Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc is a public charity based in Hendersonville, North Carolina, formed in 1997. It supports young children and families through family support, early literacy and kindergarten-readiness activities, efforts to improve access to high-quality child care, and community collaboration.
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc at a glance
In short: Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc gave $1.2M across 28 grants in 2025 (avg $42K), mostly in North Carolina. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,179,545
- -6.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 28
- +86.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $42,127
- -49.6% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $21,282
- Total assets
- $971,801
- +135.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (12 of 28, 2025)
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 525 North Justice Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Phone: (828) 693-1580
Website: https://smartstartpfc.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
Children & Family Resource Center Early Childhood Supplement Program
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
Amount
$600 per year
Deadline
Deadline not published
Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$ Plus
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
Amount
$600 - $4,000 per year
Deadline
Deadline not published
WAGE$
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
Amount
$600 - $4,000 per year
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Children & Family Resource Center ($244K). Together the top 10 received $915K.
Grant Size Distribution
99 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 76 grants of 99 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization is based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Its stated programs include work in Henderson County, and all grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 12 of 28 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $63K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $40K repeat.
- 36% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−14%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $697K (2021) to $1.6M (2023). In 2025 it made 28 grants totaling $1.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Children & Family Resource Center Hendersonville, NC | Service Provider | $243,727 |
| Nessa's Young'uns Natural Play Cent Flat Rock, NC | Childcare Assistance | $169,109 |
| Little Blessings Christian Academy Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $153,375 |
| Alice's Playground Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $72,894 |
| Steps to Hope Academy Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $60,463 |
| Little Red School Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $51,643 |
| Mt Pisgah Lutheran Preschool Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $48,045 |
| Tumblin Toddler Mills River, NC | Childcare Assistance | $41,086 |
| Best Ever Home Daycare Gerton, NC | Childcare Assistance | $38,523 |
| The Play and Learning Center Hendersonville, NC | Childcare Assistance | $36,220 |
Ready to take the next step with Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $971,801 | $2,376,744 | $1,865,413 | $1,179,545 | 28 | $5,832 |
| 2024 | $412,090 | $2,071,167 | $1,948,960 | $1,254,556 | 15 | $5,659 |
| 2023 | $284,972 | $2,319,966 | $2,262,831 | $1,588,585 | 20 | $758 |
| 2022 | $239,386 | $2,152,630 | $2,090,107 | $1,373,338 | 20 | $9 |
| 2021 | $171,412 | $1,203,737 | $1,169,427 | $697,284 | 16 | — |
| 2020 | $131,004 | $1,281,363 | $1,258,003 | $714,736 | 14 | $11 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is “to support, educate and advocate to build a strong foundation for young children in our community.” Its programs include family resources and connections, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, kindergarten-readiness activities, scholarships to help families afford child care, and training and professional development for early educators.
The organization also supports child care providers through grants. In 2025, its largest listed grant went to Children & Family Resource Center, whose mission is “to nurture the development of children by building a strong foundation of family and community.” Its website also describes WAGE$, a salary supplement program funded by Smart Start for eligible early educators in Henderson County.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 28 grants totaling $1,179,545. Grant amounts ranged from $5,709 to $243,727, with a median of $21,282. Listed grant purposes included service provider support and childcare assistance.
The largest listed grants were $243,727 to Children & Family Resource Center in Hendersonville, $169,109 to Nessa’s Young’uns Natural Play Cent in Flat Rock, and $153,375 to Little Blessings Christian Academy in Hendersonville. Other listed recipients included Alice’s Playground ($72,894), Steps to Hope Academy ($60,463), Little Red School ($51,643), Mt Pisgah Lutheran Preschool ($48,045), Tumblin Toddler ($41,086), Best Ever Home Daycare ($38,523), The Play and Learning Center ($36,220), Love and Learning ($30,034), and Little Bright Minds ($23,413).
The website describes salary supplements for eligible early educators. These are payments to participating educators, not grants to outside applicants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Sonia Gironda as “Executive DI,” Jessica Bentley as treasurer, and Kim Berry, Kathryn Eck, James Hylemon, Marsha Justice, Jennifer Kinney, Elizabeth Lee, Terry Maybin, and Anne McClintic as directors.
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc is led by Summer Stipe, Chair since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 14 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Summer Stipe
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kim Berry
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Terry Maybin
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Lee
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Kinney
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marsha Justice
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sherry Pridmore
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anne McClintic
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Hylemon
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathryn Eck
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sonia Gironda
Executive Di
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$67K (2020) → $103K (2025)
Amber McFee-Blanco
Vice Chair
Director → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Bentley
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather Taylor
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Cynthia Wilcox (2020–2024) — Chair
- Former: Honey Burrell (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Laci Ott (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Michael Burrell (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Rebecca Reid (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Julia Buchanan (2024) — Director
- Former: Janice Mager (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Preston Blakely (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Renay Knapp (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Shannon Marlowe (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lisa Whitney (2022–2023) — Director
- Former: Cindy Montgomery (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: David White (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Elizabeth Holbert (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Jonathan Temple (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Judy Cyphers (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Lisa Donaldson (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Amber McFee (2020) — Director
- Former: Andi Craven (2020) — Director
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 $103K, to Sonia Gironda (Executive Di).
Frequently asked questions about Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc
How much does Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc give each year?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc gave $1.2M across 28 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 15 grants.
What is Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's typical grant size?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's median grant in 2025 was $21,282, and its average grant was $42,127, across 28 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc that year got $14K on average.
Where does Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc give grants?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Hendersonville, NC (20 grants) and Fletcher, NC (3 grants).
Does Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 28 grants with a stated purpose on Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Childcare Assistance" (27 grants).
Who are Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's largest grantees?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Children & Family Resource Center ($243,727), Nessa's Young'uns Natural Play Cent ($169,109) and Little Blessings Christian Academy ($153,375), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc reported $972K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.4M.
What does Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is “to support, educate and advocate to build a strong foundation for young children in our community.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check smartstartpfc.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's EIN?
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2092325. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 9, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Inc
Asheville, NC
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina funds nonprofits and public agencies serving 18 Western North Carolina counties, including the Qualla Boundary, in areas such as cultural resources, education, human services, and natural resources. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though award sizes varied widely; some local opportunities cap grants at $5,000 or $7,500. It provides an online application system, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
793
Total Given
$59.4M
Pisgah Health Foundation
Brevard, NC
Pisgah Health Foundation funds nonprofit and community efforts that improve health and well-being, including housing, food access, transportation, economic stability, and disaster relief. Recent grants ranged from $7,500 to $60,000, with a median of $20,000, and its stated regional focus is Transylvania, Haywood, and Madison counties in North Carolina.
Assets
$15.5M
Grants
8
Total Given
$192K
Dogwood Health Trust
Asheville, NC
Dogwood Health Trust funds work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness that improves wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including its 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $21 million, with a median of $37,500; application requirements vary by funding opportunity.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
835
Total Given
$148.2M
The Duke Endowment
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Endowment funds child and family well-being, health care, higher education at four named colleges and universities, and rural churches, primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $7,000 to $6.8 million, with a median of $200,000. The application process varies by program; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
480
Total Given
$251.2M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
WNC Bridge Foundation
Asheville, NC
WNC Bridge Foundation funds health and community wellbeing in Western North Carolina, including the region’s 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary, with priorities in basic needs, mental health, and youth development. Its NOW grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $10,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$128.6M
Grants
138
Total Given
$3.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in North Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/smart-start-partnership-for-children-inc-morg_51ce67c8645b449aafbca260b861fd8b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_562092325_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/smart-start-partnership-for-children-inc-morg_51ce67c8645b449aafbca260b861fd8b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. 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 Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc'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.
Smart Start Partnership for Children Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?