The Imlay Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $8,905,000 (2023)
• Total Assets: $50.1 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Within 1 week after board meetings (held in April, September, and December)
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $2,000,000
• Median Grant: $20,000
• Geographic Focus: Metro Atlanta, Georgia and Hilton Head, SC

Contact Details

Address: 3630 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 320, Atlanta, GA 30326

Phone: 404-239-1777

Website: https://theimlayfoundation.org

Grants Manager: Angela Finley Hunter (afhunter@imlay.net)

Executive Director: Robert D. Smulian

Overview

Founded in 1990 by technology entrepreneur John P. Imlay, Jr., The Imlay Foundation is a private family foundation with assets of $50.1 million that distributed $8.9 million in grants across 168 awards in 2023. Since 2019, the foundation has awarded 523 grants totaling $41.8 million. The foundation's philosophy extends from John Imlay's venture capital background, helping both entrepreneurial and established community organizations expand their capabilities and reach. The foundation financially supports people who demonstrate passion, principles, and leadership to create better lives in communities. In 2022, Mary Ellen Imlay, the foundation's president and chairman, was honored as Philanthropist of the Year during National Philanthropy Day in Metro Atlanta, recognizing 28 years of leadership including major initiatives such as the Imlay Innovation Fund partnership with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Georgia Tech.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating and Project Grants: $10,000 - $2,000,000

• First-time grant requests typically funded in the $10,000-$15,000 range
• Median grant: $20,000
• Application via Letter of Intent (LOI) system, followed by invitation to submit full application
• Three annual board meetings (April, September, December)

The Imlay Innovation Fund (Special Initiative)

• $5 million grant established permanent endowment in 2016
• Partnership between Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Georgia Tech
• Supports innovative pediatric healthcare solutions through engineering
• Awards range from quick-win projects (12-18 months) to longer-term research
• Has awarded over $1.25 million across 9 projects since 2017

Priority Areas

The foundation supports a broad range of issue areas:

• Arts and Culture: Cultural institutions, historic preservation (e.g., Historic Oakland Cemetery Bell Tower, Georgia Public Broadcasting)
• Education: Youth programming, Latino student support (Los Niños Primero)
• Health: Pediatric innovation, healthcare access (Grady Health System Food as Medicine program)
• Human Services: Homeless youth, foster care populations, refugee services
• Community Development and Housing: Eviction prevention initiatives
• Environment/Sustainability: Conservation projects
• Access to Finance and Employment Generation: Economic empowerment programs

Target Populations: Children, youth, elderly, families, low-income individuals, minority populations, persons with disabilities, veterans, women/girls, rural and urban communities

Special Focus: The foundation emphasizes smaller charities in Atlanta and has conducted annual themed initiatives including $510,000 for homeless-serving organizations (2017) and $205,000 for refugee-serving organizations (2018).

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals and for-profit organizations
• Organizations without two full years of operations in Atlanta, GA with 501(c)(3) status
• Organizations that are not classified as public charities under section 509(a)
• Programs outside Metro Atlanta and Hilton Head, SC (with rare board-approved exceptions)
• Organizations that received funding in the previous year (24-month waiting period recommended)
• Organizations lacking permanent staff based in Metro Atlanta

Governance and Leadership

Board Structure: 11-member board composed primarily of Imlay family members and close associates

Key Leadership:

• Mary Ellen Imlay, Chairman and President - Led the foundation for 28 years in various roles; succeeded her late husband as chairman; recognized as 2022 Philanthropist of the Year for National Philanthropy Day in Metro Atlanta
• Robert D. Smulian, Executive Director - First outside executive director, previously Vice President of Philanthropy at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
• Melanie Bialko Leeth, Secretary
• Sig Mosley, Treasurer/Vice President
• Alan Zubay, Director

Founder: John P. Imlay, Jr. (1936-2015) - Technology entrepreneur who built Management Science America (MSA) into one of the nation's most successful software companies; served as an incubator for technology executives; inducted into Georgia Technology Hall of Fame (1994); received Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award (1997)

Board Philosophy: "Everybody has an assignment" - board members actively prepare homework for meetings and participate in site visits with potential grantees to observe leadership and organizational culture.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. ALL organizations must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), even past recipients.

LOI Requirements:

• State the U.S. dollar amount and purpose in the first paragraph
• Include Metro Atlanta mailing address, contact email, contact phone, and organizational mission
• Past recipients must include an update on how latest funding was used
• For projects, include total project cost
• Submit hard copy by mail or hand delivery (no email submissions)
• Must be received by 5:00 PM on deadline date

Step 2: Invitation to Apply If the LOI is approved, the foundation will forward a grant application form via email link.

Step 3: Full Application Submission

• Complete the emailed application form
• Submit hard copy by mail or hand delivery (no email submissions)
• Include required financial documentation:
  • Audited financial statements (for budgets $250,000+)
  • CPA review letter (for budgets under $250,000)
  • Latest completed 990 form

Step 4: Site Visit (if required) Foundation representatives may schedule a site visit to observe programs and meet with leadership.

Step 5: Board Decision Applications reviewed at quarterly board meetings.

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Three times per year (April, September, December)
• Notification: Within one week following each board meeting
• Total Process: Approximately 2-4 months from LOI to decision, depending on board meeting cycle

Success Rates

The foundation made 168 awards in 2023 from an undisclosed number of applications. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

• Funded Organizations: The foundation generally does not make grants to an organization in consecutive years. Wait 24 months after receiving a grant before reapplying.
• Declined Organizations: Wait at least 12 months before resubmitting a Letter of Intent.

Application Success Factors

Venture Capital Mindset: The foundation's approach reflects John Imlay's venture capital background. According to their website, "The Imlay Foundation philosophy extends from John Imlay's venture capital background, and the Foundation helps entrepreneurial and established community organizations expand their capabilities and reach." Applications should demonstrate how funding will help the organization scale impact or expand capabilities.

Emphasis on Leadership: Board members conduct site visits specifically to observe leadership in action and understand organizational culture. Applications should highlight passionate, principled leaders and their track record.

Small Charity Focus: While the foundation makes occasional large grants (up to $5 million for the Innovation Fund), it emphasizes supporting smaller charities. First-time applicants are typically funded at $10,000-$15,000. Don't oversell organizational size - demonstrate agility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Clear, Specific Requests: State the dollar amount and purpose in the first paragraph of your LOI. Be specific about what you'll accomplish with the funding.

Two Years of Operations Required: Organizations must demonstrate two full years of operations in Atlanta with 501(c)(3) status. This shows commitment and stability.

Metro Atlanta Permanent Staff: Applications must demonstrate programs implemented by permanent staff based in Metro Atlanta. The foundation values the ability to conduct meaningful site visits.

Project vs. Operating Support: The foundation accepts both requests. For projects, include the total cost and explain how the foundation's grant fits into the broader funding picture.

Past Grantee Updates: If reapplying, include substantive updates on how previous funding was used and what impact it achieved. This demonstrates accountability and stewardship.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Start with a modest ask: First-time applicants should request $10,000-$15,000 rather than the maximum. Build the relationship over time.
• Demonstrate entrepreneurial approach: Frame your work in terms of innovation, scalability, and expanding organizational capabilities.
• Highlight leadership: Emphasize the passion, principles, and track record of your leadership team - they may meet them during a site visit.
• Plan ahead for timing: With only three board meetings per year and a two-stage process, allow 3-4 months from LOI to decision.
• Respect the geographic focus: Unless you have a specific board member champion, focus on Metro Atlanta or Hilton Head programs.
• Don't rush reapplication: Wait the full 24 months after a grant or 12 months after a decline. Use the time to strengthen your organization and results.
• Prepare for site visits: If invited to apply, anticipate a possible site visit. Have your programs ready to showcase and leaders available to meet.

References

• The Imlay Foundation official website: https://theimlayfoundation.org (accessed February 24, 2026)
• The Imlay Foundation Grant Requirements: https://theimlayfoundation.org/grant-requirements/ (accessed February 24, 2026)
• The Imlay Foundation Grant Program: https://theimlayfoundation.org/grant-program/ (accessed February 24, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Imlay Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/581868936 (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-imlay-foundation-inc (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=IMLA001 (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Georgia Tech Foundation: "Imlay Foundation – $5 Million Grant to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta": https://www.gtf.gatech.edu/imlay-foundation-5-million-grant-to-childrens-healthcare-of-atlanta/ (accessed February 24, 2026)
• SaportaReport: "Column: Late John Imlay lives on through robust foundation" by Maria Saporta (accessed February 24, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/581868936 (accessed February 24, 2026)