Private foundation · Memphis
Mcdonnell Family Foundation
In 2024 it gave 22 grants worth $1.6 million to Tennessee groups, 22 of them in Shelby County. A typical grant was $25,000. Most often for: “Program Services”.
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
- 22 totaling $1.6 million · 22 in Shelby County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $25,000
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $25,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 3 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
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 22 of 22.
- Total giving that year
- $1.7 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.7M | $1.6M | 22 |
| 2023 | $0 | — | 0 |
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.
- Mcneal Bond McdonnellDistribution committ
- Irene Mcdonnell AyotteDistribution committ
- Mary Mcdonnell SchellDistribution committ
- Michael KeeneyTrustee
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
- Program Services (22 grants)
How big its Tennessee grants are
| Grant size | Grants |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 0 |
| $1,000 to $4,999 | 0 |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 2 |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 3 |
| $25,000 to $99,999 | 13 |
| $100,000 or more | 4 |
From its 2024 IRS filing. Small groups: look at how many grants sit in the bands you'd ask for.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of Greater Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $955K |
| A Step Ahead Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $100K |
| Porter Leath | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $100K |
| The Hospitality Hub | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $100K |
| The University of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Agape Child and Family Services | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| All Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Artsmemphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Christian Brothers University | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| City Year Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Memphis Inter-Faith Coalition for Action and Hope | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Mid-South Food Bank | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Protect Our Aquifer | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Semmes Murphey Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Slingshot Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| St John's Episcopal Church | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Urban Arts Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $25K |
| Knowledge Quest | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $15K |
| Memphis Metal Museum | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $15K |
| Refugee Empowerment | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $10K |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of America | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $5,000 |
| Memphis Innercity Rugby | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Services | $5,000 |