Private foundation · Chicago, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Edelson Foundation Inc.
In 2025 it gave 3 grants worth $14,500 to Tennessee groups, 1 of them in Roane County. A typical grant was $4,500 to $5,000. Most often for: “Exempt function”.
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 $14,500 · 1 in Roane County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $4,500 to $5,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $5,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Williamson County, Lewis County, Roane County · plus 20 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
- $100,000
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100K | $14K | 3 |
| 2024 | $98K | $14K | 3 |
| 2023 | $84K | $12K | 3 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
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.
- Roberta EdelsonPresident
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
- Exempt function (3 grants)
Tennessee organizations it funded
Roane 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Haven | Kingston, Roane County | Exempt function | $4,500 |
| Global Sanctuary for Elephants | Brentwood, Williamson County | Exempt function | $5,000 |
| The Elephant Sanctuary | Hohenwald, Lewis County | Exempt function | $5,000 |