The Restoration Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Restoration Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $49,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$49,000
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$3.4 million
- New grantees63%
Giving in 2025 was down from $221,500 the year before.
63% of its 2025 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 | $245,000 | 25 | $3.4 million |
| 2023 | $208,000 | 18 | $3.4 million |
| 2024 | $221,500 | 28 | $3.4 million |
| 2025 | $49,000 | 8 | $3.4 million |
How to apply
The Restoration 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 Restoration Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 5 | $33,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $5,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wired Human | Further exempt purpose of the fdn | $10,000 |
| Onward Church Planting | Further exempt purpose of the fdn | $10,000 |
| Awaken the Dawn | Further exempt purpose of the fdn | $10,000 |
| Frontiers | Further exempt purpose of the fdn | $5,000 |
| The Conservancy for Centennial Park | Further exempt purpose of fdn | $5,000 |
| Casa | Further exempt purpose of fdn | $5,000 |
| Naht Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition | Further exempt purpose of the fdn | $3,000 |
| Cadiz United Methodist Men | Further exempt purpose of fdn | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John Elam
- Lulu Elam
Questions people ask
Does The Restoration Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Restoration Foundation give?
$49,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Restoration Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John Elam (Trustee) and Lulu Elam (Trustee).
What does The Restoration Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities.