Private foundation · Boston, MA (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Sociological Initiatives Foundation Inc.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $49,960
- Typical grant
- $24,960 to $25,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $24,980, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Knox County, Rutherford County · plus 9 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2022–2023): 2 of 2.
- Total giving that year
- $277,602
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $278K | $50K | 2 |
| 2023 | $185K | — | 0 |
| 2022 | $184K | — | 0 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Prentice zinn · boston · 6173913091 · pzinn@gmafoundations.com
- What to send
- Applicants should submit their concept application online via the foundation's website (page 5, part vii-a of form 990-pf). No e-mail or paper applications will be accepted. The foundation notifies applicants who have submitted concept applications if their preliminary request has been accepted by the trustees and a full proposal will be considered. General instructions and an application form will be sent out with the letter of notification. From time to time, the trustees review these guidelines and may make changes without notice.
- Deadlines
- Short concept applications-august 14; full proposals-november; grants disbursed in february.
Next one: Aug 14, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2024 filing - Limits
- Grant recipients should wait one year before submitting a new request. Organizations whose concept applications or full proposals are denied may re-apply after one full year from the date of the notification of the denial. The foundation will not consider proposals that: 1) represent the work of a lone academic without an ongoing partnership with a community organization; 2) do not demonstrate the capacity or intent to carry out bona fide research, as indicated by either a past track record or a credentialed research partner; 3) are led by government/municipal agencies; 4) result only in reports, publications, websites, gatherings, films, theatrical productions, concerts, conferences, or the like that are not part of a larger explicit social change strategy; 5) only evaluate existing programs. Program evaluation is not a priority; and 6) request funds for operating support or capital grants.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2024. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- Barbara FreedV.p./treasurer
- Ramona HernandezDirector
- Susan GreenbaumPresident/secretary
- Jonathan GaylesDirector
As listed in its 2024 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Health Care Campaign | Murfreesboro, Rutherford County | Program support | $25K |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, Knox County | Program support | $25K |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save