Speer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Speer Foundation is a private foundation in Brentwood, Tennessee. In tax year 2024 it gave $8.7 million in 60 grants; the typical grant was $37,500 and the largest $3.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$8.7 million
- Number of grants60
- Typical grant$37,500
- Largest grant$3.0 million
- Assets$141 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2024 was up from $6.8 million the year before.
43% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $7.6 million | 57 | $133 million |
| 2023 | $6.8 million | 59 | $141 million |
| 2024 | $8.7 million | 60 | $141 million |
How to apply
Speer 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Speer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 21 | $4.0 million |
| Tennessee | 29 | $3.5 million |
| Arizona | 1 | $400,000 |
| California | 1 | $375,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $150,000 |
| New York | 2 | $125,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Georgia | 2 | $13,250 |
| Maine | 1 | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Young Mens Christian Association of Greater St Petersburg | Operating support | $3.0 million |
| Tennessee Wildlife Federation Inc | Operating support | $505,000 |
| Cumberland Heights Foundation Inc | Operating support | $500,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville | Operating support | $500,000 |
| Christ Presbyterian Church Inc | Operating support | $450,000 |
| Presidential Prayer Team Inc | Operating support | $400,000 |
| Lighthouse Media NA Inc | Operating support | $375,000 |
| Nashville Zoo Inc | Operating support | $330,000 |
| Practical Christianity Foundation | Operating support | $200,000 |
| Hope International Ministries Inc | Operating support | $157,200 |
| Nashville Rescue Mission | Operating support | $150,000 |
| Tennessee Baptist Children's Home Inc | Operating support | $150,000 |
| Samaritan's Purse | Operating support | $150,000 |
| Belmont College of Law | Operating support | $130,000 |
| Fifty Forward | Operating support | $125,000 |
| Trinity College of Florida Inc | Operating support | $108,000 |
| Centerstone | Operating support | $105,000 |
| Florida Orchestra Inc | Operating support | $100,000 |
| Heimerdinger Foundation | Operating support | $100,000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Operating support | $100,000 |
| Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco Inc | Operating support | $75,000 |
| High Hopes Inc | Operating support | $75,000 |
| Overland Missions Inc | Operating support | $60,000 |
| International Justice Mission | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation Inc | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Team Haiti | Operating support | $50,000 |
| The Angelus | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Middle Tennessee State University Foundation | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Pasco Baptist Association | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Nashville Youth for Christ Inc | Operating support | $40,000 |
| Reboot Recovery | Operating support | $35,000 |
| Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation | Operating support | $35,000 |
| Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee | Operating support | $30,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D | Operating support | $25,000 |
| Keswick Christian School | Operating support | $25,000 |
| Morton Plant Mease Health Care | Operating support | $25,000 |
| YMCA of Middle TN | Operating support | $25,000 |
| Cottage Cove | Operating support | $25,000 |
| First Baptist Church of Elfers | Operating support | $25,000 |
| Harmony Wildlife Rehabilitation Center | Operating support | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lynnda L Speer
- Richard M Speer
- Mark Walker
- Cabot P Pyle
Questions people ask
Does Speer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Speer Foundation give?
$8.7 million in tax year 2024, across 60 grants, with a typical grant of $37,500.
Who runs Speer Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Lynnda L Speer (Trustee), Richard M Speer (Trustee), Mark Walker (Treasurer, Secretary) and Cabot P Pyle (Ex. Director).
What does Speer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, housing and homelessness and environment and conservation.