Foundations that fund organizations in Nashiville, Tennessee
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for Nashiville nonprofits
4 private foundations gave $1.9M to Nashiville organizations in their latest filings; 2 of the 4 that say either way accept applications.
5 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to Nashiville around $200K. 0 of these funders are based in Tennessee; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 4
- Accept applications
- 2
- of 4 that state a policy
- Dollars to Nashiville
- $1.9M
- latest filings
- Grants
- 5
- Typical median grant
- $200K
- Based in TN
- 0%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to Nashiville organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gates Foundation | Seattle, WA | 2 | $1.7M | $838K | Yes | K-12 education |
| Bollinger Family Foundation | New Orleans, LA | 1 | $200K | $200K | Yes | To further the charitable purpose of the recipient by provi… |
| The Karen and Paul Schaefer Foundation | Travelers Rest, SC | 1 | $400 | $400 | Preselected only | Charitable |
| Kyad Foundation | Carbondale, IL | 1 | $100 | $100 | Preselected only | Donation |
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 Nashiville, Tennessee?
Gates Foundation, Bollinger Family Foundation, The Karen and Paul Schaefer Foundation, Kyad Foundation reported grants to Nashiville 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 Nashiville. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.