Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $1.3-1.4 million
- Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
- Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
- Grant Range: $5,000 - $200,000+ (typical: $25,000-50,000)
- Geographic Focus: Primarily Meridian, MS and Mississippi; some national reach
Contact Details
- Address: 609 Elmwood Dr, Meridian, MS 39301-6714
- Website: None
- Phone: Not publicly available
- Email: Not publicly available
Overview
The Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established as a 501(c)(3) in October 2013, continuing the philanthropic legacy of Paul E. Broadhead (1928-2007) and Sherry Monroe Broadhead (1934-2022), prominent Meridian philanthropists and property developers. With approximately $25.6 million in assets, the foundation distributes $1.3-1.4 million annually through 30-35 grants averaging $38,000-45,000. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, supporting preselected organizations primarily in Mississippi with a focus on youth services, education, healthcare, and community development. Both founders were deeply committed to Meridian's development - Paul founded numerous youth organizations including the Meridian Boxing Club and Hilltop House for Boys, while Sherry preferred anonymous giving to community causes. In 2025, the foundation was inducted into Meridian Community College's Emerald Circle for lifetime giving exceeding $1 million.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants only:
- General Operating Support: $5,000 - $200,000+ (distributed to preselected organizations)
- No formal grant programs with public application processes
Priority Areas
Based on recent grant activity and founder legacy:
- Youth and children's services
- Education (particularly community colleges)
- Healthcare (emphasis on children's cardiac care)
- Community development in Meridian, MS
- At-risk youth programs
- Civic infrastructure and public safety
What They Don't Fund
While not explicitly stated, the foundation does not:
- Accept unsolicited grant requests
- Fund individuals directly
- Support organizations outside their preselected network
Governance and Leadership
President: Suzanne Broadhead Garver (daughter of founders) VP/Secretary/Treasurer: Sherry Howell Director: Robert D. Gholson (Mississippi trial attorney)
The foundation maintains the philanthropic vision of its founders. Paul Broadhead was known for his hands-on approach to youth development, founding multiple organizations to serve at-risk youth in Meridian. Sherry Broadhead was described as preferring to give anonymously and supporting numerous community causes throughout her lifetime.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This foundation does not have a public application process. According to official sources, "the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their knowledge of community needs and existing relationships with organizations.
Getting on Their Radar
Organizations seeking support should focus on:
- Building visibility for work in the foundation's priority areas, particularly in Meridian and Mississippi
- Establishing connections with board members through professional networks
- Demonstrating impact in youth services, education, or healthcare in Mississippi
- The foundation has shown particular interest in Meridian Community College, Hope Village for Children, and Children's of Mississippi
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without formal application cycles
Success Rates
Not applicable - invitation-only funding
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no public application process
Application Success Factors
Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations cannot directly apply. However, based on their giving patterns:
Organizations most likely to receive support:
- Have established presence in Meridian or Mississippi
- Focus on youth development, consistent with Paul Broadhead's legacy of founding youth organizations
- Demonstrate measurable community impact
- Align with the founders' vision of improving life in Meridian
Recent funding patterns show preference for:
- Educational institutions (Meridian Community College received over $1 million lifetime)
- Children's healthcare (family room named at Blair Batson Hospital)
- Youth residential care (Hope Village for Children)
- Civic infrastructure supporting public safety
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This is an invitation-only funder - no unsolicited applications accepted
- Foundation strongly favors Mississippi-based organizations, particularly in Meridian
- Average grants range from $25,000-50,000, though larger grants ($200,000+) are possible for major initiatives
- With $25.6 million in assets and consistent annual giving of $1.3-1.4 million, the foundation is financially stable
- Best pathway to support is through existing relationships with trustees or visibility in their priority areas
- Organizations working in youth services, education, or children's healthcare in Mississippi may want to ensure their work is visible to the foundation's leadership
- The foundation maintains the founders' commitment to Meridian's development and youth services
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation Form 990-PF filings (2022-2024)
- Candid/Foundation Directory Online - Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation profile
- The Meridian Star - "Sherry Broadhead" obituary (September 12, 2022)
- Meridian Community College - "MCC inducts four into Emerald Circle" (January 2025)
- Mississippi Secretary of State - Corporation records for Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search - EIN 75-2663393