Private foundation · Knoxville
Lawson Family Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 71 totaling $2.2 million · 2 in Davidson County
- Typical grant
- $5,000 to $25,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $15,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Knox County, Blount County, Campbell County, Davidson County, Hamilton County, Monroe County, Anderson County, Greene County and 1 more · plus 15 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 76% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 53 of 70.
- Total giving that year
- $2.4 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.4M | $2.2M | 71 |
| 2023 | $854K | $832K | 41 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Lawson family foundation · Knoxville · 8652298206 · info@lawsonfamilyfoundation.org
- What to send
- Website application: https://www.lawsonfamilyfoundation.org/grants
- Deadlines
- Open applications
- Limits
- Only tax exempt 501c3 organizations. Preference given to organizations in knox county, TN and meeting funding priorities outlined at: https://www.lawsonfamilyfoundation.org/strategic- priorities
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2024. 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.
- Phillip LawsonChairman
- Cristy LockwoodDirector
- Gwen MckenzieDirector
- Tim MclemoreDirector
- Carey ParkerDirector
- Clarence VaughnDirector
- Alan WilliamsDirector
- Allie WelchSecretary
- David ArningPresident
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
- Sponsorship
- Membership - great egret society
- Life prep academy
- 100knoxville
- Sponsorship of concert
- Mmiw exhibit/directors circle
- Food for kids
- Education
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men of Valor | Antioch, Davidson County | General support | $25K |
| Partnership Tennessee | Nashville, Davidson County | General support | $25K |
| Emerald Charter Schools | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $500K |
| University of Tennessee Foundation | Knoxville, Knox County | College of social work | $200K |
| United Way of Greater Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $175K |
| East Tennessee Community Design Cen | Knoxville, Knox County | Sponsorship | $150K |
| Knox County Community Gardeners | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $100K |
| Knoxville Leadership Foundation | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $100K |
| Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |
| East Tennessee Childrens Hospital | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |
| Kim Health Center | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |
| Knoxville Opera | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |
| Koinonia Foundation of Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $50K |
| Knoxville Symphony Orchestra | Knoxville, Knox County | Sponsorship of concert | $40K |
| Real Talk Mentoring Inc. | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $35K |
| Healing the Home | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $30K |
| Focus Ministies | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Interfaith Health Clinic | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Knoxville Entrepreneur Center | Knoxville, Knox County | 100knoxville | $25K |
| Knoxville History Project | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Raising A Voice | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Spark | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Street Hope TN | Powell, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| Thrive | Knoxville, Knox County | General support | $25K |
| TN Achieves | Knoxville, Knox County | Education | $25K |
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