Private foundation · Chicago, IL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Spencer Foundation
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $158K
- Typical grant
- $48K to $110K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $79K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Marion County, Shelby County · plus 212 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 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 1 of 2.
- Total giving that year
- $24.3M
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $24.3M | $158K | 2 |
| 2023 | $20M | $136K | 3 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Dr na'llah suad nasir · chicago · 3123377000
- What to send
- Application, information, and materials requirements posted on website.
- Deadlines
- Deadlines posted on foundation's website, www.spencer.org
- Limits
- Information posted on foundation's website, www.spencer.org
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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- Dr Na'ilah Suad NasirPresident
- Elizabeth CarrickVice president, admin & chief of staff
- Andreason BrownChief financial officer & treasurer
- Doris FischerCommunications manager & board secreta
- Prudence CarterDirector
- Carl CohnDirector (outgoing fy25)
- Nonie LesauxDirector
- Jane PattersonDirector
- Cecilia Rios-AguilarDirector
- Mike WilliamsDirector
- Tyrone HowardDirector (incoming fy25)
- Eduardo PadronDirector
- Rob ReichDirector
- Kirabo JacksonDirector (incoming fy25)
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
- Can mentoring improve adolescent girls' educational outcomes?
- Bilingual book clubs
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.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amplify Girls | Chattanooga, Marion County | Can mentoring improve adolescent girls' educational outcomes? | $110K |
| Rhodes College | Memphis, Shelby County | Bilingual book clubs | $48K |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save