The Mattis Foundation · North Carolina

Honoring service.
Opening doors.

Scholarships for students committed to service. Support for communities rebuilding after hardship. A lasting legacy for CPT Kevin “KJ” Smith.

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Next scholarship cycle: 2027

CPT Kevin “KJ” Smith with fellow service members — A life of service. A legacy of opportunity.Meet the story behind our mission

Why we exist

In 2005, KJ gave his life to save his teammate, Adam Mattis. Today, the foundation carries that act of service forward through education and community support.

Our story

Where service leads

Two ways to open doors.

Education creates possibilities. Community support helps people move forward when hardship interrupts them.

For students

KJ Smith Memorial Scholarship

A renewable scholarship honoring service, leadership, and resilience. The next application cycle is 2027.

2027 dates to be announced

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Storm damage in a community affected by flooding

For communities

The Community Fund

Supporting disaster recovery, veterans and military families, and community organizations working toward a stronger future.

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Purpose in practice

See the work.
Understand the purpose.

From disaster relief to education, our work begins with people facing a moment of need.

Explore the foundation’s past areas of support and the scholarship that carries KJ’s name forward.

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Community recovery

Helping communities rebuild

Past support includes Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Idalia relief, alongside community organizations and revitalization efforts.

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Education · Next cycle 2027

A future shaped by service

The KJ Smith Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who bring service, leadership, and resilience to their communities.

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Foundation founders Adam and Jenelle Mattis

Adam and Jenelle Mattis · The Mattis Foundation

The story behind our mission

One act of courage.
A purpose that lives on.

In 2005, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, Adam Mattis’s platoon was targeted for assassination. When the bomb detonated, CPT Kevin “KJ” Smith gave his life to save Adam’s.

The foundation carries KJ’s memory forward by creating opportunities for students and supporting communities facing hardship. His legacy lives in service to others.

“KJ didn't just save my life. He gave me a purpose. Every day, I work to honor that sacrifice by creating opportunities for others to serve.”Adam Mattis, Founder

Carry the Legacy Forward

An outdoor evening gathering space with warm lights

Gather for good

Evening Under the Oaks

An intimate benefit dinner bringing friends and supporters together for the Community Fund and KJ Smith Memorial Scholarship.

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About the foundation

A few things to know.

What does The Mattis Foundation do?

The Mattis Foundation supports students through the KJ Smith Memorial Scholarship and communities through the Community Fund. The foundation carries forward the legacy of CPT Kevin “KJ” Smith and his service to others.

Where is The Mattis Foundation based?

The Mattis Foundation is based in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The Community Fund’s previously published areas of support include disaster relief in North Carolina and revitalization in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

When is the next KJ Smith Memorial Scholarship cycle?

The next cycle is 2027. Application dates and final requirements have not yet been announced. Check the scholarship page for current application status.

How can I support the foundation?

Start a giving or partnership inquiry to discuss supporting the scholarship or Community Fund. No payment is taken on this website. Contact the foundation for current giving instructions.

Start a conversation

There’s a place
for you here.

Have a scholarship question, a community need, or an idea for working together? Tell us a little about it.

info@mattisfoundation.org

Based in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

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Honoring service. Opening doors.