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Private foundation · Nashville

Pontikes Family Foundation

Invitation only

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
3 totaling $132K
Typical grant
$1,815 to $80K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
A realistic first ask
About $50K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
Where it gives
Davidson County, Hawkins County · plus 4 grants outside Tennessee
Buildings & equipment
None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
Funds new groups?
50% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 1 of 2.
Total giving that year
$294K

Giving by year

Giving by year from its IRS filings
Tax yearTotal grants paidTo TennesseeTennessee grants
2025$294K$132K3
2024$323K$65K2
2023$176K$64K2

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.

  • Nicholas PontikesPresident
  • Gwen PontikesVice president
  • Dorene GustitusVice president
  • Nicholas PontikesTreasurer
  • Gwen PontikesSecretary

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.

Tennessee grants from Pontikes Family Foundation
RecipientWherePurposeAmount
Tomahawk Charitable Solutions Foundation Inc.Nashville, Davidson CountyGeneral purpose$80K
The Veterans CenterRogersville, Hawkins CountyGeneral purpose$50K
Tomahawk Charitable Solutions Foundation Inc.Nashville, Davidson CountyGeneral purpose$1,815

All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save