T W Lewis Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,881,919 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $100 - $1,500,000
• Geographic Focus: Arizona, District of Columbia, Virginia

Contact Details

Website: https://twlewis.com
Phone: (480) 768-4959
Email: info@twlewis.com
Address: 6720 North Scottsdale Rd #230, Scottsdale, AZ 85253

Overview

Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Tom Lewis and his wife Jan, the T.W. Lewis Foundation is a private foundation with assets of $12.8 million focused on strengthening communities through strategic philanthropy. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the foundation distributed $1.88 million in grants during 2023 across 50 awards. With a focus on traditional American values of faith, family, and freedom, the foundation supports organizations that help children and families in need, promote youth education, and strengthen civic engagement. The foundation has provided over 200 college scholarships and currently supports more than 30 local and national nonprofit organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Grants: $100 - $1,500,000 per award
• College Scholarships: $20,000 per student ($5,000 per year for 4 years)
• Applications accepted through online portal

Priority Areas

• Education and youth development
• Children and families in need
• Civic engagement and community strengthening
• Faith-based initiatives promoting Judeo-Christian values
• Organizations strengthening American values

What They Don't Fund

Awards are restricted to 501(c)(3) organizations only. The foundation does not carry out direct charitable activities.

Governance and Leadership

Tom Lewis - Founder, Owner & CEO
Tom founded the T.W. Lewis Company in 1991 and established the foundation with his wife Jan in 2000. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jan Lewis - Co-Founder
Jan holds an undergraduate degree in education from Ohio University and a Master's in counseling from Kent State University. She serves on the Board of Directors of Desert Botanical Garden, Florence Crittenton, and Barrow Neurological Foundation Women's Board.

Key Staff:

• Alan - Chief Financial Officer
• Dana - Executive Assistant to Tom Lewis (joined August 2017)
• Anna - Grant Process Coordinator for Educating Our Youth and Children and Families Pillars (joined 2025)
• Jamie - Office Manager (joined April 2023)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts public applications through their online grant application system accessible at twlewis.com/grant-application. Applications may be submitted in any form and should include information the applicants deem appropriate for such grants and contributions. The foundation reviews applications from organizations that align with their mission of helping children and families in need, impacting youth through Christian education, supporting civic-minded causes, strengthening America, and building God's Kingdom.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines and notification methods are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation made 50 awards in 2023, 47 awards in 2022, and 48 awards in 2021. However, the total number of applications received and success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for guidance on resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving philosophy and stated priorities, successful applications should:

• Clearly demonstrate alignment with traditional American values and Judeo-Christian principles
• Show measurable impact on children and families in need
• Present evidence of organizational effectiveness and gratitude for support
• Include clear goals and plans for using grant funds
• Focus on building relationships rather than transactional funding requests
• Demonstrate how the organization strengthens communities in Arizona, DC, or Virginia

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation values relationship building - consider reaching out before applying to establish connection
• Emphasize faith-based aspects and alignment with Judeo-Christian values where applicable
• Focus applications on direct impact to children, families, and youth education
• Geographic preference for Arizona organizations, with some funding to DC and Virginia
• Wide grant range allows for both small and transformational requests
• Foundation prefers supporting organizations that are "effective, receptive, and grateful"
• Consider applying for their college scholarship program if working with youth

References

• T.W. Lewis Foundation Official Website (https://twlewis.com) - Accessed February 2026
• Instrumentl 990 Report Profile (https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/tw-lewis-foundation) - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/860989236) - Accessed February 2026
• Charity Navigator Profile (https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/860989236) - Accessed February 2026
• CauseIQ Organization Profile (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/t-w-lewis-foundation,860989236/) - Accessed February 2026