Katherine John Murphy Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$1,057,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only process)
• Decision Time: Applications due October 1; decisions late November/early December
• Grant Range: Varies (recent grants: $50,000 - $70,000)
• Geographic Focus: Atlanta, Georgia and select areas of Latin America

Contact Details

Website: http://www.murphyfoundation.org
Email: fdnsvcs.ga@truist.com
Corporate Trustee: Truist Bank
Address: PO Box 919798, Orlando, FL 32891-9798
Phone: 804-273-7445

Overview

The Katherine John Murphy Foundation was established in 1954 by Katherine Murphy Riley, a prominent Atlanta philanthropist from an Irish Catholic family with deep roots in Atlanta's banking and business community. Her grandfather, Timothy Murphy, emigrated from Ireland in 1846 and became an early Atlanta pioneer. Katherine Murphy Riley was instrumental in funding many of Atlanta's cultural, human services, and Catholic organizations from 1945 until her death in 1985. Since 1985, the foundation has awarded grants in excess of $44 million in accordance with her wishes. The foundation currently holds approximately $19.7 million in assets and distributes over $1 million annually through an invitation-only grant process administered by Truist Bank. The foundation maintains a focused approach to grantmaking, supporting organizations in Atlanta, Georgia and select areas of Latin America across five priority areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate named grant programs but provides both ongoing operating support and project-based grants through an invitation-only process. Recent grants have ranged from approximately $50,000 to $70,000, with 26 grants awarded in their most recent fiscal year.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses exclusively on:

• Services for Children: Programs serving children's needs and wellbeing
• Education: Educational initiatives and institutions
• Environment: Environmental conservation and stewardship programs
• Human Services: Social service programs addressing community needs
• Catholic Organizations: Catholic churches, schools, and charitable organizations

Organizations outside these parameters may occasionally be considered if recommended by Advisory Committee members.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's invitation-only process and specific focus areas suggest they do not fund:

• Organizations outside their geographic focus (Atlanta, GA and select Latin American areas)
• Organizations that do not align with their five priority areas
• For-profit entities
• Organizations not classified as 501(c)(3) tax-exempt

Governance and Leadership

Corporate Trustee: Truist Bank (compensation: $141,954 annually)

Advisory Committee Members:

• Audrey Gatins
• Jeanette Gatins
• John Gatins
• Phillip Gatins (also listed as Trustee)
• John Stephenson
• Martin T. Gatins (also listed as Trustee)

The Advisory Committee plays a significant role in the foundation's grantmaking, as organizations outside the stated parameters may be considered if recommended by Committee members. The family-driven governance structure reflects the foundation's origins and Katherine Murphy Riley's legacy of community responsibility.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Grant applications are by invitation only. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Organizations invited to apply will receive notification from the foundation and be provided access to their online application system through Truist Bank.

For invited organizations:

• Applications are submitted through an online portal at https://www.grantrequest.com
• Applicants must first register to create an account
• Applications can be saved and returned to if incomplete
• Recommended to review grant guidelines before applying

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on an annual grant cycle:

• Spring/Early Summer: Invitations to apply are sent to selected organizations
• October 1: Application deadline
• November: Advisory Committee meets to review applications
• Late November/Early December: Grant decisions are communicated to applicants

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The invitation-only process suggests a selective approach with a limited number of organizations invited each cycle. In recent years, the foundation made 26 grants totaling approximately $1,057,000.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact fdnsvcs.ga@truist.com for guidance on future opportunities.

Application Success Factors

Since applications are by invitation only, the key to receiving funding is being identified by the foundation or Advisory Committee as aligned with their mission. For invited organizations:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the five priority areas (Services for Children, Education, Environment, Human Services, Catholic Organizations)
• Geographic focus matters: Strong preference for Atlanta-area organizations, with limited support for select Latin American initiatives
• Mission alignment with founder's vision: The foundation seeks to carry out the wishes of Katherine Murphy Riley, who supported cultural, human services, and Catholic organizations from 1945-1985
• Tax-exempt status required: Must be classified as 501(c)(3); Supporting Organizations (509(a)(3)) must provide additional documentation
• Both operating and project support available: The foundation funds both ongoing operations and specific projects

Organizations should note that recent grant recipients include Trinity Community Ministries ($70,000), Historic Oakland Foundation ($55,000), and University of Georgia Foundation ($50,800), suggesting the foundation supports a mix of direct service organizations, cultural institutions, and educational entities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only process: You cannot apply unless invited; focus on building visibility within Atlanta philanthropic circles and among Advisory Committee members
• Family foundation values: The Gatins family (descendants of Katherine Murphy Riley) guide grantmaking; understand the founder's legacy of supporting Catholic, cultural, and human service organizations
• Geographic concentration: Primary focus on Atlanta, Georgia, with limited international giving to select Latin American areas
• Annual cycle with clear timeline: October 1 deadline with decisions in November/December for those invited to apply
• Strong Catholic heritage: While not exclusively funding Catholic organizations, this is a significant priority area reflecting the founder's Irish Catholic roots
• Advisory Committee influence: Committee members can recommend organizations outside stated parameters, suggesting relationship-building is valuable
• Moderate grant sizes: Recent grants ranged from approximately $50,000-$70,000, with total annual giving around $1 million across ~26 grants

References

• Katherine John Murphy Foundation official website: http://www.murphyfoundation.org (Accessed January 2026)
• Katherine John Murphy Foundation - About page: http://www.murphyfoundation.org/about (Accessed January 2026)
• Katherine John Murphy Foundation - Grant Guidelines: http://www.murphyfoundation.org/guidelines (Accessed January 2026)
• Katherine John Murphy Foundation - Apply page: http://www.murphyfoundation.org/apply (Accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ - TR Katherine J Murphy Foundation profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/katherine-john-murphy-foundation-dtd-11-16-54-trus,586026045/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Katherine John Murphy Foundation Dtd 11 16 54 % Trust Co Of Ga Ttee: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/586026045 (Accessed January 2026)
• Form 990-PF tax filing data for EIN 58-6026045, fiscal year 2024