Frank L. and Laura L. Smock Foundation
January 6, 2026
Dear Friends,
Since 1955, the Frank L. and Laura L. Smock Foundation has helped countless Indiana Presbyterians and their churches. The Smock Foundation continues to fulfill Laura Smock’s vision: to provide benevolent assistance to promote the health, welfare and happiness of Indiana Presbyterians in need of support, focusing on senior Presbyterians.
During 2025, the Smock Foundation Trust incorporated as a nonprofit religious corporation, officially becoming The Frank and Laura Smock Trust Corporation, Inc. Under the Bylaws of the Corporation, the Smock Foundation elected a Board of Directors. The Board consists of three Directors for each Presbytery in Indiana. Each Presbytery appointed the executive presbyter or head of staff to serve as that Presbytery’s Designated Director and named two additional Directors to represent that Presbytery.
Representing the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley, are:
- Rev. Dr. Erin McGee, Lead Presbyter, Designated Director
- Steven Weissner, Board President
- Rev. Robert Heimach, Board Treasurer
Representing the Presbytery of Ohio Valley, are:
- Rev. Susan McGhee, Executive Presbyter, Board Secretary, Designated Director
- Alicia Holt, Director
- Rev. Wendy Baptist VanderZee, Director
Representing the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, are:
- Rev. Jennifer Burns Lewis, Visioning & Connecting Leader, Designated Director
- Sheridan Hadley, Director
- Rev. Alan Griffin, Director
The Smock Foundation provided $1,190,794 to assist Indiana Presbyterians, individually or through their churches in 2025.
- $195,523 was given to individuals to help with medical expenses and equipment, essential home repair, monthly care at home or in assisted living facilities, and other critical needs.
- $199,000 was awarded to Presbyterian churches for Smock Deacon Funds. These Deacon Funds enable individual churches to provide assistance to their members. The Smock Foundation knows that church pastors and leadership know their members’ needs best and can provide immediate relief for them.
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$755,901 in approved grants allowed Presbyterian churches to complete needed repairs to their buildings and purchase equipment that would improve and enhance the worship and fellowship experiences at their churches. Often these repairs were to meet ADA requirements for their aging members.
$40,370 made it possible for churches to provide programs and activities for senior members.
The smockfoundation.com website completed the first year of successfully accepting grant applications online. The website allows churches and members to complete a simple application online that goes directly to the Smock Foundation Administrator without going through a third-party vendor. This
streamlined process makes it easier for you and your members to apply for a grant. The website will be updated in 2026 to further streamline the process and to include new information the Board of Directors wants to share to clarify the application and grant process.
We encourage you to promote the Smock Foundation resources to your members and to your church leadership as a generous and gracious benefit to Indiana Presbyterians.
The Smock Foundation looks forward to another year of serving your churches and members!
Peace,
Steven Weissner, Board of Directors President
Susanne M. Rowe, Smock Foundation Administrator
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