Private foundation · Dunstable, MA (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation Inc.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 1 totaling $3,500
- Typical grant
- $3,500 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask
- About $3,500, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 87 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 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $761,500
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $762K | $3,500 | 1 |
| 2024 | $804K | $2,500 | 1 |
| 2023 | $758K | — | 0 |
How to apply
- Contact
- The robert and joan dircks foundati · dunstable · 9784490072
- What to send
- The application process is as follows: step 1: determine eligibility by viewing funding guidelines at the robert and joan dircks foundation's web site at www.dircksfoundation.org step 2: the applicant will complete the application and forward it, with information requested, to the foundation. The trustees review applications five times each year, january, march, may, august and november. Step 3: if a site visit is requested by the foundation a representative from the foundation will contact the organization to set a date. Step 4: after an application has been reviewed at a board meeting, an acknowledgment regarding the status of the application is mailed. The acknowledgement states whether the request has been accepted or rejected, the amount awarded, the project being funded and the timing of when the grant will be mailed. Step 5: after the program or project has been implemented, the foundation requires a completed robert and joan dircks evaluation form.
- Limits
- Funding guidelines: the robert and joan dircks foundation focuses on programs that provide opportunities to children and individuals who are physically, mentally or economically disadvantaged. The foundation concentrates on small non-profit organizations that provide programs and projects that prevent or solve problems. Grants are awarded for one year only and typically range from $1,000 to $15,000. Recipients are required to report on the program that was funded and evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Funding restrictions: grants are only awarded to organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue code. One grant can be awarded by the foundation to an organization within one calendar year. The robert and joan dircks foundation does not award grants for political or lobbying activities, operating budgets, deficit or debt reduction, loans or housing projects. Grants are not made to programs of national or international scope.
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.
- Robert E DircksTrustee
- Joan WalshTrustee
- Carolyn Van RiperTrustee
- William C DircksTrustee
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
- Provide a home for individuals who travel to recive medical treatment
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Arms Foundation | Germantown, Shelby County | Provide a home for individuals who travel to recive medical treatment | $3,500 |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save