Private foundation · Knoxville
Watkins Family Foundation Inc.
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
- 11 totaling $95K
- Typical grant
- $5,000 to $10K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $10K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Knox County, Loudon County
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $95K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $95K | $95K | 11 |
| 2024 | $118K | $118K | 14 |
| 2023 | $170K | $170K | 14 |
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.
- Deborah A WatkinsPresident
- Christi W BranscomSecretary
- Ronald A Watkins JrTreasurer
- Ronald A Watkins SrChairman
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
- Youth programs
- Youth leadership programs
- Elevate recovery high school
- Public gardens
- Art museum
- Public park
- Public parks & trails
- Therapy for disabled persons
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville Museum of Art | Knoxville, Knox County | Art museum | $15K |
| Boys & Girls Club of the TN Valley | Knoxville, Knox County | Youth programs | $10K |
| Helen Ross Mcnabb Foundation | Knoxville, Knox County | Elevate recovery high school | $10K |
| Knoxville Botanical Gardens | Knoxville, Knox County | Public gardens | $10K |
| Lakeshore Park Conservancy | Knoxville, Knox County | Public park | $10K |
| YWCA Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | Social services for women | $10K |
| Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | Support of zoo | $10K |
| Emerald Youth Foundation | Knoxville, Knox County | Youth leadership programs | $5,000 |
| Legacy Parks Foundation | Knoxville, Knox County | Public parks & trails | $5,000 |
| Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy | Lenoir City, Loudon County | Therapy for disabled persons | $5,000 |
| The Joy of Music School | Knoxville, Knox County | Youth music education | $5,000 |