Private foundation · Auburn, NY (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Fred L Emerson Foundation Inc.
In 2025 it gave 1 grant worth $25,000 to Tennessee groups, 1 of them in Shelby County. A typical grant was $25,000 (1 grant).
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 1 totaling $25,000 · 1 in Shelby County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $25,000 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $25,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 69 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
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 1 of 1.
- Total giving that year
- $7.9 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7.9M | $25K | 1 |
| 2024 | $2.5M | — | 0 |
| 2023 | $2.4M | — | 0 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
How to apply
- Contact
- Daniel J Fessenden Executive Direct · Auburn · (315) 253-9621
- What to send
- All organizations submitting a proposal must complete the emerson foundation grant application form.
- Deadlines
- Proposals are accepted and considered on an ongoing basis.
- Limits
- Fred l. Emerson foundation, inc. Does not make grants to individuals of for profit organization and does not sponsor fundraising or political activities. Proposals seeking support solely for recurring operating expenses of an organization are strongly discouraged. Grant recipients will be expected to provide the foundation with an evaluation report upon completion of the project for which the funding was provided.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. 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.
- Daniel J FessendenExecutive director
- Kristen E RubackaDirector
- W Gary EmersonDirector
- Lori E RobinsonPresident
- Heather A EmersonTreasurer
- Sally E WagnerSecretary
- W Eric EmersonDirector
- Alex Kinal-WagnerVice president
- Katelyn M PerkinsDirector
- Mary Mclean EvansDirector
- Ann M HustonDirector
- Darlene G MotleyDirector
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Toward wetland restoration at owasco flats inlet (1 grant)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks Unlimited Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Toward wetland restoration at owasco flats inlet | $25K |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save