Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Established in 1935 by H. Smith Richardson and Grace Jones Richardson, it supports public policy research and writing through its International Security and Foreign Policy and Domestic Public Policy programs.
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Smith Richardson Foundation Inc gave $22.9M across 282 grants in 2024 (avg $81K), top state District of Columbia. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $22,921,010
- +0.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 282
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $81,280
- +0.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $49,715
- Total assets
- $557,948,572
- +2.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (52 of 203, 2024)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (46% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
Submit a concept paper to the foundation’s office, directed to the program for which the applicant is applying. A full proposal is requested only if staff determine that the project merits further consideration. The filing names Peter L. Richardson, President, as the contact for applications. Direct-service grants are limited to organizations in North Carolina and Connecticut serving disadvantaged children and families; such grants are customarily solicited by the foundation’s governors and are not renewable.
- Review Cycle
- None stated on the filing.
- Deadline
- None stated on the filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Peter L Richardson President
Mailing address: Smith Richardson Foundation Inc 60, Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880
Phone: (203) 222-6222
Website: https://www.srf.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 Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
Smith Richardson Foundation- International Security & Foreign Policy Grant
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Smith Richardson Foundation: Domestic Public Policy Grant
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Strategy & Policy Fellows Grant Program
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
Amount
US $60,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Smith Richardson Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Center for Strategic and International Studies Inc ($2.0M across 11 grants). Together the top 10 received $8.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($150,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,415 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 719 grants of 1,415 (51%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, DC (46%), California (10%), Virginia (7%), New York (7%), and Massachusetts (7%). The filing also describes small direct-service grants for organizations in North Carolina and Connecticut.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 282 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Smith Richardson Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 52 of 203 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $55K; repeat grants $133K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+8%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 110% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $21.1M (2021) to $26.4M (2022). In 2024 it made 282 grants totaling $22.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Foreign Policy Council Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $400,000 |
| Foundation for the Defense of Democracies Inc Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $400,000 |
| Stanford University Stanford, CA | General Operating Support | $374,317 |
| Institute for the Study of War Inc Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $321,750 |
| Center for Strategic and International Studies Inc Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $300,000 |
| Institute for the Study of War Inc Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $300,000 |
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN | General Operating Support | $300,000 |
| Stanford University Redwood City, CA | General Operating Support | $299,999 |
| The Alexander Hamilton Society Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $278,300 |
| American Academy for Strategic Education Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $275,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Smith Richardson Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing type is Form 990-PF.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $557,948,572 | $39,816,880 | $34,477,058 | $22,921,010 | 282 | $29,547,796 | $39,342,631 | $26,930,805 |
| 2023 | $545,245,316 | $44,427,804 | $24,151,633 | $22,769,293 | 282 | $28,312,157 | $18,806,996 | $26,338,252 |
| 2022 | $517,774,018 | $-54,374,393 | $35,127,481 | $26,366,668 | 302 | $31,603,141 | $11,403,112 | $27,365,714 |
| 2021 | $606,694,904 | $88,589,213 | $25,831,581 | $21,140,808 | 250 | $26,094,722 | $62,331,221 | $27,756,780 |
| 2020 | $546,864,432 | $62,927,641 | $34,989,281 | $22,450,943 | 299 | — | $28,361,725 | $23,869,037 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Smith Richardson Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $26.9M for 2024 — 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 foundation’s mission is to contribute to important public debates and address serious public policy challenges facing the United States. It seeks to help sustain the country’s social, economic, and governmental institutions, and to support effective policies for competing internationally and advancing U.S. interests and values abroad.
Its International Security and Foreign Policy Program supports work on national security strategies, foreign policy, and international order, including traditional and emerging security challenges. Its Domestic Public Policy Program supports research and evaluation of public policies and programs, as well as projects that bring new ideas into public debate. The foundation also makes small grants to organizations in North Carolina and Connecticut providing innovative services for disadvantaged children and families; these grants are customarily solicited by the foundation’s governors and are not renewable. Direct-service organizations outside those states, and national direct-service charities, are not considered through that program.
Examples of grantees include organizations whose own stated missions concern national security and foreign policy. The American Foreign Policy Council says it brings information to people who make or influence U.S. national security and foreign policy and facilitates dialogue with counterparts abroad. The Institute for the Study of War describes its work as research, analysis, and education on military affairs. In domestic policy, the American Enterprise Institute says it conducts research and exposition in support of liberty, individual opportunity, and free enterprise.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 282 grants totaling $22,921,010. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $400,000, with a median of $49,715. The largest awards included $400,000 each to the American Foreign Policy Council and the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies; $374,317 to Stanford University; and $321,750 to the Institute for the Study of War. These grants were reported as general operating support.
The foundation’s website describes a two-stage application process. Applicants first submit a concept paper of no more than six pages; if staff determine that a project warrants further consideration, the applicant is invited to submit a full proposal and a one- or two-year budget using the foundation’s templates. The filing states that applicants should provide a written proposal and a copy of their IRS exemption letter. The filing also says there are no deadlines. Requests above $50,000 and multi-year requests go to regular board meetings; requests of $50,000 or less are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists P. L. Richardson as chairman of the trustees and Dr. Marin Strmecki as president and director of programs. Other listed officers and trustees include Nicole Bateman, Ross Hemphill, Wwinburne King III, Dr. Arvid R. Nelson, Michael Blair, John P. Richardson Jr., and Nicolas L. Richardson.
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc is led by Marin Strmecki, President & Director of Programs since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 11 of 13 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Marin Strmecki
President & Director of Programs
Senior Vice President & Director of Programs → President & Director of Programs, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$605K (2020) → $711K (2024)
Arvid R. Nelson
Trustee, Secretary & Audit Cmt. Chair
Trustee, Secretary & Audit Cmt. Chairman → Trustee, Secretary & Audit Cmt. Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
22 hrs/week
$60K (2020) → $80K (2024)
Pl Richardson
Chairman of the Trustees
Chairman of the Trustees & President → Chairman of the Trustees, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$635K (2020) → $776K (2024)
E. William Stetson III
Trustee & Grants Committee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2022) → $40K (2024)
John P. Richardson Jr.
Trustee & Audit Committee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2022) → $40K (2024)
Michael Blair
Trustee, Audit & Compensation Cmt.
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2022) → $40K (2024)
Nicolas L. Richardson
Trustee, Investment Cmt. & Grants Cmt
Trustee & Investment Cmt. → Trustee, Investment Cmt. & Grants Cmt, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2022) → $40K (2024)
Tyler B. Richardson
Trustee, Grants & Investment Cmt
Trustee, Grants Committee & Investment → Trustee, Grants Adv. Cmt & Investment, 2021
Trustee, Grants Adv. Cmt & Investment → Trustee, Grants & Investment Cmt, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$20K (2022) → $40K (2024)
Ross Hemphill
Senior Vice President, CFO & Investment Cmt
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer → Senior Vice President, CFO & Investment Cmt, 2021
On filings since 2020
47 hrs/week
$165K (2020) → $173K (2024)
Wwinburne King III
Vice Chair of the Trustees & Invst Cmt
Vice Chairman of the Trustees → Vice Chair of the Trustees & Invst Cmt, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$65K (2020) → $71K (2024)
Nicole Bateman
Assistant Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$114K (2024)
Richardson's Supplemental
N & A
None → N & A, 2021
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
The Above Compensation Shows The
N & A
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: Karla Frank (2020–2023) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: 213035 Shown In Col D. Was Not (2021–2023) — N & A
- Former: 177402 Shown In Col D. Was Not Paid (2020) — None
- Former: Gary Smith (2020) — Compensation Cmt Chair & Audit Cmt Member
- Former: The Above Compensation Shows The Ne (2020) — None
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $776K, to PL Richardson (Chairman of the Trustees). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Smith Richardson Foundation Inc
How much does Smith Richardson Foundation Inc give each year?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc gave $22.9M across 282 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $22.8M across 282 grants.
What is Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $49,715, and its average grant was $81,280, across 282 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Smith Richardson Foundation Inc that year got $55K on average.
Where does Smith Richardson Foundation Inc give grants?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's top state is District of Columbia, with 46% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were California (10%) and Virginia (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (76 grants), New York, NY (18 grants), Greensboro, NC (15 grants) and Cambridge, MA (13 grants).
Does Smith Richardson Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (282 of 282) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Center for Strategic and International Studies Inc ($2,041,250 across 11 grants), Stanford University ($950,081 across 4 grants) and Institute for the Study of War Inc ($818,460 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($150,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Smith Richardson Foundation Inc?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc reported $557.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $29.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $26.9M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Smith Richardson Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to contribute to important public debates and address serious public policy challenges facing the United States. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Smith Richardson Foundation Inc?
Submit a concept paper to the foundation’s office, directed to the program for which the applicant is applying. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's EIN?
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-0611550. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Smith Richardson Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in North Carolina
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
State Employees Credit Union Foundation
Raleigh, NC
The foundation funds capital projects, regional or statewide programs, and organizational capacity building that strengthen North Carolina communities; it favors projects with broad or replicable impact and does not fund operating budgets or shortfalls. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,250 to $1 million, with a median of $2,500. Applications are accepted at any time and typically reviewed semiannually.
Assets
$61.0M
Grants
1,806
Total Given
$17.4M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
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 Winston-Salem Foundation
Winston-Salem, NC
The Winston-Salem Foundation funds charitable organizations serving Forsyth County, North Carolina, across areas including education, housing, economic opportunity, civic engagement, arts, health, and human services. Its 2024 median grant was $25,000; specific programs offer grants ranging from small grants of up to $2,000 to capital grants of up to $100,000. The profile describes application-based programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$630.1M
Grants
823
Total Given
$90.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in North Carolina
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Smith Richardson Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/smith-richardson-foundation-inc-morg_1be01677cd9b45dcb4d773c0220d38bd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_560611550_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Smith Richardson Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/smith-richardson-foundation-inc-morg_1be01677cd9b45dcb4d773c0220d38bd},
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 Smith Richardson Foundation 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.
Smith Richardson Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?