The Do it Best Foundation was launched by Do it Best, a Fort Wayne, IN-based wholesale hardware and lumber distributor, in 2019 as a way to support not-for-profit community organizations and agencies that are committed to serving the needs of others. Our philosophy of “Serving others as we would like to be served” guides us to help those who need it most.
Curtis Smith, Executive Director
Curtis Smith became the Executive Director of the Do it Best Foundation in October 2024. He leads the foundation’s efforts in Building the Best Communities by supporting dozens of non-profits all over the country.
Curtis is probably best known as the Chief Meteorologist for the ABC television affiliate, a position he held for more than two decades. During that time, he was repeatedly named “Favorite TV Personality” and “Best Forecaster” by numerous publications. Since leaving television, Curtis has served as the Corporate Director of Community Engagement for Parkview Health and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Lasting Change Inc.
Curtis and Jessie, his wife of more than 30 years, have three adult sons and one daughter-in-law. He holds degrees in communications and meteorology, and a Master’s degree in organizational leadership. He is active in his church, loves to spend time with his family and friends, and is a passionate fan of the Boston Celtics.
Everything you need to know about the Do it Best Foundation
The Do it Best Foundation is funded through community and staff contributions, along with generous support from our vendor community. Our Fore the Cause golf tournament brings in hundreds of our vendor partners annually to our Fort Wayne, Indiana, world headquarters and has raised several million dollars to support our grantmaking capabilities.
Donations may be made either by credit card or check. Please visit our donation page to make your credit card donation or for information about donating by check.
The Do it Best Foundation only provides financial assistance through grant funding and does not provide product donations or supplies to be used as prizes for raffles and auctions.
No, the Do it Best Foundation focuses on directly funding the projects, programs, and initiatives aligned with our areas of support.
Yes. The Do it Best Foundation only awards grants to nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)(3) status and meet the other criteria outlined above.
The Do it Best Foundation focuses on awarding grants to organizations located in or near cities where the Do it Best corporate office and distribution centers are located (listed above).
No. In order to be considered for a grant, nonprofit organizations must have an EIN and meet the other criteria outlined above.
To submit questions regarding your request, please email info@doitbestfoundation.org. Be sure to include your contact information in the body of your email.
Grants are reviewed and approved by our evaluation committee (a group of staff volunteers) and our board of directors on a quarterly cycle. Grants received after this time will be reviewed in the next grant cycle.
Yes. All grant applicants will receive a formal notification detailing whether or not their grant request was approved or denied. Grant writers should expect to receive this notification within 4 weeks of that cycle’s quarterly submission deadline.
No, there is no limit. Currently, the majority of our approved grants fall within a range of $5,000 to $20,000 but may be higher or lower based on the total number of qualified grants received during that quarter.
The Do it Best Foundation provides grant funds to complement or augment resources that will directly benefit those within the communities we serve. Expenses such as salaries and operational expenses do not support that intention and are not considered.