Curtis Smith
Executive Director
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.
What are the qualifications to be able to submit a grant to the Do it Best Foundation?
In order to qualify to submit a grant request, requesting organizations must meet these criteria:
Do I have to be a 501(c)(3) to receive funds?
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.
Why are grants only allowed from certain geographic locations?
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).
My organization does not have an EIN. Can we still apply?
No. In order to be considered for a grant, nonprofit organizations must have an EIN and meet the other criteria outlined above.
How often are grants approved? Is there a deadline to submit my grant?
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.
Will I be notified if my grant request is approved?
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.
Is there a limit to how much grant funds we can request?
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.
I see that I need to include how grant funds would be used. Are there any expenses not permitted to be included?
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.
My organization is planning a raffle to raise funds. How do I submit a request for a donation of an item or supplies to be included as a prize?
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.
Does the Do it Best Foundation provide sponsorships for events?
No, the Do it Best Foundation focuses on directly funding the projects, programs, and initiatives aligned with our areas of support.
I have questions regarding a grant request I plan to submit. Who do I contact?
To submit questions regarding your request, please email info@doitbestfoundation.org. Be sure to include your contact information in the body of your email.
How is the Do it Best Foundation funded?
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.
How can I make a financial donation to the Do it Best Foundation?
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.
