.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 37
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $115,541
- +23.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $76,433,079
- -25.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 11% first-time grantees (4 of 37, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Arizona (31% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to James C & Norma I Smith Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 190369, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 526-9090
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who James C & Norma I Smith Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Mayo Clinic ($700K). Together the top 10 received $2.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
170 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $50–100K range: 81 grants of 170 (48%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2025 filing shows recipients across multiple states. Arizona accounted for 31% of grant dollars, Illinois 15%, Oregon 10%, California 9%, and Texas 8%. The filing’s stated purpose refers to North Texas and beyond.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 37 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is James C & Norma I Smith Foundation open to new grantees?
11%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 37 grantees (11%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $86K; repeat grants $119K. How we count
Medians: $65K first-time, $100K repeat.
- 89% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 73% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 105% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.4M (2021) to $4.3M (2025). In 2025 it made 37 grants totaling $4.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ | General Support. | $700,000 |
| Arizona Animal Welfare League Phoenix, AZ | General Support. | $250,000 |
| Medecins Sans Frontieres USA New York, NY | General Support. | $200,000 |
| St Mary's Food Bank Alliance Phoenix, AZ | General Support. | $200,000 |
| Dion's Chicago Dream Chicago, IL | General Support | $175,000 |
| Paws Chicago Chicago, IL | General Support | $150,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Washington, DC | General Support | $150,000 |
| Birch Community Services Portland, OR | General Support | $125,000 |
| Carole Robertson Center for Learning Chicago, IL | General Support | $125,000 |
| Hospice of the Valley Phoenix, AZ | General Support. | $125,000 |
Ready to take the next step with James C & Norma I Smith Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,433,079 | $20,321,982 | $4,532,583 | $4,275,000 | 37 | $4,275,000 | $5,787,882 | $4,063,759 |
| 2024 | $101,891,224 | $43,513,006 | $3,708,441 | $3,470,000 | 37 | $3,470,000 | $40,571,778 | $4,276,847 |
| 2023 | $6,451,281 | $5,171,757 | $3,042,401 | $2,982,000 | 44 | $2,982,000 | $5,131,757 | $3,466,925 |
| 2022 | $72,872,897 | $3,965,002 | $2,523,214 | $2,475,000 | 37 | $2,475,000 | — | $2,992,453 |
| 2021 | $64,928,235 | $1,641,141 | $1,368,679 | $1,366,000 | 15 | — | $1,601,141 | $2,467,707 |
| 2020 | $32,260,048 | — | $1,543,483 | $1,541,000 | 16 | — | — | $1,367,083 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, James C & Norma I Smith Foundation reported a distributable amount of $4.1M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The filing’s stated purpose identifies arts, education, early childhood development, environment, health, aging, human and social services, and public and civic benefit as areas addressed.
The 2025 grantees show support for organizations working in several fields. The Arizona Animal Welfare League describes its mission as providing care and protection for animals and promoting humane values. PAWS Chicago describes itself as a no-kill animal welfare organization providing spay/neuter, medical, and adoption programs. St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance says it works to provide nourishment and hope in Arizona communities. Médecins Sans Frontières USA describes its work as providing independent medical humanitarian aid to people affected by emergencies and barriers to health care. World Central Kitchen says it provides meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Kitchens for Good describes its mission as transforming lives through culinary arts. The Carole Robertson Center for Learning describes its purpose as serving the benefit and functions of the Center for Learning. Birch Community Services says it works to help people meet basic needs and overcome financial difficulty.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 37 grants totaling $4,275,000. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $700,000, with a median of $100,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $700,000 to Mayo Clinic, $250,000 to the Arizona Animal Welfare League, $200,000 each to Médecins Sans Frontières USA and St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, and $150,000 each to PAWS Chicago and World Central Kitchen. The listed grants were designated for general support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists James C. Smith as president and director; August J. Nisell as executive director and director; Christina A. Nisell as secretary and treasurer; and Norma I. Smith, Joseph Whitters, and Hill A. Feinberg as directors.
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation is led by August J. Nisell, Executive Director & Director on every filing since 2022; 2 of 6 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
August J. Nisell
Executive Director & Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$27K (2022) → $100K (2025)
James C. Smith
President & Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Hill A. Feinberg
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Joseph Whitters
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Norma I. Smith
Director
Treasurer & Director → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Christina A. Nisell
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$98K (2024) → $100K (2025)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $100K, to August J Nisell (Executive Director/Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about James C & Norma I Smith Foundation
How much does James C & Norma I Smith Foundation give each year?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation gave $4.3M across 37 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $3.5M across 37 grants.
What is James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's typical grant size?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $100,000, and its average grant was $115,541, across 37 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from James C & Norma I Smith Foundation that year got $86K on average.
Where does James C & Norma I Smith Foundation give grants?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's top state is Arizona, with 31% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Illinois (15%) and Oregon (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, OR (6 grants), Chicago, IL (5 grants), Scottsdale, AZ (3 grants) and Phoenix, AZ (3 grants).
Does James C & Norma I Smith Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (37 of 37) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's largest grantees?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Mayo Clinic ($700,000), Arizona Animal Welfare League ($250,000) and Medecins Sans Frontieres USA ($200,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 27% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is James C & Norma I Smith Foundation?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation reported $76.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $4.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does James C & Norma I Smith Foundation fund?
The filing’s stated purpose identifies arts, education, early childhood development, environment, health, aging, human and social services, and public and civic benefit as areas addressed. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from James C & Norma I Smith Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's EIN?
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 71-0938986. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does James C & Norma I Smith Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS April 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 29, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 26, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds a broad range of community needs, including health, education, housing, and community development, primarily in North Texas and across Texas. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $18,800, though amounts varied widely; nearly all opportunities are by invitation, with some specific programs open for applications.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). James C & Norma I Smith Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/james-c-and-norma-i-smith-foundation-morg_c579505d1ddc48ccb358729c1ba554ba
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_710938986_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{James C \& Norma I Smith Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/james-c-and-norma-i-smith-foundation-morg_c579505d1ddc48ccb358729c1ba554ba},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from James C & Norma I Smith Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
James C & Norma I Smith Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?