William E. Schmidt’s immediate family comprises the foundation's board of directors, which meets at least twice per year. The foundation considers grants to organizations in the Midwest region of the United States, but is also committed to artistic and educational development in several other parts of the country. Grants are predominantly one- to three-year commitments, and the foundation requires regular tracking and status reports from its grantees.

Most recently two organizations received tremendous support from the Schmidt family.  In 2007, Sarasota Opera located in Sarasota Florida, welcomed a $4 million dollar contribution to it's building renovation fund.  In return for this amazing support, the renovated theater has been renamed the William E. Schmidt Opera Theater.
Mr. Schmidt, originally from Kentucky, then gave generously to the state of his birth through gifts to the University of Kentucky’s Opera Theater Program in 2007 and 2008.

Since 2003, the University of Kentucky’s Education Outreach Program has traveled to schools throughout the state of Kentucky presenting short operas to children from elementary to high school age. Due to Mr. Schmidt’s generosity, UK’s outreach program now offers performances at significantly reduced rates to children at schools that otherwise could not afford live performances. The University of Kentucky has honored his significant contribution by naming the outreach program the Schmidt Opera Outreach Program. 

The impact of Mr. Schmidt’s philanthropy will be evident in yet another form this fall.  On October 24, 2008, the UK School of Music will break ground on the renovation of a building recently renamed The Schmidt Vocal Arts Center. When completed, the building will provide practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and teaching studios for UK’s voice faculty.

Casiana Schmidt was born in Mexico but has lived most of her life in the suburbs of Philadelphia.  She received a degree from the University of Mexico as well as a Master’s degree from Glasboro State College.  After teaching languages for many years in private Quaker schools, she pursued a career in nursing and graduated with a BSN degree from Thomas Jefferson University.  Mrs. Schmidt is a world traveler and derives great joy from music in all its forms. She believes in education and helping others to attain their academic potential, just as she, herself, was helped.  To this purpose, she has established scholarship programs at various colleges and universities.