The Smith-Pettit Foundation was established in 1999 to support contributions to Mormon studies through research, writing, publications, conferences, and related activities; and to promote independent thought, analysis, and critical inquiry regarding Mormonism, broadly defined.
Among other activities, Smith-Pettit identifies research and writing projects to support, then contracts with individual scholars to undertake these projects as works-for-hire for the foundation. Upon a project’s completion, Smith-Pettit determines the best avenues for dissemination.
Smith-Pettit co-owns Signature Books Publishing LLC, with which it partners to support contributions in a variety of formats to Mormon studies. Smith-Pettit also collaborates with other, similarly focused non-profit foundations. Smith-Pettit is an 501c3 non-profit operating foundation headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.