Private foundation · EIN 84-3406107 · Memphis, Tennessee · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Dobbs 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: 6 grants paid, $2.2M total, median $130K. 83% of grants stayed in Tennessee.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
6
$2.2M
Median grant
$130K
Stays in TN
83%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$9.9M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Hutchison SchoolMemphis, TNGeneral operating$1.5M
St Georges Independent School FoundationCollierville, TNGeneral operating$450K
Memphis University SchoolMemphis, TNGeneral operating$250K
Young LifeColorado Springs, COGeneral operating$10K
Carnival Education FundMemphis, TNGeneral operating$10K
Downline MinistriesGermantown, TNGeneral operating$5,000

By state: Tennessee 5 · Colorado 1

About this foundation

Dobbs Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Memphis, Tennessee, administered in care of Edward J Dobbs, tax-exempt since 2020. 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 Dobbs 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 Dobbs Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $2.2M across 6 grants, a median of $130K.

Where does Dobbs Foundation give?

Tennessee (5 grants), Colorado (1 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 $256M
Assisi Foundation of Memphis Incsince 1994 Memphis, TN $11M48 grants · 2024 $85KYes $233M
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
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