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Speer Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.6M
Grant Range
$10K - $8.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,595,800 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $131.2 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly; median grant $50,000
  • Geographic Focus: Central West Florida, Middle Tennessee, and international

Contact Details

Website: www.speerfoundation.org

Mailing Address: 1537 Franklin Road, Suite 201 Brentwood, TN 37027

Phone: 615-627-2234

Key Contacts:

Overview

The Speer Foundation was established in 1986 by Roy Merrill Speer, co-founder and former CEO of Home Shopping Network, using proceeds from that entrepreneurial venture. Originally founded to support charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational organizations, the foundation was reorganized in 2016 as a Christian-based, closely held private foundation. With total assets of $131.2 million and annual giving of approximately $7.6 million, the foundation continues Roy Speer's philanthropic legacy following his death in 2012. The foundation's mission is to "serve God by serving others through good works of helping those in need, both locally and globally." The foundation made 57 grants in 2023, with an average grant size of approximately $133,300 and a median grant size of $50,000. The foundation focuses primarily on organizations in Central West Florida and Middle Tennessee, while also supporting international causes that align with their Christian values.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Speer Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with fixed amounts or deadlines. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees to preselected charitable organizations. Grant amounts vary significantly based on the project and organization, ranging from smaller grants in the tens of thousands to major multi-million dollar commitments like the $8 million gift to the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.

Priority Areas

The foundation responds to charitable organizations serving:

  • Christianity in Rural America: Supporting Christian ministry and church-based initiatives
  • Education: Scholarships, educational institutions, and youth development programs (e.g., Admiral Farragut Academy, Cairn University, Ouachita Baptist University)
  • Youth Services: Organizations serving children and young people, including special needs populations (e.g., Make-A-Wish Foundation, Hope Children's Home, High Hopes Development Center)
  • Veterans and Military: Support services for active military and veterans (e.g., K9s for Warriors, Operation Stand Down Tennessee, Centerstone Military Services)
  • Homeless Services: Organizations helping homeless populations improve their lives (e.g., Nashville Rescue Mission, Alpha House of Pinellas County)
  • Community Welfare: General charitable causes including healthcare, social services, and community development (e.g., Good Samaritan Health Clinic, St. Petersburg College)
  • Needy Families: Housing and support for disabled individuals and needy families

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's Christian focus and invitation-only approach suggest they do not fund:

  • Organizations whose values conflict with Christian principles
  • Unsolicited applications from organizations outside their established networks
  • Organizations outside their geographic focus areas (unless international Christian ministries)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Lynnda L. Speer, Trustee (no compensation)
  • Richard M. Speer, Trustee (no compensation)

Key Staff

  • Cabot P. Pyle, Executive Director: Brings 17 years of experience working in a family office serving the founding family of Dollar General, where he served as executive director of five family foundations in three Southeastern states. Pyle has been instrumental in stewarding major gifts including the $8 million YMCA donation.
  • Mark Walker, Treasurer and Secretary
  • Alyssa Beagan, Foundation Associate

Foundation Philosophy

The foundation emphasizes Christian principles, integrity, ethical conduct, and sincere service. According to their guiding principles, they start helping locally and then expand to state, national, and global levels. The foundation is committed to "openness and honesty" with the community and grantees, viewing good works as a demonstration of faith.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Speer Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states on its website: "At this time the Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests."

Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees to preselected charitable organizations. The foundation identifies organizations through:

  • Pre-existing relationships with the Speer family
  • Trustee networks and personal knowledge of organizations
  • Organizations operating in their priority areas (Central West Florida and Middle Tennessee)

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed, as grants are made through trustee discretion rather than a formal application cycle.

Success Rates

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept public applications, traditional "application success factors" do not apply. However, organizations that have received funding from the Speer Foundation share these characteristics:

  • Geographic Connection: Strong presence in Central West Florida or Middle Tennessee, the foundation's primary geographic focus areas
  • Christian Values Alignment: Clear demonstration of Christian principles and mission compatibility with the foundation's faith-based approach
  • Community Impact: Organizations serving vulnerable populations including youth, veterans, homeless individuals, and families in need
  • Educational Focus: Programs that provide educational opportunities, workforce development, or youth enrichment
  • Established Track Record: Organizations with proven effectiveness and established operations (the foundation supports preselected organizations)
  • Long-term Relationships: Many grantees have received multiple grants over time, suggesting the foundation values ongoing partnerships

Recent Funded Projects

Examples of organizations that have received Speer Foundation support include:

  • YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg: $8 million for the Speer YMCA facility (2023)
  • St. Petersburg College: $125,000 for the Speer First Step Scholarship program
  • Nashville Rescue Mission: Serving homeless populations
  • K9s for Warriors: Providing service dogs to veterans
  • International Justice Mission: Christian organization combating human trafficking
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation: Fulfilling wishes for children with critical illnesses
  • Operation Stand Down Tennessee: Supporting homeless veterans
  • Ouachita Baptist University: Christian higher education

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests, making traditional grant writing approaches ineffective
  • Invitation-Only Model: Grants are made at trustee discretion to preselected organizations within their established networks
  • Christian Foundation: The foundation was reorganized in 2016 as explicitly Christian-based; faith alignment is essential
  • Geographic Focus: Concentrate efforts in Central West Florida and Middle Tennessee unless your organization serves international Christian ministry
  • Capacity for Major Gifts: The foundation has demonstrated ability and willingness to make transformational gifts ($8 million YMCA donation) alongside smaller grants
  • Relationship-Based: With only two family trustees and an experienced executive director, this foundation relies on personal knowledge and trust in selecting grantees
  • Long-term Partnerships: Evidence suggests the foundation values ongoing relationships rather than one-time grants

References

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