Private foundation · Hawthorn Woods, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Jackson Kemper Foundation
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
- 3 totaling $1.9 million
- Typical grant
- $150,000 to $1.5 million (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $225,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Greene County, Williamson County, Wilson County · plus 34 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 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 3 of 3.
- Total giving that year
- $15.1 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15.1M | $1.9M | 3 |
| 2024 | $14.1M | $100K | 1 |
| 2023 | $15M | — | 0 |
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.
- Jackson Kemper JrPresident
- Sharon J KemperSecretary/treasurer
- Mark CostaDirector
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
- Grant to support operations
- Grant to support feeding program
- Grant to support wells in niger
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Hope | Franklin, Williamson County | Grant to support feeding program | $1.5M |
| Wells 4 Wellness | Franklin, Wilson County | Grant to support wells in niger | $225K |
| Siwok Foundation | Greeneville, Greene County | Grant to support operations | $150K |