GrantMeTennessee grant finder

← All foundations

Private foundation · Nashville

The Joel C and Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation

Invitation only

This foundation says it only funds groups it chooses itself. Don't send an unsolicited application. If your work fits, the usual path is an introduction through someone the foundation already knows, such as a board member or a current grantee. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?

Grants in Tennessee
19 totaling $193K
Typical grant
$1,000 to $12K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
A realistic first ask
About $2,500, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
Where it gives
Davidson County
Buildings & equipment
None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
Funds new groups?
21% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 4 of 19.
Total giving that year
$193K

Giving by year

Tax yearTotal grants paidTo TennesseeTennessee grants
2025$193K$193K19
2024$330K$320K24
2023$470K$468K13

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.

  • Bernice W GordonPresident
  • Robert A GordonTrustee
  • Julie S GordonTrustee
  • Frank E GordonSecretary
  • Gwen L GordonTrustee
  • Gail Gordon JacobsTrustee

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

  • To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity

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.

RecipientWherePurposeAmount
Jewish Federation of NashvilleNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$49K
The TempleNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$44K
Vanderbilt AthleticsNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$24K
Frist Art MuseumNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$18K
The University School of NashvilleNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$12K
United Way of Greater NashvilleNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$10K
Tennessee Performing Arts CenterNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$9,000
Ensworth SchoolNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$7,500
Gordon Jewish Community CenterNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$6,046
Friends of Warner ParksNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$2,500
Nashville ZooNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$2,500
Congregation Sherith IsraelNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$2,000
Water WalkersNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$2,000
Jewish Family ServiceNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$1,100
Alive HospiceNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$1,000
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Inc.Nashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$1,000
Humanities TennesseeNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$1,000
Gilda's ClubNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$100
Vanderbilt HillelNashville, Davidson CountyTo further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity$100

All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save