Private foundation · New York, NY (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Surdna Foundation Inc.
In 2024 it gave 5 grants worth $730,000 to Tennessee groups, 2 of them in Shelby County. A typical grant was $75,000 to $180,000.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 5 totaling $730,000 · 2 in Shelby County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $75,000 to $180,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $100,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat 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? How we figure this
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2024 had also been funded in 2022–2023. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $56.5 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $56.5M | $730K | 5 |
| 2023 | $58.9M | $989K | 6 |
| 2022 | $54.7M | $775K | 4 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
How to apply
- Contact
- Surdna Foundation Inc. · New york · (212) 557-0010
- 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
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- 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.
How big its Tennessee grants are
| Grant size | Grants |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 0 |
| $1,000 to $4,999 | 0 |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 0 |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 0 |
| $25,000 to $99,999 | 2 |
| $100,000 or more | 3 |
From its 2024 IRS filing. Small groups: look at how many grants sit in the bands you'd ask for.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Shelby County grants are listed first, then the largest. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Lift | Memphis, Shelby County | General support | $180K |
| Stand for Children Leadership Center TN | Memphis, Shelby County | General support | $100K |
| Highlander Research & Education Center Inc. | New Market, Jefferson County | General support | $325K |
| Stand Up Nashville | Nashville, Davidson County | General support | $75K |
| The Equity Alliance | Nashville, Davidson County | General support | $50K |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save