The Melkus Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Melkus Family Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2024 it gave $7.3 million in 75 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.0 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$7.3 million
- Number of grants75
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$147 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2024 was up from $5.6 million the year before.
35% 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 | $5.6 million | 72 | $142 million |
| 2024 | $7.3 million | 75 | $147 million |
How to apply
The Melkus 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 Melkus Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 42 | $3.9 million |
| New York | 15 | $2.7 million |
| Florida | 3 | $300,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $210,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $110,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $65,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $50,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| International Rescue Committee | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $1.0 million |
| Belmont University | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $989,184 |
| Doctors Without Borders | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $500,000 |
| Ancora TN | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $400,000 |
| City Harvest | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $300,000 |
| Martha O'Bryan Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $294,940 |
| Community Foundation of Collier County | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $270,000 |
| National Resources Defense Council | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $250,000 |
| Renewal House | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $250,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $250,000 |
| Children's Aid Society | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $214,534 |
| Planned Parenthood | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $200,000 |
| Sexual Assault Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $200,000 |
| Care Inc | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $200,000 |
| Manna Food Bank Inc | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $200,000 |
| Pencil Foundation | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $125,000 |
| Boston College | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100,000 |
| KIPP Academy Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100,000 |
| Nashville Zoo | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100,000 |
| Sanctuary for Families | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100,000 |
| United Way | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $100,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $84,086 |
| The Addis Clinic | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $80,000 |
| Community Foundation | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $75,000 |
| Community Resource Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $75,000 |
| Tennessee Justice Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $75,000 |
| American Immigration Council | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $60,000 |
| Hospitality House of Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $50,000 |
| The Family Center | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $50,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $50,000 |
| Awake | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $40,000 |
| Tennessee Innocence Project | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $40,000 |
| Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $30,000 |
| Camp One Step | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Conservancy of Southwest Florida | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Cumberland Heights | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Fifty Forward | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Gilda's Club Nashville | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Graham-Windham Services for Family & Children | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
| Leitner Center for International Law and Justice | To further one or more of the exempt purposes of the charity | $25,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kenneth J Melkus
- Barbara L Melkus
- Lauren E Melkus
Questions people ask
Does The Melkus Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Melkus Family Foundation give?
$7.3 million in tax year 2024, across 75 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Melkus Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Kenneth J Melkus (Chairman and Treasurer), Barbara L Melkus (VP and Secretary) and Lauren E Melkus (President).
What does The Melkus Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, education and food and hunger.