Private foundation · Birmingham, AL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Dunn-French 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
- 2 totaling $6,500
- Typical grant
- $1,500 to $5,000 (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $3,250, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Knox County, Shelby County · plus 96 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 50% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 1 of 2.
- Total giving that year
- $392K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $392K | $6,500 | 2 |
| 2024 | $342K | $1,000 | 1 |
| 2023 | $238K | $1,000 | 1 |
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 D FrenchPresident
- Thomas YerbySecretary/treasurer
- Stephen SpannVice-president
- Mary Dunn FrenchVice-president
- Beverly HoytVice-president
- Lucy SpannVice-president
- Joseph Sm FrenchVice-president
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 preserve and interpret james whites fort and early frontier history of birmingham
- To advance cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | To advance cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases | $5,000 |
| James White Fort | Knoxville, Knox County | To preserve and interpret james whites fort and early frontier history of birmingham | $1,500 |