Updated Nov 3, 2026
Private foundations based in Fort Smith, Arkansas
15 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas, holding $88M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 6 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Tcm Foundationsince 1998 | $1.6M11 grants · 2024 | $40K | Preselected only | $43M |
| Walter O Caldwell Foundationsince 1966 | $633K33 grants · 2025 | $10K | Yes | $1.1M |
| Tom J & Edna Mae Carson Foundationsince 1990 | $595K17 grants · 2024 | $20K | Preselected only | $9.6M |
| Robert a and Mary Carleton Young Foundationsince 2024 | $353K12 grants · 2025 | $20K | Preselected only | $10M |
| William Thomas & May Pitman Hennessy Foundationsince 1965 | $349K50 grants · 2024 | $3,500 | Yes | $6.7M |
| Neema Foundation Charitable Trsince 2019 | $309K1 grants · 2024 | $309K | Preselected only | $1.6M |
| Elizabeth H & Stanley E Evans Foundationsince 1965 | $160K43 grants · 2024 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Whitt Family Foundation Incsince 2023 | $135K22 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Yes | $2.7M |
| The Griffin Charitable Organizationsince 2004 | $123K9 grants · 2025 | $6,116 | Preselected only | $2.4M |
| Doss T Sutton Charitable Founsince 1964 | $120K13 grants · 2024 | $8,000 | Preselected only | $1.9M |
| Gearldene and Glenn Hicks Educational Trsince 2022 | $93K1 grants · 2025 | $93K | Yes | $1.1M |
| Grant T White Foundationsince 1983 | $88K1 grants · 2024 | $88K | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| Alline and Chloe C Davis Charitable Foundationsince 1983 | $85K36 grants · 2024 | $2,000 | Yes | $1.2M |
| Mercy Work Foundation of Arkansas Trustsince 1997 | $68K4 grants · 2025 | $17K | Yes | $1.6M |
| Baldor Electric Company Foundation Incsince 2022 | — | — | Not stated | $1.1M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Arkansas
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Arkansas Arts Council — Organizational GrantsStateArkansas Arts Council | Arkansas Arts Council | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Arkansas Humanities Council — Humanities GrantsStateArkansas Humanities Council | Arkansas Humanities Council | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Fort Smith, Arkansas?
Our directory lists 15 private grantmaking foundations in Fort Smith, Arkansas with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $88M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.