Morris Animal Foundation has received a $2.3-million legacy gift from the estate of Karl D. Smith, a prominent Denver businessman with a soft spot for animals.
“We are deeply appreciative to Mr. Smith for his visionary generosity almost 10 years ago in making a planned gift to benefit animals everywhere, and we are grateful to his estate trustee and estate attorney who have stewarded Mr. Smith’s legacy so carefully,” said Tiffany Grunert, Acting CEO and President of the Foundation.
While the $2.3 million is the largest single gift received from the Smith estate, Morris Animal Foundation has received an additional total of $4.9 million from the estate over the last 10 years in numerous distributions as estate assets have been sold and/or managed for continuing revenue streams. These assets include multiple properties in and around the Denver area and other investments.
“The significance of this gift to Morris Animal Foundation cannot be overstated,” said Grunert. “Legacy giving is vitally important to our mission as we work to increase the number of studies we fund to address critical animal health problems around the world.”
Smith, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, lived in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and founded the Frontier Fire Protection Company nearly 60 years ago. He first learned about the Foundation through a past employee and was supportive of the Foundation’s mission to advance the health of animals.
Morris Animal Foundation is one of the few nonprofit, global organizations focused on improving the health of animals, including dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. As the cost of conducting groundbreaking scientific research continues to increase, the Foundation remains dedicated to its promise to fund outstanding research and support excellent scientists who hold the keys to a healthier future for all animals.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at .
