The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $193,436 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $48,890. 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$193,436
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$48,890
- Assets$4.0 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was down from $330,395 the year before.
21% of its 2025 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 | $470,225 | 15 | $3.8 million |
| 2024 | $330,395 | 27 | $4.4 million |
| 2025 | $193,436 | 19 | $4.0 million |
How to apply
The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon 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 The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 19 | $193,436 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Federation of Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $48,890 |
| The Temple | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $44,200 |
| Vanderbilt Athletics | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $24,000 |
| Frist Art Museum | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $18,000 |
| The University School of Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $12,500 |
| United Way of Greater Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $10,000 |
| Tennessee Performing Arts Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $9,000 |
| Ensworth School | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $7,500 |
| Gordon Jewish Community Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $6,046 |
| Friends of Warner Parks | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $2,500 |
| Nashville Zoo | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $2,500 |
| Congregation Sherith Israel | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $2,000 |
| Water Walkers | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $2,000 |
| Jewish Family Service | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $1,100 |
| Alive Hospice | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $1,000 |
| Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee Inc | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $1,000 |
| Humanities Tennessee | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $1,000 |
| Gilda's Club | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100 |
| Vanderbilt Hillel | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Bernice W Gordon
- Robert A Gordon
- Julie S Gordon
- Frank E Gordon
- Gwen L Gordon
- Gail Gordon Jacobs
Questions people ask
Does The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation give?
$193,436 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bernice W Gordon (President), Robert A Gordon (Trustee), Julie S Gordon (Trustee) and Frank E Gordon (Secretary) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Joel C & Bernice W Gordon Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, arts and culture and education.