Private foundation · Chattangooga
Mckenzie 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
- 24 totaling $381K
- Typical grant
- $4,500 to $25K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $10K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Hamilton County, Marion County, Davidson County, Bradley County · plus 7 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 38% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 9 of 24.
- Total giving that year
- $474K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $474K | $381K | 24 |
| 2024 | $742K | $630K | 32 |
| 2023 | $567K | $470K | 27 |
How to apply
- Contact
- W thorpe Mckenzie · Chattanooga · 4232663544
- What to send
- The application should be submitted on the form designed by Mckenzie foundation. The application should include the following information: parent/guardian names and income level; extracurricular activities; honors or awards received; work experience; school planning to attend; whether any other scholarships have been applied for; and why they are applying for this scholarship. Applicants should include an official high school transcript. Renewal applicants should include: a transcript from the school they are attending for the immediately preceeding period.
- Limits
- The grant must be used for education at a secondary school, college, or university. The recipient must remain in good standing with the school.
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.
- Johnny SmithPresident/treas/asst sec
- W Thorpe MckenzieVice president
- Sarah H MckenzieDirector
- William P AikenSecretary/director
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
- Operating funds
- Operating fund
- Opertaing funds
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Way of Greater Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $50K |
| Purpose Point Learning Center | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $50K |
| Chattanooga Preparatory School | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $50K |
| Chattanooga Area Food Bank | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $30K |
| Men of Valor | Antioch, Davidson County | Operating funds | $28K |
| Adult & Teen Challenge Midsouth | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $25K |
| Baylor School | Chattanooga, Marion County | Operating fund | $25K |
| Chatt Foundation | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $15K |
| Lookout Mountain School Pta | Lookout Mountain, Hamilton County | Opertaing funds | $15K |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region | Cleveland, Bradley County | Operating funds | $15K |
| Welcome Home of Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $12K |
| Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga | Chatanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $10K |
| Skyuka Hall | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $10K |
| Bridge Refugee Services | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $10K |
| Songbirds Foundation | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $7,200 |
| Be the Change Youth Initiative | Red Bank, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $5,000 |
| University of Tennessee Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $5,000 |
| Rise Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $4,500 |
| Second Verses | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $4,000 |
| Chattaneuter | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $3,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $2,500 |
| Chattanooga Guns and Hoses | East Ridge, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $2,500 |
| Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association | Chattanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $2,000 |
| Nonprofit Resource Center | Chatanooga, Hamilton County | Operating funds | $500 |
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