The Melrose Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Melrose Foundation is a private foundation in Knoxville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $32,200 in 34 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $5,000. 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$32,200
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$401,999
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was up from $28,950 the year before.
6% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $29,450 | 34 | $365,404 |
| 2024 | $28,950 | 33 | $376,998 |
| 2025 | $32,200 | 34 | $401,999 |
How to apply
The Melrose 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 Melrose Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 34 | $32,200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaith Health Center | Medical support | $5,000 |
| Knoxville Museum of Art | Educational support | $5,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN | Charitable support | $2,000 |
| Volunteer Ministry Center | Charitable support | $2,000 |
| Emerald Youth Foundation | Charitable support | $1,500 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of East TN | Educational support | $1,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the TN Valley | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Fish Hospitality Pantries | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Shangri-La Ther Academy of Riding | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University | Educational support | $1,000 |
| University Health System Inc | Medical support | $1,000 |
| Wesley House Community Center | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Helen Ross McNabb Foundation | Charitable support | $900 |
| Legal Aid of East Tennessee | Charitable support | $750 |
| Community School of the Arts | Charitable support | $500 |
| Florence Crittenton Agency | Charitable support | $500 |
| Girl Scout Council of Southern Appa | Charitable support | $500 |
| Ijams Nature Center | Educational support | $500 |
| Kapa Kitchen | Charitable support | $500 |
| Knoxville Family Justice Center | Charitable support | $500 |
| McClung Museum of Natural History & | Educational support | $500 |
| Sertoma Center Inc | Charitable support | $500 |
| The Joy of Music | Charitable support | $500 |
| YMCA of East Tennessee | Charitable support | $500 |
| YWCA Knoxville and the TN Valley | Charitable support | $500 |
| Hearing & Speech Foundation of Blou | Charitable support | $400 |
| Tennessee Lions Charities | Charitable support | $350 |
| Casa Corridor of East Tennessee | Charitable support | $300 |
| Knoxville Symphony Orchestra | Educational support | $300 |
| Zoo Knoxville | Charitable support | $300 |
| Knox Area Rescue Ministries | Charitable support | $250 |
| Knoxville-Knox Cty Cac Ofc on Aging | Charitable support | $250 |
| The Muse Knoxville | Charitable support | $250 |
| John T O'Connor Senior Center | Charitable support | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- Jackson G Kramer
- Wayne R Kramer
- Cowan Rodgers III
Questions people ask
Does The Melrose Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Melrose Foundation give?
$32,200 in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs The Melrose Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jackson G Kramer (President), Wayne R Kramer (VP, Sec, Tre) and Cowan Rodgers III (Member).
What does The Melrose Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and health.