Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Grant

Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund
Amount: US $5,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Summary

The Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania, focusing on community needs in Delaware County. Grants are awarded in areas such as medical, educational, cultural, arts, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and provide a complete project budget. Average grant sizes range from $5,000 to $25,000, with no multi-year funding allowed. The foundation emphasizes responsive grant-making to adapt to local needs.

Overview

NOTE: Applications are accepted year-round, however applications must be submitted by the deadlines. About the Foundation Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith was a prominent member of Philadelphia society. Her father, Walter Clark, held a seat on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. Her mother, Elizabeth Sergeant Clark, was a member of the Society of Colonial Dames of America. Ethel was born in 1885, graduated from the Agnes Irwin School in 1902, and was formally presented to society in 1903. She later married H. Harrison Smith, a Philadelphia attorney. While maintaining a city residence, they spent most of their time at the Smith family estate, “Timberline,” near Radnor, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Because of her husband’s military associations, Ethel became active in the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the American Legion and held local, state, and national posts in that organization. Her love of tennis led to her establishing the United States Lawn Tennis Association Girls’ Sportsmanship Trophy and the Middle States Lawn Tennis Association Tournament. She provided for both awards in perpetuity. She also left small bequests to the 42 prior winners of these two awards at the time of her death. Mrs. Smith died without lineal heirs. Her foundation, formed in 1977 from her estate, benefits organizations located in southeastern Pennsylvania, with a primary emphasis on serving community needs in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund Grant Mission Grants are awarded in the areas of medical, educational, cultural, arts, health and human services, and in such other areas as the trustee shall identify and determine from time to time, to be responsive to changes in the needs of Delaware County. Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Health Human Services Types of Support Grants are awarded for capital projects, operating expenses, and special programs in amounts that are meaningful to the success of the individual endeavors of the organizations. However, operating expense grants are typically awarded for charities without capital requirements, and under circumstances where continuing funding is not expected. Funding Average grant size: $5,000 to $25,000

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. States served:PennsylvaniaThe activities of the foundation focus on awarding grants to organizations located in southeastern Pennsylvania, with a primary emphasis on those serving community needs in Delaware County.There are no program limitations; however, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting the areas of medical, educational, cultural, arts, health and human services.Applications must have a complete project budget to be considered.

Ineligibility

Program limitations:Deficit financing Construction or renovations to real estate not owned by the charitable entity Salaries Professional fundraiser fees Multi-year grants over three years Any organization more than once in a given year or more than three years in successionIn addition, any organization receiving a grant over a three-year period or in three successive years will not be eligible for a future grant until one year after the three-year period.Grants will not be made to any organization more than once in a given year.