Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation
At a glance
This funder does not accept unsolicited applications. The foundation chooses the organisations it funds itself.
Key takeaways
- The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and gives priority to the East Tennessee area, so fit is strongest for organisations working there.
- It funds education, faith-based initiatives and work that impacts Knoxville, and awards grants only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organisations, so those without this status should not apply.
- Most grants are modest: half of its 379 grants were $10,000 or less, and about 8 in 10 fell between $1,000 and $200,000, though the largest grant recorded was $2,600,000, so a modest request is the realistic starting point.
- The foundation describes itself as by invitation only and says it does not accept unsolicited requests, yet it also sets out a written application process, with deadlines of May 31 and November 30, asking for the amount and purpose requested, a recent audited financial statement and a copy of the tax-exempt ruling.
- With 80% of its grant dollars going to organisations it had already funded in the two previous filings, this looks like a relationship-led funder where an existing connection may count for a great deal.
Overview
Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation is a US private foundation based in Knoxville, TN.
What they fund
Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and web pages about the foundation (lipscomb.edu, wm.edu), with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
The Foundation supports organisations run by great leaders with a heart for service and a track record of results, investing in work that increases access and opportunity. Its three main areas of impact are education, faith-based initiatives and work that impacts the Haslams’ hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. It gives preference to organisations in East Tennessee and awards grants only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organisations. Its executive director says she supports organisations focused on education, Knoxville or faith-based work and works closely with organisations to help them become more effective and improve their use of outcomes data.
Themes
- Education
- Faith-based initiatives
Geographic Focus
Priority: East Tennessee area.
What They Don't Fund
- Organizations that are not tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations
How to apply
Submit a written request stating the amount and purpose, with the most recent audited financial statement and a copy of the tax-exempt ruling.
Deadlines: May 31 and November 30.
Application success factors
- Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 80% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
- Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 379 grants to organisations were $10,000 or less.
What the foundation says:
- It favours organisations run by great leaders with a heart for service and a track record of results. (as reported in other published sources)
- It focuses on organisations increasing access and opportunity, with an eye towards outcomes. (as reported in other published sources)
- Its executive director says she works closely with organisations to improve their effectiveness and use of outcomes data. (as reported in other published sources)
Where grants go
From grants to organisations in the foundation’s filings for tax years 2022–2024.
Grant dollars by state
6 other states: 2%
- The largest single recipient received 25% of grant dollars to organisations.
- In tax year 2024, 80% of grant dollars went to organisations Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation had funded in earlier filings.
- No grants were paid directly to organisations outside the US.
- 3% of grant dollars went to intermediaries that regrant to other organisations.
Grants
How much do they typically give?
Share of 159 grants in tax year 2024 by size
Median $10,000 (tax year 2024)
The largest grants to organisations in the foundation’s latest filing:
- University of Tennessee Foundation · Haslam college naming endowment$2,600,0002024 tax year
- Lipscomb University · General operating support$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Redeemer City to City · Operating support$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Lakeshore Park · Operating support$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Belmont University · Operating support$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Young Life · General operating support$1,000,0002024 tax year
- University Health Systems Inc · Emergency and trauma services$1,000,0002024 tax year
- Teach for America · Ignite tutoring$750,0002024 tax year
Grants to organisations listed in the foundation’s Form 990-PF filings. Grants to individuals are not shown.
Officers and directors
- Jennifer Oswalt — Secretary, Treasurer, & Director
- Cristen G Haslam — Vice President & Director
- William E Haslam — President & Director
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
3 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 tax year | $10,065,980 | $9,874,388 | $19,723,235 | Filing for 2022 tax year |
| 2023 tax year | $13,737,354 | $13,304,956 | $112,805,684 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $17,050,456 | $16,803,169 | $175,077,611 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
Registers and filings
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At a glance
Applying to Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (865) 500-4327
- Knoxville, TN
Applying to Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Contact
- (865) 500-4327
- Knoxville, TN