Pleiad Foundation
Accepts applications
Pleiad Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 36 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $200,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.1 million
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$200,000
- Assets$16.3 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.4 million the year before.
56% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $628,560 | 31 | $13.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 34 | $14.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 36 | $16.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Jan Ehrhardt 1927 First Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (205) 322-3302 |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Pleiad Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 33 | $1.0 million |
| Georgia | 2 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Samford Theater | To promote charitable cause | $200,000 |
| Uab - Department of Neurosurgery | To promote charitable cause | $150,000 |
| Crimson Tide Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $100,000 |
| University Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $75,000 |
| Freshwater Land Trust | To promote charitable cause | $65,000 |
| Community Food Bank | To promote charitable cause | $50,000 |
| Uab - Education Fund | To promote charitable cause | $50,000 |
| Trinity Methodist Church | To promote charitable cause | $35,000 |
| Uab - Primary Care | To promote charitable cause | $25,000 |
| First Methodist Church | To promote charitable cause | $25,000 |
| Samford Tennis | To promote charitable cause | $25,000 |
| Turning Point Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $25,000 |
| United Way | To promote charitable cause | $20,000 |
| Ourhome Alabama | To promote charitable cause | $20,000 |
| Spring Valley School | To promote charitable cause | $20,000 |
| Uab - Bennett | To promote charitable cause | $16,667 |
| Community Furniture Bank | To promote charitable cause | $15,000 |
| Glen Iris Grace | To promote charitable cause | $15,000 |
| Helen Keller Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $15,000 |
| Embrace Alabama Kids | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Linley Heflin | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Trinity Place Shelter | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Uab Athletics Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Magic City Acceptance Center | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Rev Birmingham | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Red Mountain Makers | To promote charitable cause | $10,000 |
| Christopher Kids | To promote charitable cause | $7,500 |
| BCM Georgia | To promote charitable cause | $5,000 |
| CCB Employee Assistance Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $5,000 |
| Ccya Guardian Angels | To promote charitable cause | $5,000 |
| Christ Health Center | To promote charitable cause | $5,000 |
| Firehouse Community Arts Center | To promote charitable cause | $5,000 |
| The Bell Center | To promote charitable cause | $2,000 |
| Quarterback Childrens Health Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $1,500 |
| The Dance Foundation | To promote charitable cause | $1,000 |
| Friends of the Alabama Archives | To promote charitable cause | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John J McMahon Jr
- John J McMahon III
- Joel W McMahon
- David A McMahon
- Betty T McMahon
- Carrie C McMahon
- Ashley R McMahon
Questions people ask
Does Pleiad Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Pleiad Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Pleiad Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John J McMahon Jr (Director), John J McMahon III (Director), Joel W McMahon (Director) and David A McMahon (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Pleiad Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and faith communities.