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Jackson Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.8M
Grant Range
$5K - $2.8M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.8-3 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $2.8 million (typical: $5,000-$10,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Tennessee (especially Dickson County and Middle Tennessee)

Contact Details

  • Phone: 615-740-5600
  • Address: 855 Highway 46 South, Dickson, TN 37055-2616
  • Website: jacksonfoundation.org (certificate expired at time of research)
  • Application Contact: Call main number for current application procedures

Overview

The Jackson Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 1969 following the sale of Goodlark Medical Center for $103 million. With current assets of $74.7 million, the foundation distributes approximately $2.8-3 million annually through 12-16 grants while also operating its own educational programs. The foundation's mission focuses on motivating and educating children and adults through technology in arts, science, and humanities. Originally operating the Renaissance Center (a $25 million educational facility), the foundation gifted the building in 2013 but continues its grant-making and educational activities. Their JF Media Productions has won 28 Emmy Awards over 15 years for educational programming including "Tennessee's Wild Side" on PBS.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Support Grants: $5,000 - $10,000 (typical awards for local nonprofits)
  • Major Initiative Grants: Up to $2.8 million (rare, for highly aligned projects)
  • Application method: Direct contact required; quarterly review cycle

Priority Areas

  • Education and technology-enhanced learning
  • Human services and community health
  • Child advocacy and family support
  • Arts, culture, and heritage preservation
  • Drug prevention and community safety
  • Senior services
  • Housing and homelessness

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated; foundation appears to focus exclusively on established nonprofits in their geographic region

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • Douglas S. Jackson - President and Executive Director (former Tennessee State Senator and attorney)

Board of Trustees:

  • Robert Spencer - Chairman of Finance (Lipscomb University)
  • Joe Youree - Vice Chairman (Retired)
  • Sara Caudill - Secretary (Retired)
  • Venk Mani - Horizon Medical Center
  • Ted Williams - TriStar Bank
  • David Shepard - TN State Legislature/Dickson Apothecary
  • John Jackson
  • Rena Willey - Retired
  • Mike Legg - Former Chairman Finance

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications from established nonprofits. Contact the foundation directly at 615-740-5600 to request current application guidelines and forms. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines on the last day of each calendar quarter. Incomplete applications will not be considered until all requirements are met.

Decision Timeline

  • Quarterly review cycle (four times per year)
  • Applications received after quarterly deadline are considered at next meeting
  • Notification methods not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified; contact foundation for guidance

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant patterns and the foundation's mission, successful applications demonstrate:

  • Clear educational components or technology-enhanced learning elements
  • Direct service to Dickson County or Middle Tennessee communities
  • Established nonprofit status with proven track record
  • Alignment with foundation's focus on improving education in arts, sciences, and humanities
  • Community health, youth services, or cultural preservation initiatives
  • Typical grant requests in the $5,000-$10,000 range align with their standard awards

Recent recipients include child advocacy centers, pregnancy services, community health clinics, museums, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels - all established organizations with clear community benefit.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Foundation operates as both grant-maker and program operator, distributing ~$3 million annually
  • Strong preference for Tennessee-based organizations, especially in Dickson County
  • Educational mission is central - incorporate learning/technology elements when possible
  • Typical grants are $5,000-$10,000; larger grants rare but possible for major initiatives
  • Direct phone contact essential due to limited online application information
  • Foundation has substantial assets ($74.7M) ensuring long-term funding stability
  • Quarterly review cycle allows multiple application opportunities per year

References

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