Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $3,865,347 (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: $10,000 - $3,105,347
- Geographic Focus: Primarily Tennessee, also District of Columbia, California, Connecticut, Georgia
- Type: Private family foundation
Contact Details
Address: 2435 Hidden River Lane, Franklin, TN 37069
Note: Contact information for grant applications is not publicly available. This is a private family foundation.
Overview
The Shepherds Foundation Inc was established in July 2001 as a private grantmaking foundation based in Franklin, Tennessee. With total assets of approximately $23.3 million as of 2024, the foundation is led by the Nacarato family. President Michael J. Nacarato Jr. founded Nacarato Truck Centers in 1976, building it into a successful network of Volvo Trucks dealerships across the Southeast before its acquisition by Vanguard Truck Centers in January 2024. The foundation's mission focuses on supporting organizations in education, human services, and other philanthropic causes, primarily in Tennessee and select other states. The foundation made 5 grants totaling $3,865,347 in 2024, representing 92.5% of its total expenses.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with public application processes. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees.
Priority Areas
Based on IRS filings, the foundation's program activities include:
- Direct support to needing families
- Donations to Nashville area charities
- Development of an art museum
- Development of an art gallery
Primary focus areas identified through grant data:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
- Human Services
Geographic Focus
- Primary: Tennessee (Nashville/Franklin area)
- Secondary: District of Columbia, California, Connecticut, Georgia
What They Don't Fund
Information about specific exclusions is not publicly available.
Governance and Leadership
Officers and Directors
- President: Michael J. Nacarato Jr.
- Secretary: Teresa A. Nacarato
- Director: Michael J. Nacarato IV
The foundation is operated by the Nacarato family with no reported paid staff or officer compensation. Michael and Teresa Nacarato are also noted supporters of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, demonstrating a broader commitment to charitable giving.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not have a public application process. The Shepherds Foundation Inc is a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its trustees. Grants are typically awarded to organizations already known to the foundation or identified through the trustees' networks.
Grant Distribution Pattern
Historical grant activity shows:
- 5 awards in 2024 totaling $3,865,347
- 4 awards in 2023 totaling $120,000
- 26 awards in 2010
- 2 awards in 2011
The wide variation in annual giving and number of grants suggests strategic, discretionary grantmaking rather than ongoing program cycles.
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - no public application process.
Success Rates
Not publicly available due to invitation-only nature of grantmaking.
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no public application process.
Application Success Factors
Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success factors relate to organizations already within the foundation's network:
- Geographic proximity: Strong preference for Nashville/Franklin area organizations, with 90%+ of giving focused on Tennessee
- Alignment with family interests: Focus on education, human services, and support for families in need
- Arts and culture: Specific interest in art museum and gallery development projects
- Significant impact potential: Grant amounts vary widely from $10,000 to over $3 million, suggesting flexibility based on project scope
- Existing relationships: As a private family foundation, grants appear to flow to organizations known to the trustees
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Private foundation with no public application process - unsolicited applications are not accepted
- Family-led operation - all decisions made by the Nacarato family trustees
- Tennessee focus - strong preference for Nashville/Franklin area nonprofits
- Wide grant range - from $10,000 to $3+ million, showing capacity for both small and transformational gifts
- Strategic giving - fluctuating annual grant totals suggest responsive rather than programmatic grantmaking
- Education and human services priority - core focus areas aligned with supporting families and communities
- Arts interest - demonstrated commitment to art museum and gallery development
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Shepherds Foundation Inc (EIN 62-1842982). Form 990-PF filings 2011-2024. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/621842982
- Instrumentl 990 Report - The Shepherds Foundation Inc. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/the-shepherds-foundation-inc
- Cause IQ - The Shepherds Foundation. Organizational profile. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-shepherds-foundation,621842982/
- Volvo Group News - "Vanguard Truck Centers Acquires Nacarato Truck Centers." January 2024. https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2024/jan/vanguard-truck-centers-acquires-nacarato-truck-centers-becoming-one-of-volvo-trucks-largest-dealer-groups.html
- Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation - CARES Supporters listing. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.scottcares.org/cares-supporters
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