Private foundation · Newport Beach, CA (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Needelman Family Foundation
In 2025 it gave 1 grant worth $400 to Tennessee groups. A typical grant was $400 (1 grant).
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
- 1 totaling $400
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $400 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $400, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Roane County · plus 11 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- 1 of its Tennessee grants went to buildings, renovations or equipment, e.g. “Sanctuary & rescue facility for big cats, much like an animal...”
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $10,450
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10K | $400 | 1 |
| 2024 | $12K | $200 | 1 |
| 2023 | $12K | — | 0 |
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.
- Chester NeedelmanPresident
- Dorothy NeedelmanVice pres.
- Mitchel NeedelmanC.f.o.
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
- Sanctuary & rescue facility for big cats, much like an animal shelter for house pets. (1 grant)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Haven Foundation | Kingston, Roane County | Sanctuary & rescue facility for big cats, much like an animal shelter for house pets. | $400 |