The Jason T Dickerson Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,765,577 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Trustee discretion - varies
• Grant Range: Varies widely (individual grants up to $300,000)
• Geographic Focus: Cherokee, Bartow, and Pickens Counties, GA (primarily)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.jasontdickersonfamilyfoundation.org
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Grant Inquiries: No public contact method available

Overview

The Jason T Dickerson Family Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 2015 with total assets of approximately $49.7 million as of 2024. The foundation disburses approximately $1.8 million annually in charitable giving, with the Dickerson family reporting nearly $1.5 million in annual donations. Based in Canton, Georgia, the foundation is led by Georgia State Senator Jason T Dickerson (District 21) as Chairman, with family members serving as trustees. The foundation's charitable work originated from a transformative experience in December 2001 when the family helped a struggling family during Christmas, leading to a lifetime commitment to community service. The foundation focuses primarily on Cherokee, Bartow, and Pickens Counties in Georgia, though support extends to other Georgia communities and occasionally to Kentucky and Montana.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Education Grants: Up to $300,000 (Cherokee County Educational Foundation received $300,000 for 3-year new teacher classroom supplies initiative)
• Student Scholarships: $25,000 awards (Cherokee County high school students attending Georgia institutions)
• Community Support Grants: Varied amounts for veterans, elderly, animal welfare, and first responders

Priority Areas

• Veterans support (housing, services)
• Youth and education initiatives
• Elderly assistance (utility and rent support)
• Animal welfare and rescue facilities
• Natural wildlife preservation
• First responder programs
• Foster care support

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available documentation

Governance and Leadership

Chairman: Jason T Dickerson (Georgia State Senator, District 21) Trustees: Carey Dickerson, Judy Dickerson, Joshua Dickerson

All board members serve without compensation. In 2019, the trustees made a strategic decision to become "more public and transparent" to better partner with businesses, community leaders, and other nonprofits in addressing community needs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on identified community needs and existing relationships. The foundation's scholarship program for Cherokee County students is the only publicly accessible application opportunity.

Getting on Their Radar

As a member of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, the foundation maintains connections through local business and civic networks. Organizations in Cherokee, Bartow, and Pickens Counties working in the foundation's priority areas may benefit from establishing relationships through shared community initiatives or Chamber events. The foundation's 2019 shift toward greater transparency and partnerships suggests openness to collaborations with aligned organizations.

Decision Timeline

Trustee discretion - no fixed timeline

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to absence of public application process

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and priorities:

• Strong alignment with Cherokee, Bartow, or Pickens County communities
• Focus on veterans, education, elderly, or animal welfare
• Demonstrated community impact and established operations
• The foundation values direct, tangible assistance (as evidenced by their origin story of directly helping a family in need)
• Programs that address immediate community needs appear to receive priority
• Educational initiatives, particularly those supporting Cherokee County schools, align well with foundation priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder operating through trustee discretion rather than public applications
• Primary geographic focus is Cherokee County and surrounding areas in North Georgia
• Strong commitment to veterans, education, and vulnerable populations (elderly, foster children)
• Foundation has significant assets ($49.7M) and makes substantial annual disbursements ($1.8M)
• Leadership includes an active Georgia State Senator, suggesting strong local political and community connections
• The foundation's 2019 decision to become "more public and transparent" indicates potential openness to new partnerships
• Best approach is likely through local community connections, Chamber of Commerce, or shared initiatives rather than unsolicited proposals

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Jason T Dickerson Family Foundation (EIN: 81-0890771), accessed February 2025
• Foundation Directory Online - The Jason T Dickerson Family Foundation profile, accessed February 2025
• Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News - "Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation announce new initiative" (August 27, 2024)
• The Jason T Dickerson Family Foundation official website (jasontdickersonfamilyfoundation.org), accessed February 2025
• IRS Form 990 filings (2020-2023)
• Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce member directory, accessed February 2025