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Foundations / Georgia

The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation

Preselected recipients only Marietta, Georgia · EIN 586049441

The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation is a private foundation in Marietta, Georgia. In tax year 2025 it gave $455,000 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $60,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.

From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.

Giving in 2025 was down from $850,000 the year before.

79% 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 yearGrants paidNumber of grantsAssets
2023$837,19039$21.5 million
2024$850,0008$20.9 million
2025$455,00014$21.4 million

How to apply

The Ray M and Mary E Lee 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.

IRS filings on ProPublica

What The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation funds

Where it gives

Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Georgia.

StateGrantsAmount
Georgia13$430,000
Kentucky1$25,000

Grants paid in 2025

All 14 grants
RecipientPurposeAmount
Cobb Community Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
General operating$60,000
First Baptist Church of Marietta
Marietta, GA
Nc hurrican relief$50,000
The Table on Delk Inc
Marietta, GA
General Operating$50,000
Stonebridge Church Inc
Marietta, GA
One Camp Support$50,000
The Extension Inc
Marietta, GA
Womens extension$25,000
Shepherd Center Foundation
Atlanta, GA
General Operating$25,000
Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes, KY
General Operating$25,000
Atlanta Youth Academies Inc
Atlanta, GA
General operating$25,000
William's House Inc
Roswell, GA
General operating$25,000
Eagle Ranch Inc
Flowery Branch, GA
General operating$25,000
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Fo
Atlanta, GA
General operating$25,000
Wesley Woods Foundation
Atlanta, GA
General operating$25,000
Paul Anderson Youth Home Inc
Vidalia, GA
General operating$25,000
Parents With A Purpose Inc
Atlanta, GA
General operating$20,000

Officers and trustees

As listed in Part VIII of the 2025 filing.

Questions people ask

Does The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation accept grant applications?

No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.

How much does The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation give?

$455,000 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.

Who runs The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation?

Its 2025 filing lists Hansell L Smith (Chairman) and Whitaker W Smith (Secretary).

What does The Ray M and Mary E Lee Foundation fund?

Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, faith communities and education.

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