Footprint Foundation Inc
Footprint Foundation Inc is an independent private foundation based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The foundation was formed in 2012 when the Lyndhurst Foundation reorganized to create a new community-led board and spun off five smaller family foundations. The foundation operates as a family foundation with a mission to create connections for a more equitable community.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$23.1M
-2.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
-8.1% YoY
Grant Count
51
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$21K
-8.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Footprint Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Create connections for a more equitable community.
Aspirational Goals:
- Bring people together
- Build community
- Address equity and access
- Build leadership
Funding Priorities: The foundation supports a shared community for all, cultural shifts toward inclusion, recognition of previously unrecognized talent, bright minds and talent retention, and improved opportunities for underserved populations. The foundation emphasizes alignment of its mission across both grantmaking and investment activities, with particular focus on:
- Environmental sustainability and climate change
- Racial, gender, and income equality
- Public education
- Integration of the arts in communities
- Support for underserved and low-income populations
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$94
Average Grant
$94
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports multiple U.S. cities and states, including:
- Cities: Atlanta, Bayside, Chattanooga, New York
- States: California, Colorado, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $23.7 million (as of 2023, representing a 2.6% increase from the previous year)
Annual Activity (2023):
- Total revenues: $693,188
- Total expenses: $1,872,093
- Total grants awarded: $1.2 million
Endowment: The foundation received its initial endowment from the Lyndhurst Foundation and the Lupton family, with wealth earned from the success of Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The endowment is valued at approximately $27 million.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,083,812 | $23,732,498 | $24,911,403 |
| Revenue | $1,188,085 | $693,188 | $1,105,317 |
| Expenses | $1,836,771 | $1,872,093 | $2,415,314 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,543,154 | $1,791,612 | $2,047,896 |
| Net Investment Income | $896,329 | $423,281 | $600,691 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,343,051 | $1,316,570 | $1,400,352 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
232 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Teach for America Inc ($125,000), Artsbuild ($111,000), East Bay Community Foundation ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARTSBUILD CHATTANOOGA, TN | General & Unrestricted | $111,000 |
| B4CK - BINDERS FOR CONFIDENT KIDS RINGGOLD, GA | The Seed Theatre | $2,000 |
| BELOVED ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE, NC | Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts | $25,000 |
| CHATTANOOGA BALLET INC CHATTANOOGA, TN | General & Unrestricted | $500 |
| CHATTANOOGA NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE INC CHATTANOOGA, TN | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| CHATTANOOGA NEIGHBORHOODS ARTS PARTNERSHIP CHATTANOOGA, TN | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY AND OPERA ASSOCIATION CHATTANOOGA, TN | the 'Notes in Nature' event in collaboration with reflection riding | $5,000 |
| CHATTANOOGANS IN ACTION FOR LOVE EQUALITY AND BENE CHATTANOOGA, TN | General & Unrestricted | $72,825 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA INC CHATTANOOGA, TN | African American Cemetery Fund | $1,000 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA INC CHATTANOOGA, TN | Sankofa Fund | $1,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board of Trustees:
- Alice Lupton Smith, President
- Alfred Smith, Vice President
- John Montague, Treasurer
- Tom Montague, Secretary
- Jessica Montague
- Kristina Montague
Staff:
- Lisa Pinckney, Executive Director
The foundation's board consists of six family members with ties to the Lupton family. Three trustees serve on the finance committee. The foundation operates with a staff of one and outsources compliance, tax, human resources, and investment functions.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Montague | Dir | 1 | — |
| John P Montague | Dir, Treas | 1 | — |
| Kristina Montague | Dir | 1 | — |
| L Thomas Montague | Dir, Sec | 1 | — |
| Alfred Smith | Dir, VP | 1 | — |
| Alice Smith | Dir, Pres | 1 | — |
Contact Information
Address: The Lupton Co, 201 W Main St, Suite 205, Chattanooga, TN 37408
Telephone: 423-757-0507
EIN: 27-5486356
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Footprint Foundation Inc fund?
**Mission:** Create connections for a more equitable community. **Aspirational Goals:** • Bring people together • Build community • Address equity and access • Build leadership **Funding Priorities:** The foundation supports a shared community for all, cultural shifts toward inclusion, recognition of previously unrecognized talent, bright minds and talent retention, and improved opportunities for underserved populations. The foundation emphasizes alignment of its mission across both grantmaking…
How do I apply for a grant from Footprint Foundation Inc?
**Recent Activity:** As of 2023, Footprint Foundation is undergoing a strategic transition and has paused new grantmaking while redefining its strategy and process. **Historical Grant Activity:** • Total grants awarded in 2023: 51 grants totaling approximately $1.2 million • Average grant size: $94 • Previous year (2022): 35 grants made totaling $1,120,499 • Open to new applicants: Yes (though currently in transition period) • Percentage of new applicants funded: 12% **Recent Grant Examples (20…
Where does Footprint Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation supports multiple U.S. cities and states, including: • **Cities:** Atlanta, Bayside, Chattanooga, New York • **States:** California, Colorado, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee
What size grants does Footprint Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Footprint Foundation Inc awarded 51 grants totaling $1.1M — an average of about $21K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Footprint Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Footprint Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.3M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Footprint Foundation Inc's EIN?
Footprint Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-5486356. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Footprint Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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