Private foundation · Oak Park, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Master Educational Assistance Foundation
In 2025 it gave 2 grants worth $3,000 to Tennessee groups, 1 of them in Shelby County. A typical grant was $1,500.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $3,000 · 1 in Shelby County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $1,500
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $1,500, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Shelby County · plus 51 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 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $384,281
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $384K | $3,000 | 2 |
| 2024 | $329K | $3,000 | 2 |
| 2023 | $321K | $5,500 | 3 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
How to apply
- Contact
- James F Zangrilli · Oak park · (847) 431-5590
- What to send
- Letter, rochure, etc. Describing person/organization seeking assistance
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- James Francis ZangrilliExecutive director
- James Franklin ZangrilliDirector
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
- Contributior (2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Music School | Memphis, Shelby County | Contributior | $1,500 |
| Smith Music School | Nashville, Davidson County | Contributior | $1,500 |