Our Origin Story
The vision for what would eventually become the William and Janita Smith Foundation began forming in the mind of William (Bill) Smith around 2010. His desire was to find a way to steward the financial blessings God had provided and extend them into long-term charitable giving. However, beyond simply giving, Bill was passionate about instilling a spirit of generosity in his children, teaching them to give cheerfully and with purpose.
““Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” ”
After thoughtful consideration, Bill eventually convinced his wife, Janita, that establishing a family foundation was a meaningful way to fulfill this vision. In June of 2013, they incorporated the William and Janita Smith Foundation. By March of 2015, the IRS recognized the foundation as a charitable organization, making contributions tax-deductible. With an initial sum contributed by Bill and Janita, the foundation began its work.
The mission of the foundation was clear: to support charitable organizations locally, nationally, and internationally. However, the focus was to be guided by biblical principles, specifically James 1:27:
““Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.””
The foundation aimed to partner with Christian organizations by providing financial support to advance their missions. A key element of its structure was family involvement. Family members were encouraged to research and propose ministries that aligned with the foundation's purpose. A rotational board structure allowed different family members to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring a collective and engaged approach to giving.
As the foundation grew, it became evident that many small and medium-sized ministries shared the same passion for serving others but needed more than just financial support. These ministries faced challenges such as organization, accounting, strategic planning, technical support (web development and social media), message refinement, staffing, and fundraising. While financial contributions helped, many ministries were hindered by logistical and operational barriers, limiting their ability to fully pursue their God-given mission.
Recognizing this broader need, the concept for the Jamison Group was born.
The Jamison Group was incorporated in 2024 as a not for profit entity, separate from the foundation. Its purpose is to provide professional services that empower ministries to focus on their calling without being burdened by operational challenges. By offering expertise in key areas, the Jamison Group equips ministries with the necessary tools to be effective and sustainable, allowing them to maximize their impact for God's kingdom.
Through both the foundation and the Jamison Group, our family is committed to advancing God's work by providing ministries with both financial and hands-on support.
Written by Janita Smith
