Private foundation · Indianapolis, IN (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Lumina Foundation for Education Inc.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $800K
- Typical grant
- $100K to $700K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $400K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Williamson County, Davidson County · plus 355 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 2 of 2.
- Total giving that year
- $30M
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $30M | $800K | 2 |
| 2023 | $55.2M | $5,000 | 1 |
How to apply
- Contact
- PROGRAM OFFICE NEW INQUIRY · Indianapolis
- What to send
- Lumina Foundation does not have a formal letter of inquiry (LOI) policy. However, we do review unsolicited requests. Unsolicited requests are reviewed by the grants management team for alignment with the Foundation's current strategic priorities. If the request aligns with current work, it is referred to a program officer for further review. Requests considered viable are invited to submit concept papers for further consideration by Lumina Executive Team members. Formal invitations for full proposal may be advanced following initial evaluation.
- Deadlines
- Unsolicited inquiries received by the end of september for the year
- Limits
- Lumina carefully reviews every grant inquiry that meets foundation guidelines. Following the initial review, we will inform applicants within two months of receipt whether the inquiry fits our current priorities and resources. Due to limited resources, we cannot request proposals from all inquiries that meet our criteria. If we decide to request a full proposal, a Program Officer will contact the applicant to request additional information and to provide instructions on applying for a grant. An invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding. Lumina carefully considers all solicited proposals; occasionally, we invite external experts to review proposals as well. We are diligent in our efforts to respond promptly to proposals. Assuming potential grantees' timely responses to requests for information, the entire review and approval process typically takes approximately six months.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2024. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- Alisa MillerBoard chair
- Allan HubbardBoard member (retired 4/10/2024)
- Austan GoolsbeeBoard member
- Christine PambianchiBoard member
- David WilsonBoard member
- Joseph BoatengBoard member
- Justin ChristianBoard member
- Katherine DavisBoard member (retired 4/10/2024)
- Matthew BreitfelderBoard member
- Matthew GoldbergBoard member
- Pardis MahdaviBoard member (elected 4/10/24)
- Teresa LubbersBoard member (elected 4/10/24)
- William SerrataBoard member
- Chauncy LennonVp for the future of learning and work & sr. stratgeic advisor
- Courtney BrownVp of impact & planning
- Debra HumphreysVp of strategic engagement
- Erin ArcherVp for fin and invest/cfo
- Hong Linh NguyenVp, equity culture, & talent
- Jamie MerisotisPresident/ceo
- Michelle CooperVp, public policy & executive director
- Timothy RobinsonVp general counsel & chief of staff
- Carman Twillie AmbarBoard member
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 pilot competency-based math course redesign models to foster more equitable pathways to success at...
- To build capacity to digitally engage adult learners in support of participation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competency-Based Education Network | Franklin, Williamson County | To pilot competency-based math course redesign models to foster more... | $700K |
| Tennessee Board of Regents | Nashville, Davidson County | to build capacity to digitally engage adult learners in support of participation. | $100K |
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