Private foundation · Pittsburgh, PA (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Rust Foundation
This foundation says it only funds groups it chooses itself. Don't send an unsolicited application. If your work fits, the usual path is an introduction through someone the foundation already knows, such as a board member or a current grantee. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 8 totaling $36K
- Typical grant
- $500 to $2,500 (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $1,000, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Rutherford County, Davidson County, Cannon County, Shelby County · plus 101 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 38% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 3 of 8.
- Total giving that year
- $381K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $381K | $36K | 8 |
| 2024 | $305K | $6,500 | 5 |
| 2023 | $304K | $26K | 8 |
How to apply
The foundation's filing doesn't describe how to apply. Look for a website, or send a short letter asking whether it accepts requests.
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.
- Thatcher O MontgomeryPresident
- Coburn J GilliesTrustee
- R Bruce RustTrustee
- Molly R MontgomeryTreasurer
- James O RustSecretary
- David C GillesVice president
- Nancy L GilliesTreasurer
As listed in its 2025 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.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Nashville, Davidson County | General purpose | $28K |
| Middle Tennessee State University Fdn | Murfreesboro, Rutherford County | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Cripple Creek Presbyterian Church | Readyville, Rutherford County | General purpose | $2,000 |
| First United Methodist Church of Woodbury | Woodbury, Cannon County | General purpose | $1,000 |
| The Journey Home | Murfreesboro, Rutherford County | General purpose | $1,000 |
| Nashville Pbs | Nashville, Davidson County | General purpose | $500 |
| Nashville Public Radio | Nashville, Davidson County | General purpose | $500 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | General purpose | $500 |