The Riley Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,962,863 (2023)
• Total Assets: $106+ million
• Decision Time: 1 week after quarterly board meeting
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $6,000,000+
• Typical Range: $10,000 - $100,000
• Geographic Focus: Lauderdale County, Mississippi (particularly Meridian)
• Number of Awards: 23 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: 4518 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian, MS 39305

Phone: 601-481-1430

Email: info@rileyfoundation.org

Website: www.rileyfoundation.org

Application Contact: becky@rileyfoundation.org (Becky Farley, Executive Director)

Overview

The Riley Foundation was chartered in 1998, emerging from the sale of Riley Memorial Hospital to Health Management Associates. The foundation represents the modern evolution of a vision of service that began in 1930 when Dr. Franklin Gail Riley established Mississippi's first pediatric and maternity hospital. With assets exceeding $106 million, The Riley Foundation is one of the largest foundations in Mississippi and has been described as an "ultraphilanthropic" organization by The Clarion-Ledger and "Meridian's Guardian Angel" by actress Sela Ward. Over its 25-year history, the foundation has awarded more than $76 million in grants, focusing exclusively on improving healthcare, education, and cultural, environmental, and economic conditions for the people of Meridian and Lauderdale County, Mississippi. The foundation emphasizes transformational projects that create lasting community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Riley Foundation operates on a quarterly application cycle with a single grant program focused on community projects. Applications are submitted via a Letter of Inquiry process through email.

Application Deadlines:

• November 15 (for January board meeting)
• February 15 (for April board meeting)
• May 15 (for July board meeting)
• August 15 (for October board meeting)

Grant Range: While most recent grants fall between $10,000 and $100,000, the foundation has awarded transformational grants exceeding $6 million for major community infrastructure projects.

Priority Areas

Education: A primary focus area, including:

• K-12 educational programs and facilities
• Higher education initiatives (Riley Scholars Program has awarded over $1.5 million)
• Workforce development (Riley Workforce Development Center: $4.8 million)

Healthcare:

• Medical facilities and equipment
• Health services for vulnerable populations
• COVID-19 response (ventilators and oxygen units for local hospitals)

Arts and Culture:

• Music programs (Meridian Symphony Association: $656,309 total support)
• Cultural institutions (Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience: $4.1 million; Mississippi Children's Museum-Meridian: $4.1 million; Meridian Museum of Art: $260,604)
• Performing arts (MSU Riley Center: $38 million)

Social Services:

• Children's services (Hope Village for Children: $761,500)
• Food security (Love's Kitchen: $269,344)
• Community support services (Multi-County Community Service Agency: $468,330; Care Lodge: $394,370)

Economic Development: Projects that improve economic conditions in Lauderdale County

Environmental: Projects supporting environmental betterment

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly does NOT support:

• Individuals or their projects
• Private foundations
• Advertising or sponsorships
• Political activities
• Recurring operational expenses
• Hospitals or nursing homes
• Religious purposes
• Daycare centers
• Endowments
• Biomedical or clinical research
• Organizations primarily impacting areas outside Lauderdale County, Mississippi

Governance and Leadership

Current Board of Directors

Executive Leadership:

• Marty Davidson - President/CEO
• Malcolm Portera, Ph.D. - Vice President/Secretary
• Tommy Dulaney - Treasurer

Board Members:

• Gail W. Riley
• Richard F. Riley, Jr.
• Manny Mitchell
• Christine Riley
• Wayne Henson
• Lindy Deen
• Will Simmons

Staff

Becky Farley - Executive Director (becky@rileyfoundation.org)

Founding Members (In Memory)

• Richard F. Riley, M.D. (1925-2005)
• William G. Riley, M.D. (1922-2011)
• I.A. Rosenbaum (1920-2012)
• Robert B. Deen, Jr. (1925-2021) - Former President and founding member

Leadership Perspective

Marty Davidson, Chairman and CEO, has articulated the foundation's strategic approach: "We're interested in large projects that make a large difference. That's the mission of The Riley Foundation." He also emphasized: "We have always believed in picking projects that made a difference, and those projects have had a lot of ripple effect." Davidson has expressed deep commitment to the community: "We love Meridian and Lauderdale County."

Robert B. Deen Jr., former President and founding member (deceased 2021), noted the foundation's growth: "With thanks to prudent stewardship, the Foundation's assets now exceed $75 million for furthering its mission of improving the quality of life for its citizens."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Riley Foundation requires a two-step application process:

1. Letter of Inquiry: Submit a brief Letter of Inquiry via email to becky@rileyfoundation.org
2. Full Application: If invited, complete a full application through the foundation's online system at www.rileyfoundation.org

Important Requirements:

• Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities or governmental agencies
• Must be located in Lauderdale County, Mississippi
• Must provide services for citizens of Lauderdale County, Mississippi
• Must be compliant with IRS and Mississippi Secretary of State's Charities Division
• Complete applications only - incomplete applications will be returned
• No phone calls regarding application status (applicants will be notified proactively)

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Quarterly (January, April, July, and October)
• Application Deadlines: November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15
• Notification: Within one week following the Board of Directors meeting
• Notification Method: Mail or email

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 23 grants in 2023, compared to 20 in 2022, 22 in 2021, 31 in 2020, and 32 in 2019. While specific application numbers are not publicly disclosed, the foundation's focus on "large projects that make a large difference" suggests they are selective in their grantmaking and prioritize transformational over incremental funding.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's website does not specify a waiting period for unsuccessful applicants to reapply. Given the quarterly application cycle, organizations may consider reapplying in subsequent quarters if their project aligns with foundation priorities.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Guidance

Financial Commitment: The Riley Foundation explicitly states: "It is preferred that your organization commit funds for the requested project in addition to seeking funds from other sources." This demonstrates organizational investment and sustainability planning.

Transformational Impact: Based on the foundation's funding history and leadership statements, successful projects tend to be:

• Large-scale initiatives with lasting community impact
• Projects that create "ripple effects" benefiting multiple community sectors
• Infrastructure investments that serve Meridian and Lauderdale County for years to come

Examples of Funded Projects

The foundation's 25th anniversary report highlights the types of projects they prioritize:

Major Infrastructure ($1M+):

• MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts: $38 million
• Riley Workforce Development Center at Meridian Community College: $4.8 million
• Mississippi Children's Museum-Meridian: $4.1 million
• Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX): $4.1 million

Mid-Range Community Impact ($100K-$1M):

• Hope Village for Children (renovation of cottages and kitchen): $761,500
• Meridian Symphony Association (education and operations): $656,309
• Multi-County Community Service Agency: $468,330
• Care Lodge: $394,370

Smaller Operating Support ($10K-$100K):

• Love's Kitchen: $269,344
• Meridian Museum of Art: $260,604

Strategic Considerations

Geographic Specificity: The foundation is laser-focused on Lauderdale County. Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project serves this specific geographic area.

Leverage and Sustainability: Projects that demonstrate matching funds, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability plans align with the foundation's preference for organizational financial commitment.

Community-Wide Benefit: The foundation's mission emphasizes "community-wide projects and programs," suggesting preference for initiatives with broad reach rather than narrow beneficiary groups.

Education and Arts Emphasis: Recent funding patterns show sustained support for educational initiatives and cultural institutions, particularly music and performing arts.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Think Big: The Riley Foundation explicitly seeks "large projects that make a large difference" - don't be afraid to request significant funding for transformational initiatives
• Demonstrate Local Impact: Your project must serve Lauderdale County, Mississippi, and ideally Meridian - clearly articulate the geographic benefit
• Show Financial Investment: The foundation prefers organizations that commit their own funds and seek diverse funding sources, not just a single foundation grant
• Submit Complete Applications: Incomplete applications are returned - review all requirements carefully before submission
• Respect Geographic Boundaries: Do not apply if your organization is outside Lauderdale County or primarily serves other areas
• Plan for Quarterly Cycles: With only four deadlines per year, time your application strategically based on project readiness
• Fast Turnaround: Decisions come within one week of board meetings, allowing for relatively quick planning once decisions are made

References

• The Riley Foundation official website. "Home." https://www.rileyfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Riley Foundation. "Guidelines & Applications." https://www.rileyfoundation.org/guidelines-and-applications/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Riley Foundation. "History." https://www.rileyfoundation.org/history/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Riley Foundation. "25th Anniversary." https://www.rileyfoundation.org/25th-anniversary/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Riley Foundation. "Directors & Staff." https://www.rileyfoundation.org/directors-and-staff/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Meridian Star. "The Riley Foundation celebrates 20 years service to Meridian, Lauderdale County." November 3, 2018. https://meridianstar.com/2018/11/03/the-riley-foundation-celebrates-20-years-service-to-meridian-lauderdale-county/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Meridian Star. "Riley, Hardin foundations strive to improve quality of life." February 26, 2017. https://meridianstar.com/2017/02/26/riley-hardin-foundations-strive-to-improve-quality-of-life/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory. "The Riley Foundation." https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=RILE012 (Accessed January 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy. "Riley Foundation." https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/mississippi-grants/riley-foundation (Accessed January 2026)