Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation

Mission

To provide grants for a variety of charitable causes, primarily in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.

Annual application deadlines

May 1

Program areas

Arts, culture, and humanities
Education
Environment, animals
Health
Human services
Public/society benefit
Religion

States served

Indiana

Geographic limitations

There are no geographic limitations; however, the Foundation has a practice of primarily supporting organizations in Fort Wayne, Indiana, or that serve Indiana residents.

Trustees

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation awards grants for a variety of charitable causes, primarily in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Average giving

Average grant size: $10,000 to $20,000
Average number of grants per year: 3
Average total giving per year: $20,000 to $30,000

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round. Applications must be submitted by May 1 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting that occurs in June.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Grant decisions are generally communicated in the summer.

Required agreements and reports

Periodic progress reports and final reports may be required for funded projects.

About the Foundation

Benjamin H. Smyser, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, created the Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation to award grants for a variety of charitable purposes. Mr. Smyser passed away on December 29, 1968.