Samford-Cannon Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Samford-Cannon Foundation is a private foundation in Opelika, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $422,914 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $157,437. 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$422,914
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$157,437
- Assets$11.6 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2025 was down from $469,973 the year before.
41% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $525,735 | 36 | $10.6 million |
| 2023 | $437,928 | 26 | $11.2 million |
| 2024 | $469,973 | 24 | $11.3 million |
| 2025 | $422,914 | 22 | $11.6 million |
How to apply
Samford-Cannon 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 Samford-Cannon Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20 | $417,414 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First Methodist Church | Sanctuary renovations | $157,437 |
| Auburn University Foundation | Scholarships & awards | $50,048 |
| Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center | Help underwrite construction cost for recreational complex in opelika, al | $50,000 |
| Opelika Chamber Foundation | Opelika forward capital campaign | $48,921 |
| East Alabama Medical Center Foundation | General funding | $33,999 |
| Opelika City Schools | Provide continuing ed to select high school students | $23,665 |
| Hudson Family Foundation | Provide financial support for children/families living w/ terminal illness | $10,000 |
| Southern Union Foundation | Scholarships for students | $9,844 |
| Huntingdon College | General funding | $6,000 |
| Esperanza House | General funding | $6,000 |
| Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama | Aid individuals w/ intellectual & development disabilities | $5,000 |
| Washington and Lee University | General funding | $5,000 |
| Blue Lake United Methodist Assembly | General funding | $5,000 |
| The Sound Wall Music Initiative | General funding | $5,000 |
| Big House Foundation | Support to foster & adoptive families in area | $3,000 |
| Food Bank of East Alabama | Food acquisition for community market | $1,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General funding | $1,000 |
| New Birth Outreach Ministries | General funding | $500 |
| Village Friends | General funding | $500 |
| Alabama Rural Ministry | General funding | $500 |
| Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation | General funding | $400 |
| Keep Opelika Beautiful | General funding | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Lucinda Samford Cannon
- Preston B Barnett
- E Rasha Cannon
- Heather S Cannon
Questions people ask
Does Samford-Cannon Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Samford-Cannon Foundation give?
$422,914 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Samford-Cannon Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lucinda Samford Cannon (President and Director), Preston B Barnett (Treasurer and Director), E Rasha Cannon (Secretary and Director) and Heather S Cannon (Director).
What does Samford-Cannon Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and human services.