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Private foundation · New York, NY (gives in Tennessee from out of state)

Surdna Foundation Inc.

Takes applications

Key facts

Grants in Tennessee
5 totaling $730K
Typical grant
$75K to $180K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
A realistic first ask
About $100K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
Where it gives
Shelby County, Davidson County, Jefferson County · plus 392 grants outside Tennessee
Buildings & equipment
None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
Funds new groups?
Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2024 had also been funded in 2022–2023. Build a relationship before asking.
Total giving that year
$56.5M

Giving by year

Giving by year from its IRS filings
Tax yearTotal grants paidTo TennesseeTennessee grants
2024$56.5M$730K5
2023$58.9M$989K6
2022$54.7M$775K4

How to apply

Contact
Surdna foundation inc · new york · 2125570010
What to send
Surdna foundation's website provides the resources eligibility, guidelines and frequently asked questions in connection with grant applications. Www.surdna.org
Limits
The surdna foundation seeks to foster sustainable communities in the united states - communities guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, inclusive economies, and thriving cultures. For over five generations, the foundation has been governed largely by descendants of john e. Andrus and has developed a tradition of innovative service for those in need of help or opportunity. Https://surdna.org/prospective-grantees/

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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  • Donald ChenPres./ceo
  • Marc De VenogeVp finance & investing
  • Jonathan GoldbergVp learning & impact (thru 03/25)
  • Adam ConnakerDirector, impact investing
  • Elizabeth CahillVp, communications & engage.
  • Caitlin Boger HawkinsChairperson
  • Shari T WilsonVice chairperson
  • Peter C VoorheesSecretary/treasurer
  • Amachie AckahDirector
  • Davis BenedictDirector
  • Michelle DepassDirector
  • Cameron GriffithDirector
  • Miguel SantanaDirector
  • Ommeed SatheDirector
  • Melissa D' ArienzoDirector
  • Elizabeth ShogrenDirector
  • Timothy D ThorpeDirector

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. Groups it already funds are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.

Tennessee grants from Surdna Foundation Inc.
RecipientWherePurposeAmount
Highlander Research & Education Center Inc.New Market, Jefferson CountyGeneral support$325K
Community LiftMemphis, Shelby CountyGeneral support$180K
Stand for Children Leadership Center TNMemphis, Shelby CountyGeneral support$100K
Stand Up NashvilleNashville, Davidson CountyGeneral support$75K
The Equity AllianceNashville, Davidson CountyGeneral support$50K

Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save