Sowell Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sowell Family Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $68,510 in 24 grants; the typical grant was $1,318 and the largest $10,000. 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$68,510
- Number of grants24
- Typical grant$1,318
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$3.1 million
- New grantees54%
Giving in 2025 was down from $112,600 the year before.
54% 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 | $112,600 | 31 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $68,510 | 24 | $3.1 million |
How to apply
Sowell Family 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 Sowell Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 23 | $63,510 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Campus | To further exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| American Red Cross (Tiffany Circle) | To further exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Nashville Banner (Nville Publc Media) | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Nashville Ballet | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Duck River Conservancy | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| NPLF (Literary Gala) | To further exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| TN Justice Center | To further exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| Room in the Inn | To further exempt purpose | $2,500 |
| NPLF - Carnegie Society | To further exempt purpose | $1,500 |
| Nashville Zoo | To further exempt purpose | $1,500 |
| IMPACT100 | To further exempt purpose | $1,135 |
| Daybreak | To further exempt purpose | $1,125 |
| Legal Aid Society | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Cheekwood | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Nations Ministry | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| TN Innocence Project | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Interfaith Dental | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| St Georges (General) | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| McNeilly Center for Children | To further exempt purpose | $1,000 |
| Leadership Nashville | To further exempt purpose | $500 |
| Bethlehem Centers | To further exempt purpose | $500 |
| Vanderbiltchic Awearness | To further exempt purpose | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph Sowell III
- Joanne Sowell
Questions people ask
Does Sowell Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sowell Family Foundation give?
$68,510 in tax year 2025, across 24 grants, with a typical grant of $1,318.
Who runs Sowell Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph Sowell III (Trustee) and Joanne Sowell (Trustee).
What does Sowell Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and faith communities.