Private foundation · Birmingham, AL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Better Place Foundation
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
- 3 totaling $94,000
- Typical grant
- $7,500 to $64,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $22,500, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Jefferson County, Williamson County · plus 49 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 2024 had also been funded in 2023. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $883,300
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $883K | $94K | 3 |
| 2023 | $863K | $88K | 3 |
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.
- William T Ratliff IIIPres/treas/director
- Carl A LessmanDirector
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
- Social assistance
- Educational
- Health support
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gideons Army Grassroots Army for Children | Nashville, Davidson County | Social assistance | $64K |
| Highlander Research & Education Center | New Market, Jefferson County | Educational | $22K |
| Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition | Franklin, Williamson County | Health support | $7,500 |