Private foundation · Nashville
Sowell Family Foundation
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
- 23 totaling $64K
- Typical grant
- $1,000 to $5,000 (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $1,135, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Blount County, Shelby County, Hickman County · plus 1 grant outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 57% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023): 13 of 23.
- Total giving that year
- $69K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69K | $64K | 23 |
| 2023 | $113K | $100K | 27 |
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.
- Joseph Sowell IIITrustee
- Joanne SowellTrustee
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
- To further exempt purpose
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Campus | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $10K |
| American Red Cross (tiffany Circle) | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $10K |
| Planned Parenthood | Memphis, Shelby County | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Nashville Banner (nville Publc Media) | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Nashville Ballet | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Duck River Conservancy | Centerville, Hickman County | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Nplf (literary Gala) | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| TN Justice Center | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| Room in the Inn | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| Nplf - Carnegie Society | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,500 |
| Nashville Zoo | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,500 |
| Impact100 | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,135 |
| Daybreak | Maryville, Blount County | To further exempt purpose | $1,125 |
| Legal Aid Society | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Cheekwood | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Nations Ministry | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| TN Innocence Project | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Interfaith Dental | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| St Georges (general) | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Mcneilly Center for Children | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Leadership Nashville | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $500 |
| Bethlehem Centers | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $500 |
| Vanderbiltchic Awearness | Nashville, Davidson County | To further exempt purpose | $250 |