Private foundation · Memphis
Dobbs Foundation
In 2025 it gave 5 grants worth $2.2 million to Tennessee groups. A typical grant was $10,000 to $450,000.
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
- 5 totaling $2.2 million
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $10,000 to $450,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $250,000: the middle grant to the 5 Tennessee groups it funded for the first time in 2025.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 1 grant outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 5 of 5.
- Total giving that year
- $2.2 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2.2M | $2.2M | 5 |
| 2024 | $0 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | $100K | $100K | 1 |
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.
- Edward J DobbsPresident/director
- Michael A OriansTreasurer/director
- W Christopher CrosbySecretary/director
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
How big its Tennessee grants are
| Grant size | Grants |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 0 |
| $1,000 to $4,999 | 0 |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 1 |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 1 |
| $25,000 to $99,999 | 0 |
| $100,000 or more | 3 |
From its 2025 IRS filing. Small groups: look at how many grants sit in the bands you'd ask for.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hutchison School | Memphis, Shelby County | General operating | $1.5M |
| St Georges Independent School Foundation | Collierville, Shelby County | General operating | $450K |
| Memphis University School | Memphis, Shelby County | General operating | $250K |
| Carnival Education Fund | Memphis, Shelby County | General operating | $10K |
| Downline Ministries | Germantown, Shelby County | General operating | $5,000 |