← Back to US Funders Directory

Ergon Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$11.4M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.7M

Ergon Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,428,500
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $2,500 - $725,000
  • Median Grant: $28,000
  • Geographic Focus: Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee
  • Total Assets: $208,112,809

Contact Details

Address: Jackson, MS
Website: Not publicly available
Phone: Not publicly available
Email: Not publicly available

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or requests for funds.

Overview

The Ergon Foundation Inc was established in 1980 as a company-sponsored foundation affiliated with Ergon, Inc., a global energy company founded by Leslie B. Lampton Sr. With assets exceeding $208 million, the foundation awarded $11,428,500 through 151 grants in 2023. The foundation maintains a strong commitment to supporting Mississippi communities while also extending support to organizations in Ohio and Tennessee, where Ergon maintains business operations. The foundation focuses on education, health, human services, religion, arts and culture, public safety, and sports. Leadership remains in the hands of the Lampton family, who continue the philanthropic legacy established by founder Leslie B. Lampton Sr., who passed away in 2018 after building both a successful energy empire and a reputation for quiet generosity.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Ergon Foundation supports organizations across multiple sectors:

  • Education: Universities, IT education programs, and educational institutions (significant focus area)
  • Health: Medical centers, heart health organizations, and cancer-related causes (approximately 9% of giving)
  • Social & Human Services: Community support organizations, youth development, and emergency assistance (19% of giving)
  • Religion: Churches and faith-based organizations (7% of giving)
  • Arts & Culture: Museums and cultural institutions
  • Sports: Youth sports programs and athletic organizations
  • Public Safety: Fire departments and safety organizations

Geographic Focus

Primary focus on Mississippi, with additional support for organizations in Ohio and Tennessee where Ergon maintains business operations.

Recent Grant Examples

  • University of Southern Mississippi Foundation: $250,000
  • Jackson Heart Foundation: $200,000
  • Salvation Army: $150,000
  • American Heart Association: $100,000
  • Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle: $100,000
  • Mississippi Coding Academies: Five-year grant for IT education expansion

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly specify exclusions, but only supports preselected organizations.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by members of the Lampton family and Ergon executives, all of whom serve without compensation:

President: Emmitte J. Haddox
Vice Presidents and Directors:

  • Lee C. Lampton
  • Leslie B. Lampton III
  • Robert H. Lampton
  • William W. Lampton

Treasurer: Kathryn W. Stone
Secretary: Dawn Wright

The foundation continues the philanthropic vision of founder Leslie B. Lampton Sr., who believed strongly in giving back to communities. According to those who knew him, "Mr. Lampton preferred not to seek any recognition for his charitable donations, telling others who wanted to use his name that he was just doing what the Lord asked all of us to do."

Jana Branham, Executive Vice President & CIO at Ergon, Inc., expressed the foundation's approach: "I believe in giving back to my local community by finding ways to promote Information Technology education and careers."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Ergon Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded through trustee discretion to organizations that align with the foundation's priorities and often have existing relationships with Ergon, Inc. or the Lampton family.

Getting on Their Radar

Ergon, Inc. Connection: Organizations that have partnerships or relationships with Ergon, Inc.'s business operations may have increased visibility with the foundation. Ergon maintains operations in Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Community Presence: The foundation has demonstrated particular interest in Mississippi-based organizations that serve local communities where Ergon employees live and work. Establishing a strong reputation in education, healthcare, or human services in these communities may lead to consideration.

Alignment with Founder's Values: The late Leslie B. Lampton Sr. was particularly committed to education and healthcare. Organizations working in these sectors with demonstrated impact may align with the foundation's ongoing priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed, as grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Ergon Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received grants share certain characteristics:

Strong Mississippi Ties: The foundation shows clear preference for Mississippi-based organizations, particularly those serving communities where Ergon operates. Recent grants demonstrate support for major Mississippi institutions including universities, medical centers, and community service organizations.

Education Focus: Education represents a major funding priority, from higher education institutions to workforce development programs. The foundation's five-year commitment to Mississippi Coding Academies demonstrates willingness to make sustained investments in programs that develop technical skills and career pathways.

Healthcare Impact: Grants to Jackson Heart Foundation and American Heart Association indicate support for organizations addressing health challenges in Mississippi communities.

Faith and Values Alignment: With 7% of giving directed toward religious organizations, the foundation maintains the founder's commitment to Christian faith and values.

Established Reputation: Grant recipients tend to be well-established organizations with proven track records rather than emerging nonprofits.

Community Service: The foundation values organizations providing direct services to communities, as evidenced by support for Salvation Army and other human service providers.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: Do not submit unsolicited proposals - the foundation only funds preselected organizations
  • Mississippi Focus: Strong preference for Mississippi-based organizations, particularly in Jackson and surrounding communities
  • Relationship-Driven: Grants appear connected to Ergon, Inc. operations and the Lampton family's community relationships
  • Education Priority: Significant interest in educational institutions and workforce development, particularly in technical fields
  • Multi-Year Commitments: The foundation makes sustained investments in priority programs (e.g., five-year grant to Mississippi Coding Academies)
  • Broad Grant Range: Awards range from $2,500 to $725,000, with median around $28,000, suggesting support for both major institutions and smaller community organizations
  • Quiet Philanthropy: Following the founder's legacy, the foundation maintains a low public profile and does not seek recognition for its charitable work

References

← Back to US Funders Directory