Smith Family Foundation: Small Capital Grants

Smith Family Foundation: Small Capital Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation
Amount: US $25,000 - US $100,000
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

Overview

NOTE:  We strongly encourage all potential applicants to sign up for a 15-minute call with Faouzi Talabi before applying. Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation We are a private family foundation awarding more than $12.4 million in grants  to over 278 organizations in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. Our Mission Our mission is to effect permanent positive change in the lives of individuals and families across Greater Boston, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. We invest in organizations that improve human health, raise educational attainment, increase economic security, and meet community needs. We believe in engaged, multigenerational family philanthropy as a means to have greater impact and to honor our family’s philanthropic legacy. Small Capital Grants Our Small Capital Grants program provides $25,000 to $100,000 grants for one-time capital expenses that strengthen a nonprofit’s ability to serve its clients and achieve its mission. This support is particularly valuable because nonprofits can find it difficult to make these investments through their operating budgets.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. Fiscal sponsors are acceptable.Agencies or programs within agencies that serve people in the Greater Boston area (roughly defined as within Route 128) or in the Eastern Massachusetts Gateway Cities of Brockton, Chelsea, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, or New Bedford. Agencies with annual operating budgets from $250,000 to $3 million. Agencies working in most mission areas may apply.What is considered capital?Requested items may include vehicles, furniture/equipment, technology, facility improvements, and other durable assets.

Ineligibility

Ineligible applicants include: individuals; endowments or private foundations; religious organizations, where the grant is to be used for sectarian purposes; orpolitical campaigns.Funding is not retroactive, so projects that have already been started or completed are not eligible for consideration.Ineligible projects and expenses include, but are not limited to: undesignated contributions to larger capital campaigns; program support; staff salaries or other administrative costs; website or mobile application development; annual software licenses; service or support plans; warranties; insurance, fuel, or maintenance for vehicles; or contingency fees.