Joe C. Davis Foundation Grant Program Spring Cycle

The Joe C. Davis Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, with a focus on supporting charitable organizations that operate within Davidson County. The Foundation honors the legacy of Joe C. Davis by supporting nonprofit entities through its grantmaking cycles. It maintains a community-oriented approach, focusing on helping organizations meet their operational needs or implement smaller-scale, impactful projects. The Foundation administers two competitive grant cycles annually—one in March and another in September. The March cycle accepts grant applications for awards up to $25,000, with a submission deadline of February 15. The September cycle also accommodates requests up to $25,000 but uniquely allows applications exceeding that amount. However, any request greater than $25,000 must be submitted exclusively during the September cycle. The application deadline for September is August 1. Applications submitted outside these defined timelines will not be considered, and requests above the threshold submitted for the March cycle are automatically disqualified. Grants awarded by the Foundation may be used for general operating support or to fund small, one-time projects. The Foundation specifically prohibits funding for ticket purchases or sponsorships of charitable fundraising events. Additionally, only tax-exempt organizations with a valid IRS 501(c)(3) designation are eligible to apply. Individuals and non-charitable entities are excluded from consideration. The Foundation confirms eligibility strictly based on IRS status and geographical location, requiring that all applicant organizations be based in Davidson County, Tennessee. The application process is administered online through a secure system, and all applicants must contact Angela Goddard at 615.352.9036 to initiate the submission process. A completed application must include a detailed overview of the organization’s history, mission, services, and current programs. It must also include a description of the project or program for which funding is sought, including goals, duration, expected outcomes, evaluation methods, partnerships, and sustainability plans. A financial overview must accompany the request, including the requested amount relative to the total project cost, a list of current funding sources, a detailed program or project budget, and the organization’s most recent annual operating budget. An up-to-date profile on www.GivingMatters.com is required. If the organization does not have a current profile, supplemental documentation must be provided. These include a list of executive and board members, the latest audited financial statements, IRS Form 990, and the IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status along with a written statement affirming that the status remains valid. Applicants may also submit additional documentation that provides further context about their organization or project, though such inclusions are optional. The Foundation conducts its review in late March and early September following the respective application deadlines. Award decisions are based on a comprehensive review of organizational stability, project feasibility, alignment with the Foundation’s mission, and demonstrated community impact. Communication for this grant should be directed to Angela Goddard at 615.352.9036. The Foundation is located at 104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 310, Nashville, Tennessee 37205.