Private foundation · Gatlinburg
John and Doris Clayton Foundation
In 2025 it gave 4 grants worth $12,000 to Tennessee groups, 2 of them in Davidson County. A typical grant was $3,000.
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
- 4 totaling $12,000 · 2 in Davidson County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $3,000
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $3,000: the middle grant to the 3 Tennessee groups it funded for the first time in 2025.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Knox County, Blount County
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- 75% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 3 of 4.
- Total giving that year
- $12,000
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $12K | $12K | 4 |
| 2024 | $12K | $8,000 | 2 |
| 2023 | $11K | $11K | 3 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
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.
- John M ClaytonDirector/president
- Doris J ClaytonDirector/secretary/treasurer
- Beth ClaytonDirector
- Mark ClaytonDirector
- Stephanie ThompsonDirector
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Davidson County grants are listed first, then the largest. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville Rescue Mission | Nashville, Davidson County | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $3,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee | Nashville, Davidson County | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $3,000 |
| Knox Area Rescue Ministries | Knoxville, Knox County | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $3,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee | Maryville, Blount County | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $3,000 |