Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $13,304,956 (2023)
Number of Awards: 128 grants (2023)
Average Grant: ~$104,000
Grant Range: Varies widely - from smaller grants to $1M+ major gifts
Geographic Focus: East Tennessee (with preference for Knoxville area)
Application Type: Written request submission

Contact Details

Address: 1200 Clinton Street, Suite 233 Nashville, TN 37203

Executive Director: Jayme Place Simmons

Note: Direct phone and email contact information is not publicly listed. Organizations should submit written requests as outlined below.

Overview

The Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation is a private foundation established by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam, building on their legacy of education reform during their time in public service. With annual giving of approximately $13.3 million distributed across 128 grants in 2023, the foundation invests in outcomes-driven initiatives focused on serving students, individuals, and families who face systemic inequities. The foundation emphasizes supporting organizations run by "great leaders with a heart for service and an eye for results," with three core impact areas: education, faith-based initiatives, and community work in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Haslams made education a priority during their time in public service, with Governor Haslam establishing Tennessee Promise—making the state the first to offer free community and technical college—while First Lady Crissy Haslam championed literacy initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Core Impact Areas

Education (Primary Focus) The foundation champions educational access through strategic investments in organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and outcome-focused results. This priority continues the Haslams' commitment to making quality education accessible to students who are furthest from opportunity. Recent initiatives include:

The Tennessee Tutoring Corps (launched 2020) - A $1 million program employing 1,000+ college students to provide one-on-one tutoring to 5,000 students from low-income families, addressing COVID-related learning loss
Higher education endowments and scholarships
K-12 educational access programs
Organizations serving students facing systemic barriers

Faith-Based Initiatives The foundation supports faith-based organizations that align with their mission of serving communities and addressing inequities.

Community Impact in Knoxville Direct investment in organizations and projects that strengthen the Knoxville community, including parks, public spaces, and local service organizations.

Additional Focus Areas (via Haslam Family Giving):

Youth Sports - Promoting athletic participation to improve academics and develop leadership
Health & Human Services - Helping families access quality social services and healthcare innovation
Parks & Public Spaces - Conservation and recreational access

Recent Grant Examples

Belmont University - $1 million endowed scholarship for medical students with demonstrated financial need at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine (2025)
Lipscomb University - Endowed Distinguished Visiting Professorship of Faith and Reason
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley - Partner in Tennessee Tutoring Corps and ongoing support
Lakeshore Park Conservancy - $35 million (Haslam family gift) for park development
Governor's Books from Birth Foundation - Early literacy support

Geographic Preference

Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, with strong preference given to organizations in the East Tennessee area, particularly those serving the Knoxville community.

Types of Support

General operating support
Project support
Major endowment gifts
Program initiatives

Governance and Leadership

Bill Haslam - Co-Founder Former Governor of Tennessee (2011-2019), widely referred to as the "education governor" for his leadership in K-12 and post-secondary education reform. Under his leadership, Tennessee became the fastest-improving state in K-12 education and the first state to provide free community college for all citizens. Haslam has stated: "We know there's an issue around income inequality and unequal opportunity in our country. We also know that in times like this, those issues get exacerbated. The differences in opportunity become even more pronounced." He emphasizes that "character in our leaders does matter" and seeks "principled problem-solving."

Crissy Haslam - Co-Founder Philanthropist, children's advocate, and education champion. As Tennessee's First Lady, she focused on literacy initiatives. Currently serves on boards including The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Dollywood Foundation, Tennessee Kids Belong, Knoxville Education Foundation, and Redeemer City to City.

Jayme Place Simmons - Executive Director Leads the foundation's day-to-day operations and grantmaking activities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not maintain a formal online application portal. Applications should be submitted in the form of a written request that includes:

The amount being requested
The purpose of the request
Most recent audited financial statement
Copy of the organization's IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt ruling

Submission Address: Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation 1200 Clinton Street, Suite 233 Nashville, TN 37203

Important Note: The foundation is described as "low profile" but does accept contact. Organizations are encouraged to reach out, though funding will require patience and relationship-building.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish specific decision timelines or grant cycles. With 128 grants awarded in 2023, the foundation appears to review and award grants throughout the year rather than operating on fixed deadlines.

Success Rates

With 128 grants awarded from $13.3 million in total giving in 2023, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program. However, specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions or waiting periods have been publicly documented. Organizations that have received grants appear to be eligible for continued support based on performance and ongoing alignment with foundation priorities.

Application Success Factors

1. Strong Leadership and Proven Results The foundation explicitly seeks "organizations run by great leaders with a heart for service and an eye for results." Applications should emphasize leadership strength and demonstrate outcome-driven approaches.

2. Focus on Addressing Systemic Inequities Proposals should clearly articulate how the organization serves "students, individuals, and families who face systemic inequities." Use language that demonstrates understanding of structural barriers to opportunity.

3. Geographic Alignment While not exclusively limited to East Tennessee, organizations in the Knoxville area and broader East Tennessee region receive preference. Clearly state your geographic service area and local impact.

4. Educational Access and Opportunity Given the Haslams' track record and stated priorities, proposals that expand access to quality education for underserved populations are particularly well-positioned. The Tennessee Tutoring Corps demonstrates their commitment to addressing learning gaps for low-income students.

5. Measurable Outcomes The foundation's emphasis on "outcomes-driven initiatives" means applications should include clear metrics, evaluation plans, and evidence of impact. Share specific data on who you serve and what results you achieve.

6. Values Alignment The foundation's support for faith-based initiatives and emphasis on character and service suggests that organizations should articulate shared values around servant leadership and community impact.

7. Financial Readiness The requirement for audited financial statements indicates preference for established organizations with financial infrastructure and accountability systems in place.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

East Tennessee organizations have a significant advantage - Geographic preference is explicit, particularly for Knoxville-area nonprofits
Emphasize leadership and results - The foundation prioritizes organizations led by strong, service-oriented leaders who can demonstrate measurable impact
Frame work around equity and access - Use language that connects your mission to reducing systemic inequities and expanding opportunity
Education is the sweet spot - While the foundation supports multiple areas, their deepest commitment and largest initiatives center on educational access and quality
Be patient and build relationships - This is a low-profile foundation that doesn't rush decisions; relationship-building and networking matter
Show financial stability - The requirement for audited financials suggests they fund established organizations with proven track records
Think beyond small grants - With an average grant of ~$104,000 and major gifts in the $1M+ range, this foundation makes significant investments in aligned organizations

References

Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation - GuideStar Profile - Accessed December 2025
Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation - Grantmakers.io - Accessed December 2025
Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Accessed December 2025
Bill and Crissy Haslam Foundation - GrantStation - Accessed December 2025
Haslam Giving Official Website - Accessed December 2025
Belmont University - Haslam Foundation $1M Scholarship Announcement - Accessed December 2025
Lipscomb University - Haslam Foundation Endowed Professorship - Accessed December 2025
Chalkbeat Tennessee - Tennessee Tutoring Corps Launch - Accessed December 2025
EdWeek - Former Governor Recruits College Students to Combat COVID Slide - Accessed December 2025
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee - TN Tutoring Corps - Accessed December 2025
Crissy Haslam - Wikipedia - Accessed December 2025
Bill Haslam - Ballotpedia - Accessed December 2025