Private foundation · Fort Lauderdale, FL (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
John H and Mary Wilkes Short
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
- 1 totaling $10,000
- Typical grant
- $10,000 (1 grant)
- A realistic first ask
- About $10,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County · plus 4 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 1 of 1.
- Total giving that year
- $137,598
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $138K | $10K | 1 |
| 2024 | $132K | — | 0 |
| 2023 | $185K | — | 0 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Mary w short · fort lauderdale · 8012691818
- What to send
- Available upon request.
- Deadlines
- December 21 of each calendar year.
Next one: Dec 21, 2026 if the dates haven't changed since its 2025 filing
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.
- Mary Wilkes ShortTrustee
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
- Issues impacting marine life
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock the Ocean Foundation | Nashville, Davidson County | Issues impacting marine life | $10K |