The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $710,419 in 41 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $110,879. 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$710,419
- Number of grants41
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$110,879
- Assets$18.5 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was up from $627,797 the year before.
37% 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 | $600,720 | 34 | $16.4 million |
| 2024 | $627,797 | 42 | $16.7 million |
| 2025 | $710,419 | 41 | $18.5 million |
How to apply
The Thomas E Jernigan 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 The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 39 | $702,919 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks Unlimited | General fund | $110,879 |
| Crimson Tide Foundation | General fund | $100,000 |
| Nicaraguan Health Inc | General fund | $50,000 |
| University of Alabama | Ka building fund | $50,000 |
| St Luke's Episcopal Church | General fund | $28,000 |
| St Mary's on the Highlands Episcopal Church | General fund | $28,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Fund cancer research | $27,500 |
| Kings Home | General fund | $25,000 |
| Robert E Reed Foundation | General fund | $25,000 |
| O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center | General fund | $25,000 |
| Bridgeways | General fund | $23,000 |
| Alabama Wildlife Federation | General fund | $20,000 |
| Linley Heflin Foundation | General fund | $20,000 |
| Birmingham Zoo | General fund | $15,000 |
| Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama | General fund | $15,000 |
| Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens | General fund | $15,000 |
| On River Time | General fund | $15,000 |
| Addiction Prevention Coalition | General fund | $15,000 |
| Cedar Grove Dog Rescue | General fund | $11,000 |
| Kulture City | General fund | $10,000 |
| Marion Rodeo | General fund | $10,000 |
| Quarter Backing Childrens | General fund | $10,000 |
| Senior Bowl LLC | General fund | $10,000 |
| Cooper Farm Rodeo | General fund | $5,000 |
| Easterseals of the Birmingham Area | General fund | $5,000 |
| YWCA | General fund | $5,000 |
| Ocean Reef Foundation | General fund | $5,000 |
| Mitchell's Place | General fund | $4,000 |
| Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church | General fund | $3,000 |
| Highlands United Methodist Church | General fund | $3,000 |
| Jesus Fatih Church | General fund | $3,000 |
| New Bethlehem Baptist | Religious fellowship | $3,000 |
| St Paul United Methodist | General fund | $3,000 |
| Morgan's Chapel Church | General fund | $3,000 |
| American Quarter Horse Youth Association | General fund | $2,500 |
| Mortimer Jordan High School | General fund | $2,400 |
| Turkeys for Tomorrow | General fund | $1,500 |
| Walker Co Witches Ride | General fund | $1,000 |
| Pelham Athletics | General fund | $1,000 |
| Sylacauga Animal Shelter | General fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lisa R Jernigan
Questions people ask
Does The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation give?
$710,419 in tax year 2025, across 41 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lisa R Jernigan (President).
What does The Thomas E Jernigan Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, faith communities and environment and conservation.