Foundations that fund organizations in Dayton, Tennessee
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Dayton nonprofits
21 private foundations gave $1.2M to Dayton organizations in their latest filings; 7 of the 21 that say either way accept applications.
51 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Dayton around $4,000. 10 of these funders are based in Tennessee; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 21
- Accept applications
- 7
- of 21 that state a policy
- Dollars to Dayton
- $1.2M
- latest filings
- Grants
- 51
- Typical median grant
- $4,000
- Based in TN
- 48%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Dayton organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton and Clara Ward Foundation | Nashville, TN | 1 | $799K | $799K | Preselected only | Endowment for the clara ward school of nursing |
| La-Z-Boy Foundation | Monroe, MI | 18 | $133K | $4,000 | Yes | Human services; Education-libraries; Public benefit |
| Henry Church Sch | Birmingham, AL | 2 | $79K | $39K | Preselected only | General operating |
| Sharpe Family Foundation Inc | Soddy Daisy, TN | 7 | $33K | $3,000 | Preselected only | Program assistance |
| Weldon F Osborne Foundation Inc | Chattanooga, TN | 1 | $30K | $30K | Yes | Operating |
| Jack and Charlotte Frost Family Foundation | Signal Mountain, TN | 1 | $25K | $25K | Preselected only | Program support |
| George R Johnson Family Foundation | Cleveland, TN | 1 | $18K | $18K | Yes | Program support |
| Ezer Giving | Oroville, CA | 1 | $12K | $12K | Preselected only | General Operating Support |
| Edward M & Henrietta M Knabusch Scholarship Foundation | Vidor, TX | 6 | $12K | $2,000 | Yes | University of tennessee; Chattanooga state community |
| The Joe and Velma Dewitt Foundation | Nashville, TN | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | Operating funds |
| Rockford Foundation | Cantonment, FL | 1 | $6,553 | $6,553 | Preselected only | Charitable aid |
| Clifford F Favrot Family Fund | Covington, LA | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Preselected only | General |
| Two Mauds Inc | New York, NY | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Preselected only | Operating support |
| Cheryl L Vaughn Foundation Inc | Chattanooga, TN | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | Yes | Operating expenses |
| Southeastern Christian Education Corporation | Harrodsburg, KY | 1 | $2,600 | $2,600 | Preselected only | See statement 6 |
| Baird Foundation Inc | Milwaukee, WI | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Education |
| Wayside Foundation | Signal Mountain, TN | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | Christian missions |
| Edward Jones Foundation | St Louis, MO | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Recreation, sports, leisure, athletics |
| Mark E Smith Foundation Ua Dated November 9 2022 | Cleveland, TN | 1 | $500 | $500 | Yes | Women's basketball program |
| Tractor Supply Company Foundation | Brentwood, TN | 2 | $500 | $250 | Yes | Hometown heroes donation |
| Csx Foundation Inc | Jacksonville, FL | 1 | $130 | $130 | Preselected only | Various |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in Dayton, Tennessee?
Clifton and Clara Ward Foundation, La-Z-Boy Foundation, Henry Church Sch, Sharpe Family Foundation Inc, Weldon F Osborne Foundation Inc and 16 others reported grants to Dayton organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in Dayton. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.