George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation Grant Program

The George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation is a private charitable foundation established in 1992 as a nonprofit Texas corporation. It was created through the estate of Ruth Smith Moorman in memory of her parents, George Gilliam Smith and Alva Hudson Smith, long-time residents of Hillsboro, Texas. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors responsible for establishing policies and making funding decisions. Its mission is centered on enriching the lives of citizens of Hill County, Texas, with a particular emphasis on improving health, education, and welfare outcomes for underserved and underprivileged populations. The Foundation’s grant program supports a broad range of funding needs, including operating budgets, special projects, building and capital campaigns, and research initiatives. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address basic human needs in a thoughtful and efficient manner. While applications from organizations outside Hill County may be considered, priority is clearly given to organizations and programs that directly serve Hill County residents. Requests originating outside the county are discouraged and are expected to begin with a letter of inquiry before a full application is submitted. Eligible applicants include organizations recognized under sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(13) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, political subdivisions or governmental entities, and corporations organized under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act. Ineligible applicants include individuals, religious organizations, entities located outside Texas, organizations seeking ongoing operational support, and those requesting funds for fundraising events or activities. These eligibility criteria reinforce the Foundation’s focus on structured, community-based initiatives with clear public benefit. The application process is conducted annually. The Foundation announces the opening of the application cycle in local Hill County newspapers on or before August 1 each year. Applications are accepted between August 1 and September 1 and must be submitted in hard-copy format. Applicants are required to submit five copies of the application materials, along with a single copy of certain financial documents. Submissions may be mailed to the Foundation’s post office box in Hillsboro, Texas or delivered in person to the designated administrative contact at Citizens National Bank. Applicants must include a completed cover sheet, detailed organizational background, a comprehensive project description, a clearly defined budget, and a statement of need outlining the population served and existing services in the area. Additional required components include an implementation timeline, requested funding amount, and staff qualifications. Supporting documentation such as proof of incorporation, IRS determination letters, financial statements, organizational budgets, and publicity plans must also be provided. Supplementary materials such as letters of support or media coverage may be included to strengthen the application. Applications are evaluated by the Foundation’s board of directors based on alignment with the mission and the potential impact on Hill County residents. The board may conduct site visits if necessary, though direct solicitation of board members is discouraged. All funding decisions are made based on written applications, and submitted materials become the property of the Foundation. Applicants are notified in writing of the outcome, typically in late September, and successful applicants also receive a phone call from Foundation staff. Grant recipients are required to sign a formal contract outlining project timelines, reporting requirements, and publicity expectations prior to receiving funds. After project completion, grantees must notify the Foundation and provide photographic documentation of the funded project. The Foundation operates on an annual cycle and may consider off-cycle funding requests in cases where timing is critical. This recurring structure provides consistent opportunities for eligible organizations to seek support for impactful community initiatives.

Ensure strong alignment with Hill County impact and clearly demonstrate community need and measurable outcomes