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Private foundation · Fort Worth, TX (gives in Tennessee from out of state)

Once Upon A Time 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?

Key facts

Grants in Tennessee
6 totaling $43K
Typical grant
$651 to $2,000 (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
A realistic first ask
About $1,000, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
Where it gives
Davidson County, Shelby County · plus 1033 grants outside Tennessee
Buildings & equipment
None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
Funds new groups?
75% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 3 of 4.
Total giving that year
$10.7M

Giving by year

Giving by year from its IRS filings
Tax yearTotal grants paidTo TennesseeTennessee grants
2024$10.7M$43K6
2023$17.7M$172K7

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.

  • Patrick W DunneDirector, president and treasurer
  • Geoffrey P RaynorDirector
  • Paul E ChristensenDirector and secretary
  • Montana RaynorVice president

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

  • The philanthropy lab

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.

Tennessee grants from Once Upon A Time Foundation
RecipientWherePurposeAmount
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, Davidson CountyGeneral support$38K
Water WalkersNashville, Davidson CountyGeneral support$2,000
Nashville Food ProjectNashville, Davidson CountyGeneral support$1,000
SisterreachMemphis, Shelby CountyGeneral support$1,000

It also made 2 grants to individual people. We don't list their names.

Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save