C Lyman Smith & Ingrid Smith Foundation
First Option Bank is a private foundation that focuses on supporting community development and historical preservation initiatives. Its mission is reflected in its funding for local projects, such as renovations of community centers and support for historical societies. The foundation primarily serves organizations that enhance community welfare and cultural heritage, particularly in the area of Paola, Kansas. Through its grants, it demonstrates a commitment to improving local infrastructure and promoting recreational spaces, such as parks and community centers.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A local Kansas nonprofit or municipal entity seeking capital or renovation support (community centers, parks, historical preservation) that meets 501(c)(3) eligibility and can submit a formal application via the bank by the March 1 deadline.
Good Fit
- • Located in the foundation's county or otherwise in-state (Kansas).
- • Project-based funding need, especially renovations, facility upgrades, parks, or historical preservation.
- • Can meet a specific annual application deadline and submit via the designated bank trust officer.
- • 501(c)(3) status or a government entity eligible under the foundation's rules.
Geography
All observed grants in the three-year record were to recipients within Kansas, with 100% of dollars going in-state.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds a small number of independent local recipients each year (1–2 grants annually) including municipal and nonprofit beneficiaries, so the portfolio shows modest variety but is numerically small.
New Applicants
The foundation provides application guidelines and a named submission route through the bank and has funded new recipients in the observed years, but giving is small, local, and appears selective, so openness to unfamiliar applicants is plausible but not broad.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
