Mary Ilo Smith Charitable Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable causes, with a notable emphasis on health-related initiatives, particularly cancer care, and domestic violence prevention. It provides unrestricted general support to various organizations, alongside targeted funding for operations related to cancer treatment and services. The foundation also demonstrates a commitment to youth development and community support through grants to organizations focused on these areas. Its funding activities primarily benefit charities in Texas, but it also supports organizations in other states.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established charitable organization (hospital/health institution, cancer services, domestic violence shelter, or youth services group) with an existing relationship or referral into the foundation’s network, preferably operating in Texas or with a proven Texas connection.
Good Fit
- • Established 501(c)(3) charity status and capacity to manage multi-year or unrestricted support.
- • Program focus in health (including cancer), hospice, domestic violence services, or youth development.
- • Existing relationship or referral from a current or past grantee or a trustee/intermediary.
- • Presence or operations in Texas, especially connections to San Antonio/Houston-area institutions.
- • Track record of receiving sizeable unrestricted or operational support.
Geography
The foundation funded recipients located in multiple states across the observed years (four states in 2024 and five states in 2022), though 2024 dollars were heavily concentrated in Texas.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows nine distinct recipients and across three years the foundation funded between seven and twelve organizations annually with seven recurring grantees, indicating a moderate spread of independent recipients rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Filings and the default application state grants are made only to preselected organizations and there is no public solicitation path; while a small number of new grantees have appeared, the pattern and stated 'only preselected' policy make it unlikely an unfamiliar applicant can easily enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
