Shoba Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Shoba Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $129,000 in 14 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$129,000
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$2.8 million
- New grantees7%
Giving in 2025 was up from $122,500 the year before.
7% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $127,853 | 15 | $2.5 million |
| 2024 | $122,500 | 16 | $2.7 million |
| 2025 | $129,000 | 14 | $2.8 million |
How to apply
Shoba 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 Shoba Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 12 | $125,000 |
| California | 1 | $2,000 |
| New York | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Conservancy | Donation | $45,000 |
| WPLN Nashville Public Radio | Donation | $15,000 |
| Crossroads Campus | Donation | $10,000 |
| Nashville Food Project | Donation | $10,000 |
| WNPT Nashville Public Television | Donation | $10,000 |
| Pencil | Donation | $10,000 |
| Jewish Middle School of Nashville | Donation | $5,000 |
| Metro Nashville Parks | Donation | $5,000 |
| Nashville Aquatic Club | Donation | $5,000 |
| Room in the Inn | Donation | $5,000 |
| Tenngreen Land Conservancy | Donation | $3,000 |
| Natural Resource Defense Council | Donation | $2,000 |
| Shower the People | Donation | $2,000 |
| Wikimedia Foundation | Donation | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Earl Franklin Calfee III
- Lisa Richardson-Calfee
- Christy Smith
Questions people ask
Does Shoba Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Shoba Foundation give?
$129,000 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Shoba Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Earl Franklin Calfee III (Secretary), Lisa Richardson-Calfee (President) and Christy Smith (Director).
What does Shoba Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and arts and culture.