Private foundation · Jackson
Ned R Mcwherter Charitable Foundation
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?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 36 totaling $269K
- Typical grant
- $2,000 to $7,000 (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $3,000, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Madison County, Weakley County, Davidson County, Obion County, Putnam County, Shelby County, Williamson County · plus 2 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 35% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 12 of 34.
- Total giving that year
- $291K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $291K | $269K | 36 |
| 2024 | $279K | $269K | 36 |
| 2023 | $203K | $143K | 25 |
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.
- Michael R McwherterPresident
- Madelyn B PritchettSecretary
- Mary Jane McwherterDirector
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
- For general purposes
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Community Foundation of West Tennessee | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $90K |
| The Jackson Symphony | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $35K |
| First Presbyterian Church | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $25K |
| Swan Ball 2025 | Nashville, Davidson County | For general purposes | $10K |
| Sunset Cemetery | Dresden, Weakley County | For general purposes | $10K |
| Aspell Manor | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $8,000 |
| Rifa | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $7,500 |
| The Star Center | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $7,500 |
| Weakley County Library Board | Dresden, Weakley County | For general purposes | $7,000 |
| West TN Pbs | Martin, Weakley County | For general purposes | $5,000 |
| Jackson Boys & Girls Club | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $5,000 |
| Global Citizens Adventure Corps | Dresden, Weakley County | For general purposes | $4,000 |
| The Dream Center | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $4,000 |
| Ned Ray Mcwherter Institute | Martin, Weakley County | For general purposes | $4,000 |
| Discovery Park of America | Union City, Obion County | For general purposes | $3,700 |
| Swan Ball 2025 Patron's Party | Nashville, Davidson County | For general purposes | $3,500 |
| Crime Stoppers | Denmark, Madison County | For general purposes | $3,000 |
| Lucille Mcwherter Senior Center | Memphis, Shelby County | For general purposes | $3,000 |
| Weakley County Senior Center (co City of Dresden) | Dresden, Weakley County | For general purposes | $3,000 |
| St John's Community Service | Martin, Weakley County | For general purposes | $3,000 |
| Andrew Jackson Foundation | Hermitage, Davidson County | For general purposes | $2,500 |
| City of Jackson - the Ned | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $2,500 |
| Tennessee Ffa Foundation | Cookeville, Putnam County | For general purposes | $2,500 |
| Weststar - U T Martin | Martin, Weakley County | For general purposes | $2,500 |
| The Jackson Symphony | Jackson, Madison County | For general purposes | $2,500 |