Dettwiller Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $8,573,833 (2023)
• Total Assets: $247,860,875
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $30,000 (median: $10,000; average: $30,400)
• Number of Grants: 50 grants made
• Geographic Focus: Tennessee
• Application Method: Fixed deadlines (two cycles per year)

Contact Details

Address: Nashville, TN
Phone: 615-707-2312
Email: info@dettwillerfoundation.org
Website: dettwillerfoundation.org

Overview

The Dettwiller Foundation was established to foster Fred Dettwiller's charitable legacy following his death in October 2021 at age 89. Tax-exempt since November 2015, the foundation manages assets of approximately $247.9 million and distributed $8.6 million in grants in 2023. Fred Dettwiller was a unique figure in Tennessee—both owner of Det Distributing, one of Tennessee's largest beverage distributors, and an ordained Episcopal priest who served as Canon for Special Projects for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee. He entered the priesthood in 2004 after a lifetime of lay leadership and established the chaplaincy programme at Metropolitan Nashville Airport's public safety department. The foundation continues his commitment to supporting diverse charitable initiatives across Tennessee, with particular emphasis on religious organisations, education, the arts, health and human services, and law enforcement/first responder programmes.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The foundation supports initiatives across five distinct focus areas:

1. Religious - Programmes offering peace, compassion, and fulfilment to lift up vulnerable communities through faith-based initiatives

2. Health & Human Services - Work empowering marginalised and underserved communities and enhancing physical and mental wellbeing

3. The Arts - Organisations enriching lives through artistic expression

4. Law Enforcement & First Responders - Support protecting communities and assisting first responder operations

5. Educational - Programmes teaching skills for fuller living and knowledge acquisition in underserved areas

Grant Types

The foundation funds both:

• Organisation-wide operational support
• Specific project/programme initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

• Individuals or personal projects
• Private foundations
• Disease-specific national research organisations
• Political activities or political organisations
• Other grantmaking entities
• Limited-audience initiatives
• Individual schools

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• John Curley, Director and President
• Leslie Wood, Director and Secretary (based in White House, TN; previously with DET Distributing Company)
• Victoria Victory, Director

The Board of Directors meets twice annually to finalise funding decisions in June and December.

Application Process & Timeline

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, organisations must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with minimum 3 years of operation
• Annual operating budget of at least $300,000
• Based in or serving Tennessee communities

How to Apply

Application Cycles: The foundation operates two grant cycles per year:

• Spring Cycle: Applications typically accepted February through mid-May
• Autumn Cycle: Applications typically accepted July through mid-October

Letter of Intent Requirement (New for 2026 Forward): First-time applicants and organisations that have not received funding from the foundation in the past 18+ months must submit a Letter of Intent before being invited to submit a full application. The LOI should include:

• Mission summary
• Project description
• Populations served
• Alignment with foundation mission
• Annual operating budget

Application Submission Methods:

1. Complete the application form on the foundation's website
2. Email a Word or PDF file with supporting documents to info@dettwillerfoundation.org

Important: The foundation recommends updating your GivingMatters profile before applying. GivingMatters is administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and should include current governance information (Board Chair and Board members with term dates) and management details (Executive Director experience and demographics).

Decision Timeline

• Board Decisions: June (for spring cycle) and December (for autumn cycle)
• Grant Disbursements: July (for spring awards) and January (for autumn awards)

Success Rates

Data available indicates the foundation made 6 grants in a recent year and 50 grants total across another measurement period. However, the foundation does not publicly disclose application numbers or success rates. With approximately 50 grants awarded from $8.6 million in annual giving (2023) and an average grant of $30,400, this suggests a selective but meaningful grant programme.

Reapplication Policy

No specific information is publicly available regarding reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants. Organisations should contact the foundation directly at info@dettwillerfoundation.org or 615-707-2312 to enquire about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's roots in Fred Dettwiller's dual career as both business leader and Episcopal priest, successful applications likely demonstrate:

1. Clear Tennessee Focus: The foundation explicitly prioritises Tennessee communities. Applications should clearly articulate how the work serves Tennessee residents, particularly marginalised or underserved populations.

2. Alignment with Dettwiller's Legacy: Fred Dettwiller's life embodied both business acumen and spiritual service. Projects that demonstrate both practical impact and deeper purpose may resonate with the foundation's mission.

3. Organisational Maturity: The minimum requirements (3 years of operation, $300,000+ budget) indicate the foundation seeks established organisations with demonstrated capacity and track record.

4. Serving Vulnerable Populations: Language throughout the foundation's materials emphasises "lifting up vulnerable communities" and "empowering marginalised and underserved communities." Applications should clearly identify the vulnerable populations served and how the work empowers them.

5. Strong GivingMatters Profile: The foundation's explicit recommendation to update GivingMatters profiles suggests this is an important review tool. Ensure governance and management information is current and complete.

6. First Responder Connection: Given Fred Dettwiller's work establishing airport chaplaincy programmes and the foundation's specific focus on law enforcement and first responders, projects that support public safety personnel may have particular appeal.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Budget threshold matters: With a $300,000 minimum operating budget requirement, this funder targets mid-sized to larger nonprofits—smaller organisations should look elsewhere

• Letter of Intent screens first-timers: New applicants face an additional hurdle with the LOI requirement; use this to clearly demonstrate mission alignment before investing in a full application

• Tennessee-only focus: Geographic restriction is explicit and firm; organisations outside Tennessee or not serving Tennessee populations should not apply

• Median vs. average reveals distribution: The $10,000 median versus $30,400 average suggests many smaller grants with some larger awards—understand where your request might fall

• Two clear deadlines annually: Plan submissions for either the February-May or July-October windows, with decisions made in June or December respectively

• Multi-sector approach honoured: Fred Dettwiller's legacy spans business, religion, and public service—applications that bridge sectors or demonstrate holistic community impact may stand out

• GivingMatters profile is important: Take time to ensure this profile is thorough and current before applying, as it appears to be a key reference tool for reviewers

References

• Dettwiller Foundation Official Website - Accessed December 2024
• Dettwiller Foundation Areas of Focus - Accessed December 2024
• Dettwiller Foundation Profile - Cause IQ - Accessed December 2024
• Dettwiller Foundation Profile - TheShareWay - Accessed December 2024
• Father Fred Dettwiller Obituary - NewsChannel 5 Nashville - Accessed December 2024
• Local businessman Fred Dettwiller dies at 89 - Nashville Post - Accessed December 2024
• Tennessee Business and Religious Leader Fred Dettwiller Passes Away - Tennessee Tribune - Accessed December 2024
• Dettwiller Foundation - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Accessed December 2024