The Clayton Family Foundation
Accepts applications
The Clayton Family Foundation is a private foundation in Knoxville, Tennessee. In tax year 2024 it gave $11.1 million in 47 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $10.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$11.1 million
- Number of grants47
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$10.0 million
- Assets$212 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2024 was down from $12.2 million the year before.
26% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $12.2 million | 50 | $187 million |
| 2024 | $11.1 million | 47 | $212 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Michell Clayton 3340 Lake View Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (865) 999-5989, cff.mail@clayton.org |
| What to submit | Applications are emailed upon request. No specific format is required. IRS determination letter is required to be submitted. |
| Deadlines | Applications are accepted year-round. General response time is 90 days. |
| Restrictions | Awards are restricted to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Clayton Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10.0 million |
| Tennessee | 40 | $1.1 million |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,500 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $2,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund | Donor advised fund | $10.0 million |
| Knoxville Science Museum | Site demolition for new building | $270,000 |
| United Way of Greater Knoxville | Improving lives in the community | $255,000 |
| Episcopal School of Knoxville | Capital building campaign | $100,000 |
| Knoxville Museum of Art | Art museum & education | $100,000 |
| Knoxville Symphony Orchestra | Christmas concert & endowment | $75,000 |
| TN State Collab on Reforming Educ | Educational reform | $75,000 |
| Muse Knoxville | Muse pop summer program | $50,000 |
| Webb School of Knoxville | Scholarship | $24,700 |
| Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc | Conservation of animals | $20,500 |
| YWCA | Building renovation/capital campaign | $12,500 |
| First United Methodist Church Knoxv | Church general fund | $10,000 |
| Great Smoky Mountain Council Bsa | Camp buck toms, at-risk youth | $10,000 |
| Empty Stocking Fund | Christmas for those in need | $10,000 |
| Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum | Public gardens | $7,500 |
| Beech Park Baptist Church | Church general fund | $5,000 |
| Bryant's Bridge Inc | Affordable housing | $5,000 |
| East Tennessee Community Design Ctr | Community planning services | $5,000 |
| Grace Christian Academy | K-12 school | $5,000 |
| Great Smoky Mountains Institute | Tremont marblegate farm | $5,000 |
| Interfaith Health Clinic | Accessible health care | $5,000 |
| Knoxville Children's Theatre | Childrens theatre | $5,000 |
| Knoxville Montessori School | School | $5,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank East TN | Feed the hungry | $5,000 |
| Young Life | Ut knoxville quest program | $5,000 |
| Young-Williams Animal Ctr of E TN ' | Animal shelter | $5,000 |
| Metro Drug Coalition | Community health services | $5,000 |
| Crossroads Community Church | General support | $5,000 |
| Beta Theta Boule Foundation | Scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| Adopt A Golden Knoxville | Dog rescue | $3,500 |
| Appalachian Ballet Company | Dance school transportation | $2,500 |
| Clayton-Bradley STEM Academy | K-12 school | $2,500 |
| Helen Ross McNabb Center | Community health services | $2,500 |
| Knox Heritage Inc | Historical preservation | $2,500 |
| Museum of Appalachia | Heros of southern appalachia event | $2,500 |
| River & Rail Theatre Company | Community theater | $2,500 |
| The Center for Family Resources | General support fund | $2,500 |
| Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy | Equine-assisted therapy | $1,500 |
| Leadership Knoxville | Leadership development | $1,000 |
| Pacific Northwest Ballet Foundation | Support for nonprofit ballet company | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James L Clayton
- Michell B Clayton
- Kevin T Clayton
- Kevin S Wilder
- Travis K Edmondson
- Flynt H Griffin
- Christina C Sullivan
- Chuck Justice
- Raja Jubran
Questions people ask
Does The Clayton Family Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Applications are accepted year-round. General response time is 90 days.
How much does The Clayton Family Foundation give?
$11.1 million in tax year 2024, across 47 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Clayton Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists James L Clayton (President), Michell B Clayton (Managing Dir), Kevin T Clayton (Director) and Kevin S Wilder (Treasurer) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Clayton Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and science and research.