Esme Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Esme Foundation is a private foundation in Cookeville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $190,000 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $45,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$190,000
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$5.2 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was up from $183,000 the year before.
47% 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 | $225,000 | 14 | $4.5 million |
| 2024 | $183,000 | 14 | $4.8 million |
| 2025 | $190,000 | 17 | $5.2 million |
How to apply
Esme 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 Esme Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 14 | $150,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $25,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1st United Methodist Church | Church activitieschurch activitieschurch activitieschurch activitiesreligious church activitiesdonation for church activities | $45,000 |
| Mustard Seed Ranch | Home for abused children | $30,700 |
| Smiles of Hope | Ministry of dental services to needy | $25,000 |
| Hope House of Tennessee | Provide housing & resources to homeless pregnant teens and children | $20,000 |
| Young Life | Church activites | $11,000 |
| Crisis Pregnancy Center | Support pregnancy crisis | $10,700 |
| International Justice Mission | Provide for people in poverty from violence and slavery | $10,000 |
| Hope 27 | Support orphaned and abused childreneducation, food, spiritual needs for young boyseducation, spiritual needs for young boys | $5,000 |
| Westminister Home Connection | Counseling and financial assistance for child loss | $5,000 |
| Game on | Programs for handicapped adults and children to play tennis | $5,000 |
| Heart of the Cumberland | Hope and healing for the grieving | $5,000 |
| Cookeville Rescue Mission | Restore broken lives by providing a reputable haven of hope | $5,000 |
| Siloam Health | Cure for cystic fibrosis | $4,000 |
| Genesis House | Provide for the welfare of victims of domestic and sexual violence | $3,500 |
| Hope Center Adoption | Adoption services for unwanted pregnacies | $2,000 |
| Wesley College Foundation | Spiritual growth and personal development for students | $1,600 |
| Utk Chi Alpha | Campus ministries | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Lisa L Jones
- Sarah Auville
- Gary D Leftwich
Questions people ask
Does Esme Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Esme Foundation give?
$190,000 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Esme Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Lisa L Jones (Director, President), Sarah Auville (Director, Secretary) and Gary D Leftwich (Director, Treasurer).
What does Esme Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, youth programs and human services.