About

Sowing the seeds into the City of Trenton

Core Values

Sowing The Seed: EDUCATION
  We believe that all Trentonians have a right to be educated. Using higher education as a springboard, citizens will have the ability to increase homeownership and an economic stimulus in the city. We attest that "Higher Education as the Normal Next Step" is our goal with an emphasis on college and increased career/vocational awareness as well as promoting life-long learning to adult citizens.

Fostering Sustainability : CULTIVATION
 We are multi-year funders who understand that philanthropy is a partnership. As funders, we seek to balance the power dynamics of nonprofit/churches and philanthropy to best meet the needs of the community we are serving. We empower our partners by providing leadership development, capacity building and governance training to increase the probability of the success and sustainability of their programing and/or congregation.

Changing Lives: TRANSFORMATION
 We know that with funding, education, and training, our partners can expand their reach and effectiveness of their programming thus, transforming more lives in Our City.

Heart to Heart: URBAN MINISTRY
  We are committed to supporting best-practices and innovative ideas to address the needs of the community in an ever-changing landscape of youth, families and culture with a Christ Centered approach.

Our Mission is to Empower our community, cultivate leaders and transform lives.

Our History

In May of 2016, the Smith family — Pearlie Smith & her seven children — received a substantial financial blessing. Blessed with a new opportunity, the family made it their collective mission to improve the quality of life for residents in their hometown – thus the Smith Family Foundation was born. While the foundation allows the Smiths to support their community in ways previously unimagined, the family is no stranger to philanthropy.

The seeds for the foundation were planted decades ago in the South Side of Trenton, where Seamon and Pearlie Smith raised their children on values of hard work, love of God, and giving back. Living in an area plagued with poverty, dilapidated housing, and drugs.

Pearlie made sure her children attended church and understood the importance of education in creating a better life – all while working as a paraprofessional for Trenton Public Schools. The influence of her example and the values she instilled is seen in the educational path and career choices of all of the Smith children.

Despite circumstances, the son and daughters of Pearlie Smith have lived lives of service and excelled in their respective careers, having created community based programs, volunteered at local churches, and obtained degrees in their field or currently working toward one. With God at the forefront of their mission, the family plans to combine their individual talents and experience to transform lives in their community through the Smith Family Foundation.

Organizational Driving Scripture
Matthew 5:15-16 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Board of Directors

Staff Members.....

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