The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust awards grants to nonprofit organizations that provide essential services addressing the food, clothing, and shelter needs of disadvantaged children and seniors. This grant program focuses on supporting the Greater Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, as well as the City of Camden, New Jersey. Priority is given to projects that offer direct assistance to vulnerable populations within these areas. The Trust adjusts its grantmaking based on trends in the region to ensure that the most pressing needs are addressed.

Nonprofits that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and operate within the Trust's targeted geographic areas are eligible to apply. Grants must be used to provide direct support in the form of food, clothing, or shelter to children or older adults. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing perishable and nonperishable food, baby formula, or prepared meals; acquiring clothing; covering housing payments or utility bills; providing furniture for homes; and supporting emergency shelter or transitional housing services. Funding may also be used for facility improvements, such as renovations that enhance access to food programs or housing services. However, the further a project is from the direct provision of food, clothing, or shelter, the less likely it is to receive funding.

Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a minimum award of $5,000. While higher-dollar awards are possible for certain projects, applicants should contact the Trust directly to inquire about larger grants. The grants are awarded for a one-year term, and organizations that receive funding for three consecutive years must wait two years before reapplying. Applicants can submit proposals twice a year, with deadlines on June 15 and December 15, and decisions are made in the fall and spring Trustee meetings. The Trust’s review and award process considers whether proposals directly impact children and seniors in terms of food, clothing, and shelter.

Applications must be submitted through the Trust's online portal, and the Trust no longer accepts hard copy or emailed applications. Organizations new to the Trust can register for an account, while returning applicants can log in to their existing accounts. To avoid creating duplicate accounts, organizations unsure about their past application history should contact the Trust for assistance in retrieving login credentials. Applicants are encouraged to submit draft proposals, focusing on the program description and budget, to the Trust at least three weeks before the deadline for a preliminary review, helping ensure alignment with the Trust’s priorities.

This grant opportunity is designed for nonprofits that are directly improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children and seniors by providing basic needs. Organizations should carefully review their project’s alignment with the Trust’s guidelines before applying and use the application process to clearly document how the requested funding will serve those in need of food, clothing, or shelter within the specified geographic areas.