Arts & Culture
Human Services
Education
Promote learning and intellectual development for all ages through a variety of programs.
Health
Organizations concerned with the body or mind. Hospitals, substance abuse, treatment programs, diseases, medical research, mental health and crisis services.
Human Services
A service that is provided to people to help them stabilize their life and find self-sufficiency through guidance, counseling, treatment and the providing of basic needs.
Arts & Culture
Arts and culture bring the performing arts to the public; preserve and commemorate the events, places and cultures that created and continue to shape the nation.
2018
36% 6% 30% 13% 15%
A. O. Smith Corporation Scholarship Program: A. O. Smith Foundation, Inc. offers a scholarship program to assist employees’ children who plan to continue education in college or vocationaltechnical school. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time study at an accredited institution of the student’s choice.
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, and an outside appraisal.
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award ranging from $500 to $3,000.
Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
scholarships awarded in 2018
29 new scholarships $41,500.00 awarded 53 scholarships renewed $82,900.00
Total awarded in 2018: $124,400.00
Our Charities: The A. O. Smith Foundation is proud to support organizations and institutions that help to make our communities a better place to live and work. In the following pages, we’re
pleased to share a few brief sample stories about the positive impact of the A. O. Smith Foundation and our partners.
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Next Door
Next Door Milwaukee is celebrating its fiftieth year of helping children and families find longterm success through quality education and programming. For 30 of those years, the A. O. Smith Foundation has been a proud supporter.
Next Door focuses on the development of the whole child at the critical ages between birth and fiveyears-old, when 85 percent of brain development occurs. Research shows that children growing up in poverty are up to 18 months behind their peers academically when entering kindergarten. Next Door is the intervention that breaks this cycle.
“We’re a leader in early education,” says Cristina Crogan, vice president of development and communication at Next Door. “We’re devoted to the critical nature of early childhood education, which can lead to the long-term health and wellness of children and a stronger community.”
All of the services offered at Next Door are free.
“We do get federal dollars to help, but we couldn’t do it without donor support,” says Crogan. “The funding the A. O. Smith Foundation provides supports our programming—from what’s happening in classrooms and with the parents to our comprehensive services.”
Learn more about Next Door at nextdoormke.org.
Milwaukee Art Museum
The Milwaukee Art Museum is not only bringing people face-to-face with legendary works of art each day, it is also working to preserve and protect the more than 30,000 pieces of art in its collection. It is a dual role that museum staffers take very seriously.
“We try to provide as many opportunities for the community to make the Art Museum their own as we can,” says Amanda Peterson, senior director of audience engagement at the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM). “We truly pride ourselves on connecting people’s interests to art in a way that excites and motivates them.”
The A. O. Smith Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Museum’s annual fund for more than a decade. The fund helps to cover general operating expenses and support discounted admission programs that draws in thousands of Wisconsin teachers and kids each month.
“A. O. Smith’s steadfast support gives the Museum a chance to preserve the building, art collection and facilities around the Museum and welcome the local community in every single day,” continues Peterson.
Learn more about the Milwaukee Art Museum at mam.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Ronald McDonald House
On the back of a door, in a building devoted to keeping families together during illness, hangs a sign bearing the A. O. Smith Foundation name and mission statement. The sign signifies to visitors that their stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin is fully funded by the A. O. Smith Foundation, which recently committed to sponsoring one of 70 guest rooms at the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin for six months.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin is a place that exists solely to keep families together and close to the medical care they need when their child is sick or injured. The house was built on the foundation that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child.
“One of the best things about staying in the Ronald McDonald House is living in a community with other families going through a similar journey,” says Bridget Kesner, development director at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. “We are so grateful to companies like A. O. Smith, because when they say ‘yes’ to our mission, it allows us to wrap our arms around families in need.”
Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc-easternwi.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARAH STATHAS
The ARK Meals on Wheels
Several times a week, homebound seniors look forward to a nutritious lunch and friendly visit from the volunteers at ARK Meals on Wheels in South Cheatham County, Tennessee, who deliver five meals during three visits.”
“Meals on Wheels is essential to our seniors. Some don’t have family or friends nearby to check on them, making the visit as important as the food,” says Anne Carty, program director at ARK Community Resource Center, which runs the Meals on Wheels program.
ARK Meals on Wheels recently encountered a funding shortfall when it nearly doubled the number of seniors it serves. With a donation from the A. O. Smith Foundation, ARK Meals on Wheels was able to cover the deficit and continue feeding and assisting close to 100 seniors in the South Cheatham community.
“The Meals on Wheels representatives were so grateful to receive this support,” says Lisa Williams, human resources manager at A. O. Smith in Ashland City. “A. O. Smith and the Foundation helped The ARK ensure that their Meals on Wheels seniors continue receiving nutritious meals and invaluable contact with their friendly, caring volunteers. It means so much to all of us to be able to help such a great cause.”
Learn more about The ARK Community Resource Center at ark-noahs.org.
McBee Rescue Squad
A call to serve the community drives the volunteers of the McBee Rescue Squad in South Carolina. The Squad is made up of EMTs and paramedics who donate their time to respond to local emergencies when the county’s ambulances are busy, too far away or need additional assistance.
All of the 15 members of the McBee Rescue Squad have full- or part-time jobs in addition to their volunteer duties and earned their EMT and paramedic certification on their own time. After completing training, they stay connected to county ambulance calls through walkie-talkies and text messages, responding whenever they can.
All the services of the McBee Rescue Squad are provided free-of-charge. Financial support from the community helps to cover the Squad’s medical supplies, equipment, training and operating expenses.
“A. O. Smith donates annually to the McBee Rescue Squad,” says Katie Reaves, human resources supervisor at the A. O. Smith facility in McBee. “Many A. O. Smith employees or their family members live in McBee, and we want to support the organizations that are here to assist them.”
To learn more about the McBee Rescue Squad, visit mcbeerescue.org.
Marathon Kids
Marathon Kids is on a mission to get kids moving. And the A. O. Smith Foundation and Aquasana are proud to help pitch in to make that happen.
“Research shows that when kids participate in Marathon Kids, they have a much better chance of getting enough daily physical activity,” explains Heidi Gollub, Marathon Kids’ chief marketing officer. “Active kids do better in every way. They are happier, healthier and more likely to succeed in school and in life.”
The A. O. Smith Foundation and Aquasana provide financial assistance to Marathons Kids, which allows the organization to make its programming available in underserved communities.
“Thanks to generous donations from community partners like the A. O. Smith Foundation, Marathon Kids provided $1,300,000 in grant funds to 568 run clubs for the 2017-2018 season,” says Gollub. “These funds got 86,046 kids moving in 44 states.”
“Running means speed and freedom, healthy competition and accomplishment,” explains Gollub. “Our program teaches kids the joy in running a distance. Before they know it, they’ve achieved more than they ever thought possible.”
Learn more about Marathon Kids at marathonkids.org.
Mercy Community Healthcare
What started as a children’s clinic in a modest home in downtown Franklin, Tennessee, has grown into a healthcare organization serving all ages with multiple locations, 150 staff members and nearly 10,000 patients per year. Twenty years after opening, Mercy Community Healthcare remains dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to its patients, regardless of their income. Seventy percent of Mercy’s patients are uninsured or underinsured or on Medicaid or Medicare.
“We believe that everyone should have access to healthcare regardless of their ability to pay,” says Kristi Sylvester, Mercy’s director of marketing, events and development. “We rely on donations and the patients who do have the ability to pay to help offset costs.”
“APCOM chose Mercy Community Healthcare as a charity of choice ten years ago,” says Tina McKeithan, APCOM’s human resources manager. “The annual support from the A. O. Smith Foundation allows them to continue providing care to so many in need.”
Mercy provides the community with integrated care for every age — pediatrics, adult primary care, mental and behavioral health and chronic care for those with pre-existing or long-term illnesses.
Learn more about Mercy Community Healthcare at mercytn.org.
Mustard Seed Ranch
Not every child gets a perfect childhood, but at Mustard Seed Ranch in Cookeville, Tennessee, kids find the peace, love and support they need to build happy and successful futures.
“Kids here have an opportunity to just be kids, often for the first time in their young lives,” says Tammy Depperschmidt, executive director of Mustard Seed Ranch.
Mustard Seed Ranch is an interdenominational home for children, ages five through 18, who are recovering from trauma. The 113 acres currently has two homes for boys and one for girls, with each home accommodating up to eight children.
The A. O. Smith Foundation discovered Mustard Seed Ranch through the employees working at APCOM, a subsidiary of A. O. Smith in Cookeville. Annually, APCOM hosts employee events to raise money for the ranch and provide the kids Christmas presents.
“We provide a loving and healing environment where kids grow into the young men and women they were intended to become,” says Depperschmidt. “And we couldn’t do it without friends like APCOM and the A. O. Smith Foundation.”
Learn more about Mustard Seed Ranch at mustardseedranchtn.org.
SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER
PHOTO CREDIT: SCHLITZ AUDUBON NATURE CENTER
American Red Cross 88Nine Radio Milwaukee Adventure Science Center Agape Al Menah Shriners Allen DeShields OrganizationIdent-A-Kid Alliance for Strong Families ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter Alzheimer’s AssociationClarksville Chapter American Cancer Society American Heart Association Americans In Wartime Museum Aquinas Academy Arthritis Foundation Artists Working in Education Ashland City Firefighters Fund Ashland City Police Department Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement Augustana College Aurora at Home Benedictine College Bethesda Center Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Big Brother Big Sisters of America Books from Birth Boy Scouts of America Boys & Girls Clubs of America Brightstone Bristol Speedway’s Children’s Charities Brooks House Camp Ernst Middle School Carolina Kids Carroll University CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates Catholic Charities Centro De La Comunidad Unida Cheatham County Battered Women’s Shelter Cheatham County Schools Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Children’s Miracle Network COA Youth & Family Centers Coalition For Kids College Possible Columbia Central High School Communities in Schools Community Sports & Entertainment Support, Inc. Concordia University Cookeville High School Cooper Middle School Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Cumberland River Challenge Curators of the University of Missouri Darlington County Sheriff’s Office Davidson College Dawn of Hope Foundation Discalced Carmelitas Monastery Discovery World Science and Technology Center Divine Savior Holy Angels High School Downs Syndrome Clarksville Association East Tennessee State University Economics Wisconsin Empower Me Day Camp Fairview High School First Stage Fisher House Fordham Preparatory School Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 81 Girl Scouts Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin Grand River Conservation Authority Gray Middle School Greater Milwaukee Foundation Groves Memorial Hospital Habitat for Humanity Hands On! Discovery Center Hope Christian Schools $1.6 million donated to nonprofit community organizations 189 nonprofit organizations funded $1.6m 189 2018 Community Partners
Hunger Task Force Imagination Library Jericho Shriners Johnson City Firefighters Association Johnson City Senior Citizen Center Foundation Joseph’s Storehouse Journey House Junior Achievement Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kids Battle Diabetes Golf Classic Lace Up for Pink, Incorporated Leadership Spark Leadership Wilson Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Life Point Solutions Literacy Services of Wisconsin, Incorporated Loaves and Fishes Long Brach Elementary School Lourdes Academy of Oshkosh Make A Wish Foundation Marathon Kids Marquette University High School McBee Elementary School McBee High School McBee Rescue Squad Medical College of Wisconsin Mercy Community Healthcare Messmer Catholic Schools Milwaukee Art Museum Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee Montessori School Gala Milwaukee Public Library Milwaukee Public Museum Milwaukee Public Television Milwaukee Rescue Mission Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Milwaukee Women inc Mountain States Health Foundation Muscular Dystrophy Association Mustard Seed Ranch National Multiple Sclerosis Society Neighborhood House of Milwaukee New Leash on Life Next Door Pat Summit Foundation PAVE Schools That Can Milwaukee Pee Dee Coalition Against Criminal & Domestic Violence Pegram Volunteer Fire Department Penfield Children’s Center Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department Prospect, Incorporated Rees Scholarship Foundation Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing Riveredge Nature Center Ronald McDonald House Rotary Club Rutherford County Foster Parent Association Safe & Sound SaintA Salvation Army Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Second Harvest Food Bank Serenity Inns, Incorporated Sharp Literacy Sherry’s Run Sojourner Family Peace Center Southern Starrs, Incorporated Southside Elementary St. Ann Center St. Francis Children’s Center St. Joan Antida High School St. Marcus School STEM Forward-Engineers & Scientists of Milwaukee Teen Challenge Tempo Milwaukee Texas A&M University The ARK Meals on Wheels The Ohio State University The Water Council Trent Hill Center for Children and Families Two Rivers Volunteer Fire Department United Performing Arts Fund United Way University of Illinois Foundation University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Tennessee Foundation, Incorporated University of Wisconsin Eau Claire University of Wisconsin Foundation Upper Grand Learning Foundation UWM Foundation Veterans Memorial Park War Memorial Center Water Mission Waves Welmont Foundation Wilson Chamber Building Fund Wilson County Christmas for All Wilson County Community Help Center Wilson County Promotions Wilson Trousdale Resource Parent Association Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges & Universities Wisconsin Business World Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund Wisconsin Lutheran College Wisconsin Lutheran High School Youth Frontiers Youth Leadership Cheatham County Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Application Process: We encourage organizations requesting financial support from our Foundation to submit materials that help tell the story of their organization. This will allow the Foundation to assess their request holistically because we know organizations are more than just forms and numbers.
There is no standard application form, but we have a few requirements to get you started. Please make inquiries on your organization’s official letterhead and include the following:
• Verification of IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Exact name and location of the organization
• Description of the organization, including objectives and purpose
• Geographic area served by the organization
• Explanation of the activity for which support is requested
• Description of benefits to be achieved and who will receive benefits
• Amount of support being requested
• Budget information, including resources of income
• Plans for reporting results
• Any brochures, pamphlets or other material that describes your organization in greater detail
Please mail application inquiries to: Rita Schwalbach Foundation Manager A. O. Smith Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 245008 Milwaukee, WI 53224-9508
Requests are reviewed in the order in which we receive them. To be considered for the following year’s Foundation budget, applications should be received by October 31.
Note: The bylaws of A. O. Smith Foundation prohibit contributions to politically active organizations or any other organization whose chief purpose is to influence legislation.
Administration:
The A. O. Smith Foundation is governed by a sixmember Board of Directors, and its operations are administered by the Foundation’s Secretary, who is a member of the Board. The Foundation Board of Directors meet regularly in June and December. Special meetings are held periodically throughout the year as deemed necessary by the President or Secretary. The Foundation’s fiscal year is January 1 through December 31.
Board of Directors:
Edward J. O’Connor Mark A. Petrarca Ajita Rajendra
Bruce M. Smith Roger S. Smith Kevin J. Wheeler
Officers: Bruce M. Smith President
Mark A. Petrarca Secretary
John J. Kita Treasurer Patricia K. Ackerman Assistant Treasurer
A. O. Smith Corporation 11270 West Park Place Milwaukee, WI 53224-9508 www.aosmith.com Copyright © 2019. A. O. Smith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM