W L Lyons Brown Foundation
Preselected recipients only
W L Lyons Brown Foundation is a private foundation in Louisville, Kentucky. In tax year 2025 it gave $34.1 million in 21 grants; the typical grant was $12,000 and the largest $11.4 million. 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$34.1 million
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$12,000
- Largest grant$11.4 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees67%
Giving in 2025 was up from $4.1 million the year before.
67% 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 | $4.7 million | 148 | $74.3 million |
| 2024 | $4.1 million | 139 | $46.6 million |
| 2025 | $34.1 million | 21 | $0 |
How to apply
W L Lyons Brown 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 W L Lyons Brown Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Kentucky.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 10 | $22.6 million |
| Tennessee | 2 | $11.4 million |
| Florida | 1 | $100,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $22,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $12,500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $10,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $5,000 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MSB Cockayne Fund Inc | Liquidating distribution | $11.4 million |
| Skylight Woods Foundation Inc | Liquidating distribution | $5.7 million |
| Limestone Family Foundation Inc | Liquidating distribution | $5.5 million |
| Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation Inc | Liquidating distribution | $3.8 million |
| Brooke Brown Barzun Philanthropic Foundation Inc | Liquidating distribution | $3.8 million |
| Sociable Weaver Foundation | Liquidating distribution | $3.7 million |
| Food Literacy Project | Capital support | $125,000 |
| Billfish Foundation | Operational support | $100,000 |
| Berry Center | Operational support | $50,000 |
| Episcopal High School | Operational support | $12,500 |
| Brevard Music Center | Program support | $12,000 |
| Salisbury School | Operational support | $10,000 |
| UNC Chapel Hill | Program support | $10,000 |
| Trees Louiville | Program support | $10,000 |
| University of Colorado Foundation | Program support | $10,000 |
| Ducks Unlimited Inc | Program support | $6,000 |
| American Farmland Trust | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Norton Healthcare Foundation | Program support | $5,000 |
| Sheridan Community Land Trust | Operational support | $5,000 |
| His Church Anglican | Operational support | $5,000 |
| Second Stride Inc | Operational support | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Susannah Scott-Barnes
- Lainey Musselman
- Owsley Brown III
- Susan V Nicholson
Questions people ask
Does W L Lyons Brown Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does W L Lyons Brown Foundation give?
$34.1 million in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $12,000.
Who runs W L Lyons Brown Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susannah Scott-Barnes (President/Director), Lainey Musselman (Sec/Treasurer/Director), Owsley Brown III (Vice President/Director) and Susan V Nicholson (Foundation Administrator).
What does W L Lyons Brown Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and faith communities.