The Ayers Foundation Trust
Accepts applications
The Ayers Foundation Trust is a private foundation in Parsons, Tennessee. In tax year 2024 it gave $10.8 million in 36 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $5.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$10.8 million
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$5.0 million
- Assets$12.4 million
- New grantees72%
Giving in 2024 was up from $4.9 million the year before.
72% 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 | $113,000 | 3 | $2.7 million |
| 2023 | $4.9 million | 30 | $5.1 million |
| 2024 | $10.8 million | 36 | $12.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Janet Ayers 643 Tennessee Ave, Parsons, TN 38363 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (731) 847-4962 |
| What to submit | No specific form is required. |
| Deadlines | Applications are accepted at any time. |
| Restrictions | Donations are primarily, but not exclusively limited to organizations located in davidson, decatur, henderson, lawrence, perry, and unicoi counties in the state of Tennessee. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Ayers Foundation Trust funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 36 | $10.8 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur Co Board of Education | General/operating | $5.0 million |
| Community Foundation of Middle TN | General/operating | $1.8 million |
| Belmont University | General/operating | $1.5 million |
| Unicoi County United Way | General/operating | $1.0 million |
| Bill Dance Friends and Family Foundation | General/operating | $250,000 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | General/operating | $250,000 |
| East Tennessee State University Foundation | General/operating | $200,000 |
| Freed-Hardeman University | General/operating | $200,000 |
| Lipscomb University College of Leadership | General/operating | $106,600 |
| State Collaborative on Reforming Education | General/operating | $100,000 |
| Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee | General/operating | $50,000 |
| St Judes Children's Research Hospital | General/operating | $50,000 |
| Unicoi and Cocke Counties | General/operating | $37,648 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | General/operating | $35,500 |
| First Baptist Church | General/operating | $32,905 |
| Leadership Tennessee - Thompson | General/operating | $30,000 |
| Foundation for the College System of Tennessee | General/operating | $25,000 |
| Jonesborough United Methodist Church | General/operating | $25,000 |
| Lane College | General/operating | $25,000 |
| Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation | General/operating | $12,500 |
| Men of Valor | General/operating | $10,000 |
| Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center | General/operating | $6,000 |
| Centerstone | General/operating | $5,000 |
| Boy Scouts of America West Tennessee Area Council | General/operating | $5,000 |
| The Sycamore Institute | General/operating | $3,500 |
| United Way of West Tennessee | General/operating | $3,000 |
| Planned Giving Council of Middle Tennessee | General/operating | $1,500 |
| Dairy Dash | General/operating | $1,500 |
| St Georges Episcopal Church | General/operating | $1,000 |
| Town of Unicoi | General/operating | $850 |
| Angel Emms Foundation | General/operating | $600 |
| Decatur County Chamber of Commerce | General/operating | $500 |
| Tennessee Children's Home | General/operating | $500 |
| VFW | General/operating | $250 |
| American Legion | General/operating | $250 |
| Middle TN Boy Scouts | General/operating | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- James W Ayers
- Janet Ayers
- Jo Ann Lynn
- Kristy Ayers
- Lin Howard Andrews
- Cassie Lynn Foote
- Dr Michael Price
- Dr Agenia Clark
- Dr Burton Williams
- Lorisa Williams
- Blake Dill
- James Troy Grant
- Shannon Haynes
- Lee Ann Ingram
- Winnie Bunch
Questions people ask
Does The Ayers Foundation Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Applications are accepted at any time.
How much does The Ayers Foundation Trust give?
$10.8 million in tax year 2024, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Ayers Foundation Trust?
Its 2024 filing lists James W Ayers (Chairman Until 4/1/2025), Janet Ayers (President), Jo Ann Lynn (Director) and Kristy Ayers (Director Until 3/19/2025) among 15 officers and trustees.
What does The Ayers Foundation Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, community development and human services.