Private foundation · Chicago, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Poetry Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $35,000
- Typical grant
- $15,000 to $20,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $17,500, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Anderson County, Madison County · plus 177 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
- $4.2 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.2M | $35K | 2 |
| 2023 | $3.5M | $25K | 1 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Michelle t boone president · chicago · 3127998072 · grants@poetryfoundation.org
- What to send
- The foundation awards grants to us-based nonprofit organizations through multiple initiatives including equity in verse and poetry programs, partnerships, and innovation. Using a competitive application review process, grants are awarded in the form of general operating support for poetry-based nonprofit organizations and in the form of program support for poetry programs at nonprofit organizations.
- Deadlines
- Guidelines and deadlines are available on the fnd's website at www.poetryfoundation.org/grants
- Limits
- Contact the organization
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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Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- Michelle BoonePresident
- Caren YanisTrustee-thru april 2024
- Eugene LoweVice chair
- Kary McilwainVice chair-thru april 2024
- Andrew JacobsFinance committee chair
- Stuart MillerAudit committee chair
- Angel YsaguirreEquity comm chair
- John BrackenTrustee
- Cecilia ConradTrustee-thru april 2024
- Gwendolyn Perry DavisBoard chair
- Fabiola DelgadoTrustee
- Michael FassnachtTrustee
- Deborah GillespieTrustee
- Marguerite GriffinTrustee
- Parneshia JonesTrustee
- Marc Bamuthi JosephTrustee
- Lindsey PeckinpaughTrustee
- Lynne ThompsonTrustee
- Joe BrocatoTrustee-started sept 2024
- Jennifer CastellerChief operating officer
- Deepa GuptaTrustee-started sept 2024
- Greg ThompsonTrustee-started sept 2024
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
- Poetry programs, partnerships and innovation grant
- Special opportunities 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sundress Publications | Oak Ridge, Anderson County | Poetry programs, partnerships and innovation grant | $20K |
| The Griot Collective of West Tennessee | Jackson, Madison County | Special opportunities grant | $15K |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save