Private foundation · Jacksonville, FL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Thomas M and Irene Kirbo
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 1 totaling $20,000
- Typical grant
- $20,000 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask
- About $20,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Washington County · plus 158 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $2 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2M | $20K | 1 |
| 2024 | $2M | $15K | 1 |
| 2023 | $1.9M | $15K | 1 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Martha jenks sawyer · jacksonville · 9043840440
- What to send
- Statement 13
- Limits
- Grants are to be made to aid religious, educational, cultural, charitable, scientific and literary institutions.
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
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.
- Charles H Kirbo JrTrustee
- Martha J SawyerTrustee
- Betsy Anne KirboTrustee
- Thomas M JenksTrustee
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University Fd | Johnson City, Washington County | Audiology scholarship endowment | $20K |