Private foundation · Columbus, MS (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Gillis Family Foundation
In 2024 it gave 3 grants worth $10,300 to Tennessee groups, 2 of them in Shelby County. A typical grant was $100 to $10,000. Most often for: “To help further the mission of the donee organization”.
The IRS revoked this organization's tax-exempt status on May 15, 2014, because it didn't file a required return three years in a row. Gifts made to it after that may not be tax-deductible. Ask about its status before you apply. Source: IRS automatic revocation list, checked Oct 8, 2026.
Invitation only: it picks who to fund. Don't send a proposal. Look for a connection through its board. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 3 totaling $10,300 · 2 in Shelby County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $100 to $10,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $200, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Williamson County · plus 44 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 2023. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $228,810
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $229K | $10K | 3 |
| 2023 | $502K | $10K | 3 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
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.
- Joseph A GillisDirector, chair of board,
- Betty J GillisVp & secretary, director
- Johanna LittlejohnDirector
As listed in its 2024 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- To help further the mission of the donee organization (3 grants)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Children's Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | To help further the mission of the donee organization | $200 |
| Le Bonheur Children's Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | To help further the mission of the donee organization | $100 |
| Band of Brothers | Franklin, Williamson County | To help further the mission of the donee organization | $10K |