The Smidt Foundation
The Smidt Foundation is a private family foundation established by Eric Smidt that focuses on skilled trades education, support for veterans and first responders, and addressing anti‑Semitism and bigotry. The site links to its subsidiary Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and directs users to public IRS filings for grant details. The foundation states it does not accept unsolicited funding proposals.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations working in skilled trades education, veteran/first responder support, or programs addressing anti‑Semitism and Jewish community needs, typically with an established track record and connections or visibility in California or through Harbor Freight Tools for Schools networks.
Good Fit
- • Programs focused on skilled trades education or teacher/prize-style awards.
- • Demonstrated impact and capacity to manage mid-to-large grants ($50K–$1M+).
- • Existing relationships, referrals, or prior participation in Harbor Freight Tools for Schools activities.
- • Operations or major programs in California (especially Los Angeles) or established national organizations aligned with stated priorities.
Geography
Observed grants span about 32 states, showing a national footprint, although roughly half of dollars flowed to California and the foundation is California‑based.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows about 145 distinct recipients and a large number of new grantees (77), indicating a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct application is explicitly not accepted and the funder reports only preselected recipients, but the portfolio shows many new grantees each year, suggesting new entrants can be added via nomination/curation rather than open submission.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
