Dozen Dimes Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.9-3 million
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $100,000 (typical direct grants)
• Geographic Focus: Atlanta/Georgia with some national reach

Contact Details

• Website: www.dozendimesfoundation.org (minimal placeholder site)
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Address: 4175 Conway Valley Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327-3607

Overview

The Dozen Dimes Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2016 with current assets of $48.7 million. Led by founder James C. Kieffer, who serves as Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, the foundation distributes approximately $2.9-3 million annually to charitable organizations. The foundation has grown substantially since inception, with assets increasing from $10.2 million in 2015 to nearly $50 million today. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the foundation operates with minimal public presence and follows an invitation-only grant model, supporting diverse causes ranging from Alzheimer's research to community development, youth services, and the arts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants to preselected organizations in the following ranges:

• Small grants: Under $25,000
• Medium grants: $50,000-$75,000
• Large grants: $100,000
• Special allocations through Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund: $2.4-2.6 million annually

Priority Areas

• Health & Medical Research (particularly Alzheimer's research)
• Community Development (Atlanta's Westside development initiatives)
• Children & Youth Services
• Arts & Culture (Atlanta-based institutions)
• Education and Public Broadcasting
• International Security and Peace Initiatives
• Museums and Cultural Preservation

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but based on grant patterns, unlikely to fund:

• Individual requests
• International organizations without US presence
• Small grassroots organizations without established track records
• Organizations outside their geographic focus areas

Governance and Leadership

James C. Kieffer - Founder, Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary

• Serves voluntarily without compensation
• Background in finance (previously with Artisan Partners)
• Emory University alumnus
• Makes all grant decisions as sole leadership

The foundation operates with minimal overhead and no paid staff, with Kieffer personally managing all foundation activities and grant decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. According to their IRS Form 990-PF, the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are made by invitation only based on relationships with foundation leadership.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations seeking support should focus on:

• Building visibility within Atlanta's philanthropic community where Kieffer is active
• Establishing partnerships with organizations already funded by the foundation (such as Westside Future Fund, Camp Twin Lakes, or Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)
• Participating in major Atlanta community initiatives where the foundation has shown interest
• Demonstrating national leadership in sectors the foundation supports (Alzheimer's research, youth services)

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed; decisions appear to be made throughout the year at the discretion of foundation leadership.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications, only funding preselected organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only model.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application success factors don't apply. However, organizations that receive funding share these characteristics:

• Established track record and strong reputation in their sector
• Atlanta/Georgia connection or national prominence
• Alignment with Kieffer's philanthropic interests in health, community development, and culture
• Professional leadership and demonstrated impact
• Many recipients are well-known institutions (Smithsonian, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - they will not be considered
• This foundation should only be on prospect lists if you have existing relationships with James Kieffer
• Focus on relationship-building through Atlanta philanthropic networks if seeking future consideration
• The foundation maintains consistent annual giving around $3 million despite asset fluctuations
• A significant portion of grants (80%+) flows through Fidelity Charitable, suggesting sophisticated giving strategies
• Best suited for established organizations with strong reputations rather than emerging nonprofits
• Geographic proximity to Atlanta or national prominence in priority sectors appears crucial

References

• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-dozen-dimes-foundation,475287709/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Form 990-PF Data 2023-2024 - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/475287709 (Accessed February 4, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile and Grant Data - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/475287709-dozen-dimes-foundation/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search - https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/detailsPage?ein=475287709 (Accessed February 4, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=3658909 (Accessed February 4, 2026)