Private foundation · EIN 62-1586727 · Memphis, Tennessee · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Poplar Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 2 grants paid, $17M total, median $8.4M. 100% of grants stayed in Tennessee.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
2
$17M
Median grant
$8.4M
Stays in TN
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$60M

Grants paid in 2025

2 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Community Foundation of Greater MemphisMemphis, TNSupport of community fdn activities$14M
Christian Community FoundationMemphis, TNSupport of community fdn activities$2.7M

About this foundation

Poplar Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, administered in care of Dallas Geer, tax-exempt since 1995. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Poplar Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Poplar Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $17M across 2 grants, a median of $8.4M.

Where does Poplar Foundation give?

Tennessee (2 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Memphis that accept applications

All in Tennessee
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
J R Hyde III Foundationsince 1992 Memphis, TN $13M141 grants · 2024 $38KYes $263M
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Formanek Foundationsince 2008 Memphis, TN $7.6M29 grants · 2024 $158KYes $155M
International Paper Company Foundationsince 1954 Memphis, TN $3.4M472 grants · 2024 $3,500Yes $76M
First Horizon Foundationsince 1993 Memphis, TN $19M1 grants · 2024 $19MYes $55M
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