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Powell Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.7M

Powell Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,661,295 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $30.7 million
  • Decision Time: N/A (Private foundation, trustee discretion)
  • Grant Range: Varies widely (individual scholarships to major institutional gifts)
  • Geographic Focus: East Tennessee (primarily Johnson City and Knoxville areas)

Contact Details

  • Phone: 423-794-6095
  • Address: 2105 Key Dr, Brentwood, TN 37027-5431
  • Website: Not available
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Powell Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000 by the late James J. "Jim" Powell Sr. (1937-2022) and his wife Sandra Powell. With assets of $30.7 million, the foundation annually distributes over $1.6 million primarily to educational institutions in East Tennessee. Jim Powell, founder of Powell Construction Company, began his philanthropic journey in 1980 by funding scholarships at the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University, formalizing these efforts through the foundation's establishment. The foundation continues under family leadership, maintaining Jim Powell's legacy of supporting education and the arts in the region where his construction company built its success.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation's giving focuses on:

  • Educational Scholarships: Supporting approximately 200 students annually at UT and ETSU
  • Music Programs: Including the Sandra G. Powell Music Professorship and Powell Choral programs
  • Athletic Programs: Particularly women's basketball at supported universities
  • Institutional Support: Direct grants to University of Tennessee Foundation and East Tennessee State University
  • Community Support: United Way of East TN Highlands

Priority Areas

  • Higher education access and scholarships
  • Music and arts education
  • Women's athletics
  • Community development in East Tennessee

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation, they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their established beneficiary network
  • Unsolicited proposals
  • Organizations outside East Tennessee

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (2024):

  • Jennifer Von De Heiden - President
  • Sandra Powell - Director (Foundation co-founder)
  • James J. Powell Jr. - Secretary
  • Michael Powell - Director

The foundation was established by Jim Powell, who served as chairman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission from 2002-2006 and was deeply committed to educational access in East Tennessee.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Powell Foundation operates as a private family foundation making grants at trustee discretion to pre-selected organizations with which they have established relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation maintains ongoing relationships with its beneficiary institutions.

Application Success Factors

As a private family foundation without a public application process, the Powell Foundation works exclusively with established partner organizations. Their giving patterns show:

  • Long-term commitment to partner institutions (decades-long relationships with UT and ETSU)
  • Focus on measurable educational outcomes (supporting 200+ students annually)
  • Preference for named programs that create lasting impact (professorships, scholarship funds)
  • Strong emphasis on East Tennessee community development

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a private family foundation with no public application process
  • Funding is concentrated on established relationships with East Tennessee educational institutions
  • The foundation prioritizes education, particularly scholarships and music programs
  • Geographic focus is firmly on East Tennessee, especially Johnson City and Knoxville areas
  • Foundation maintains long-term, multi-decade relationships with beneficiary organizations
  • Annual giving exceeds $1.6 million, distributed among approximately 28 grants

References

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