About Steve and Kate Smith
Stephen Pitson Smith and Ada Kathleen Dodson Smith lived a quiet, unassuming life for many years after their retirements. Steve had been an owner in his family's machine manufacturing business, Powermatic Machine Company. Kate was a graduate of the old Tennessee College in Murfreesboro, and taught in the McMinnville schools prior to her marriage to Steve.
Since Steve and Kate did not have children, the couple decided to utilize their wealth to help children in their community who may not be as fortunate as they were.
In their estate planning, Steve and Kate established a trust designated as the Steve and Kate Smith Community Trust.
Establishing the Trust
Steve created the mission for the trust as part of his last will and testament, before his passing in 2012.
He stated that he wished "to enhance the quality of life of the children in Warren County, Tennessee." He believed this goal could be accomplished by supporting charitable organizations that "address the physical, mental, educational, artistic and spiritual needs of the children in our county."
He charged the Trustee, First National Bank of Middle Tennessee, with the responsibility of developing the procedures necessary to carry out the goals of the trust.
First National Bank of Middle Tennessee is honored to administer grants once a year to eligible non-profit organizations.
Who Is Eligible To Receive a Grant?
The Trustee makes grants to nonprofit organizations located in Warren County, Tennessee.
The nonprofit must be an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) of the code, and must be exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
In considering grant applications, the Trustee abides by the mission Mr. and Mrs. Smith established for the trust: to enhance the quality of life of the children of Warren County, Tennessee, by addressing their physical, mental, educational, artistic and spiritual needs.
Special consideration is given to applications requesting matching funds.
To Whom Do We Make Grants?
The Trustee makes grants to nonprofit organizations located in Warren County, Tennessee. The nonprofit must be an organization described in Sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) of the code and must be exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
In considering grant applications, the Trustee also abides by the mission Mr. and Mrs. Smith established for the Trust, which is to enhance the quality of life of the children of Warren County, Tennessee, by addressing their physical, mental, educational, artistic and spiritual needs. Special consideration is given to applications requesting matching funds.
When Can I Apply?
The committee reviews grants once a year. However, grant applications are accepted throughout the year.
In order to receive a grant for 2024, applications must be received by April 30, 2024, for a decision on or before June 30, 2024.
The Proposal Cover Sheet along with the full proposal in hard copy must be received by us no later than April 30, 2024. The Trustee will inform you of a decision on the proposal by no later than June 30, 2024.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants should begin by reviewing the Application Checklist below.
You should then start your application process by completing the Proposal Cover Sheet. Once you have filled out the Cover Sheet and put together all the information set out in the Application Checklist, you need to submit the full proposal, in hard copy, to:
David Marttala, Trust Administrator
First National Bank
200 East Main Street
McMinnville, TN 37110
First National Bank
200 East Main Street
McMinnville, TN 37110
Begin the application process by completing the Proposal Cover Sheet. Those may be downloaded here:
Application Checklist
- A cover letter, on your letterhead, signed by your director.
- A copy of the Proposal Cover Sheet.
- A proposal (no more than ten pages) that includes:
- Agency background (mission, major activities, and credentials for carrying out project)
- Project description: Brief statement of problem to be addressed
- Goals and objectives
- Who is served
- Project activities
- Expected outcome
- Listing of all staff members
- Plan for measuring project results
- Project budget (expenses & income)
- For renewal requests, an update on progress made through prior grant
Information About Your Organization:
- Agency operating budget
- A list of the Board of Directors
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status
- Latest audited financial statement, or if not available, latest Form 990
- Current annual report (if available)
- Affirmative action policy
Exclusions
The Steve and Kate Smith Community Trust does not accept unsolicited proposals. As a matter of policy the following are not ordinarily funded:
- Individuals and/or their personal projects
- Private foundations
- Political activities
- Advertising or sponsorship
- Recurring expenses for operations and/or salaries of the organization
- Endowments
- Social or fundraising events
- Organizations whose principal impact is outside of Warren County, Tennessee
