Private foundation · Louisville, KY (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Melrow and Barbara Wells Fdn
In 2025 it gave 2 grants worth $35,362 to Tennessee groups. A typical grant was $484 to $34,878.
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
- 2 totaling $35,362
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $484 to $34,878 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $17,681, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Marshall County, Shelby County · plus 12 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $47,953
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48K | $35K | 2 |
| 2024 | $35K | $26K | 2 |
| 2023 | $0 | — | 0 |
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.
- Baird Trust CompanyTrustee
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Jude Children's Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | Charitable | $35K |
| Lewisburg Fire Department | Lewisburg, Marshall County | Charitable | $484 |