Dunn-French Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Dunn-French Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $391,500 in 98 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $40,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$391,500
- Number of grants98
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$9.2 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2025 was up from $342,000 the year before.
26% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $238,000 | 91 | $6.8 million |
| 2024 | $342,000 | 98 | $7.8 million |
| 2025 | $391,500 | 98 | $9.2 million |
How to apply
Dunn-French Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Dunn-French Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 84 | $345,000 |
| Mississippi | 7 | $24,000 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $6,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,500 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Episcopal Diocese of Alabama | To support religious faith | $40,000 |
| Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens | To support the programs, services, and partnerships of the birmingham botanical gardens | $30,000 |
| Mountain Brook Baptist Church | To glorify god by making disciples and serving the community | $20,000 |
| Grace House | To provide shelter to assist homeless women | $15,000 |
| Uab Medicine Enterprise | To provide common management of healthcare delivery operations and support philanthropic initiatives benefiting uab | $15,000 |
| Church of Nativity | To support religious faith | $10,000 |
| Mississippi State University Foundation | To support mississippi state university through fundraising and stewardship | $10,000 |
| Skyline Fdn | To support community development through charitable initiatives | $10,000 |
| St Mary's on the Highlands | To worship god and serve the community through episcopal tradition | $10,000 |
| Children's of Alabama | To provide the finest pediatric health services to all children | $9,000 |
| Auburn University Foundation | To generate and steward philanthropic support that advances auburn universitys teaching, research, and outreach mission while honoring donor intent | $7,500 |
| Children's Harbor | To strengthen the families of seriously ill children through refuge, respite, and resources | $7,500 |
| Altamont School | To improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals | $5,000 |
| Beeson Divinity School | To prepare god-called persons to serve as ministers in the church of jesus christ | $5,000 |
| Birmingham Museum of Art | To spark the creativity, imagination, and liveliness of birmingham | $5,000 |
| Camp Forge Gladney Center for Adoption | Creates bright futures through adoption | $5,000 |
| Children's Foundation of Mississippi | To help mississippi kids live strong, healthy lives | $5,000 |
| Community Food Bank | Supplying meals, supporting food pantries, shelters, and other programming | $5,000 |
| Cornerstone Schools of Alabama | To inspire and develop critically thinking and compassionate young people | $5,000 |
| Hope Imaging | To bring ultrasound technology to christ-centered medical organizations | $5,000 |
| Linly Heflin Unit | To advance the education and leadership development of young women | $5,000 |
| One Place Metro Al Family Justice Center | To provide coordinated services that promote healing for survivors of abuse | $5,000 |
| O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center | To advance cancer research, education, and patient care | $5,000 |
| Quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation | To improve childrens health outcomes through collaboration and innovation | $5,000 |
| North American Committee for St George's College Jerusalem | To support the mission and sustainability of st. Georges college in jerusalem | $5,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | To advance cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases | $5,000 |
| Woodlawn Foundation | To promote equitable development in the woodlawn community | $5,000 |
| YWCA | To eliminate racism and empower women while promoting peace and dignity for all | $5,000 |
| Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter | To provide birmingham men experiencing homelessness a nurturing environment, supportive services, and transformative possibilities | $3,500 |
| Turning Point United Methodist Church | To support children by meeting critical needs and creating opportunities for brighter futures | $3,500 |
| Ady's Big Army | To provide an educational environment that builds a sense of belonging for adults with disabilities | $2,500 |
| Alabama Symphony Orchestra | To change lives through music | $2,500 |
| American Red Cross | To prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found | $2,500 |
| A | To expand access to a high-quality education so that every alabama student can thrive | $2,500 |
| Bell Center | Dedicated to providing early intervention services | $2,500 |
| Birmingham Zoo | To inspire passion to conserve the natural world | $2,500 |
| Bridgeways | To create solutions that empower individuals to live meaningful, independent lives through person-centered services, employment opportunities, and community support | $2,500 |
| Cahaba River Society | To conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic and terrestrial community characteristics of the cahaba river | $2,500 |
| Children's Aid Society | To identify and provide services that improve the quality of life for children and their families | $2,500 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | To cure cystic fibrosis and provide all people with cf the opportunitylead long, fulfilling lives | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- William D French
- Thomas Yerby
- Stephen Spann
- Mary Dunn French
- Beverly Hoyt
- Lucy Spann
- Joseph SM French
Questions people ask
Does Dunn-French Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Dunn-French Foundation give?
$391,500 in tax year 2025, across 98 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Dunn-French Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William D French (President), Thomas Yerby (Secretary/Treasurer), Stephen Spann (Vice-President) and Mary Dunn French (Vice-President) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Dunn-French Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and youth programs.