# Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation

Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation is a Family Foundation based in Newton, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Family Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Newton, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 1 Newton Executive Park Ste 104, Newton, MA, United States
- **Founded:** 1970
- **Assets under management:** 296 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** rssff.org

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Richard A. Smith founded the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation in 1970. Smith built his fortune as CEO of General Cinema Corporation and Harcourt General before his death in 2020. His wife Susan Flax Smith joined him in establishing the vehicle. The foundation remains the primary philanthropic outlet for this branch of the family. The foundation makes grants across health, education, economic security, and community needs. It favors direct support for local leaders and organizations in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Gateway Cities. Capital flows through program areas rather than fund commitments. Confirmed holdings include a position in Baupost Value Partners and minority ownership in Barrys Corner Holdings LLC, a mixed-use Boston development. Geographic reach stays limited to Massachusetts with occasional national health grants such as those to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The foundation lists six employees. It maintains its headquarters in Newton, Massachusetts. Adjacent family vehicles include Castanea Partners, the private equity firm run by son Robert A. Smith and Brian Knez, and Berylson Capital Partners, led by grandson James Berylson. No new operational events appear in the last 24 months. The foundation operates separately from the family's operating businesses. Governance rests with family trustees who also oversee related philanthropic entities such as the Berylson Family Foundation. This separation keeps grant decisions distinct from the private equity and hedge fund activities conducted through Castanea and Berylson Capital.

## Sectors

- Healthcare
- Education
- Economic Development

## People

- Richard A. Smith — Founder
- Amy Smith Berylson — Trustee
- Debra Smith Knez — Trustee
- Robert A. Smith — Family Member

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation?

Family trustees including Amy Smith Berylson and Debra Smith Knez oversee grant allocations. Day-to-day operations are handled by a staff of six.

### How does the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation source grant opportunities?

The foundation identifies opportunities through direct relationships with Greater Boston nonprofits and community leaders rather than open applications.

### Does the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation commit to external funds or make direct grants?

The foundation makes direct grants. It maintains one known limited partner position in Baupost Value Partners.

### What geographic areas does the Richard & Susan Smith Family Foundation prioritize?

Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Gateway Cities receive the majority of funding. Select health grants extend nationally.

### Which asset classes appear in the foundation's holdings?

Holdings include hedge fund positions, public equities through family managers, and direct real estate interests such as Barrys Corner Holdings LLC.

### How is the foundation connected to Castanea Partners?

Castanea Partners is the family's private equity firm owned by Robert A. Smith and Brian Knez. The foundation and the firm share family principals but maintain separate mandates.

## Related profiles

- [Leta McFarlin Chapman Memorial Trust](https://altss.com/profile/leta-mcfarlin-chapman-memorial-trust-486003ac0)
- [JDM Financial Group](https://altss.com/profile/jdm-financial-group-llc)

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Last updated: 2026-07-06T00:37:45.284Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/richard-susan-smith-family-foundation

Maintained by Altss — https://altss.com — methodology: https://altss.com/methodology