Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Greenwood, Mississippi. Its 2025 filing reports 12 grants totaling $119,500 to charitable organizations, including education, youth, crisis-support, food-access, and animal-welfare organizations.
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc gave $120K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $10K), mostly in Mississippi. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $119,500
- -15.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +50.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $9,958
- -43.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $1,016,876
- -7.2% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Mississippi (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 903 Robert E Lee, Greenwood, MS 38930
Phone: (662) 455-2421
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Greenwood Leflore Educational ($68K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $120K.
Grant Size Distribution
26 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 24 grants of 26 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Mississippi and 1% to recipients in Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc gives
- 40% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 497% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 84% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $20K (2022) to $165K (2023). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $120K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwood Leflore Educational Greenwod, MS | Unrestricted | $35,000 |
| Greenwood Leflore Educational Greenwood, MS | Unrestricted | $30,260 |
| Leflore County 4H Greenwood, MS | It is youth organization that helps the youth to learn about animals. | $10,400 |
| Locus Benedictus Greenwood, MS | The organization helps people deal with crisis situations such as poverty and addiction. | $10,000 |
| Killebrew Ag Foundation Madison, MS | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Community Food Pantry Greenwood, MS | The food pantry is a community organization that helps feed the greenwood community | $5,000 |
| Southern Mutts Rescue Inc Greenwood, MS | The organization adopts, fosters, and rescues animals in the Greenwood community. | $5,000 |
| Leflore County Humane Society Greenwood, MS | The organization adopts, fosters, and rescues animals in the Greenwood community. | $5,000 |
| Greenwood Mentoring Group Greenwood, MS | This is organization mentoring and helping the children of the Greenwood Community with school work and provide them a stable environment to go after school to get help with their studies. | $5,000 |
| Greenwood Leflore Educational Greenwood, MS | Unrestricted | $2,900 |
Ready to take the next step with Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,016,876 | $122,520 | $135,705 | $119,500 | 12 | $119,500 | $69,361 | $143,113 |
| 2024 | $1,096,037 | $123,979 | $154,623 | $141,600 | 8 | $141,600 | $95,021 | $143,491 |
| 2023 | $1,097,510 | $96,774 | $183,544 | $165,000 | 5 | $165,000 | $99,661 | $144,121 |
| 2022 | $1,215,009 | $92,899 | $35,033 | $20,000 | 1 | $20,000 | $32,933 | $145,142 |
| 2021 | $1,107,630 | $114,559 | $10,075 | — | — | — | $90,638 | $121,089 |
| 2020 | $1,027,978 | $108,858 | $72,938 | $60,000 | 2 | — | $61,062 | $115,798 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $143K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included unrestricted support for educational organizations and grants to organizations working with youth, people facing poverty or addiction, community food needs, and animal rescue and shelter.
The Killebrew Ag Foundation describes its mission as nurturing young people through immersive learning in farming and related subjects, with the goal of developing a resilient, innovative generation of farmers. The Leflore County Humane Society says it provides shelter for homeless animals and adopts them out to people in the area.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation gave 12 grants totaling $119,500. Grant amounts ranged from $1,440 to $35,000, with a median of $5,000.
Among the largest grants were $35,000 and $30,260 to Greenwood Leflore Educational, $10,400 to Leflore County 4H, $10,000 to Locus Benedictus, and $7,500 to Killebrew Ag Foundation. The foundation also gave $5,000 each to Community Food Pantry, Southern Mutts Rescue, Leflore County Humane Society, and Greenwood Mentoring Group.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Eleanor Acosta as president and Anna Lott Jefcoat as secretary/treasurer. Directors listed are Sanford C Thomas, Perry M Whites, Jody Acosta, Brad Aldridge, and Thomas M Flanagan.
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc is led by Eleanor Acosta, President since 2025 (on filings since 2021); none of the 7 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Eleanor Acosta
President
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → President, 2025
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Jody Acosta
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Perry M Whites
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Sanford C Thomas
Director
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Thomas M Flanagan
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Brad Aldridge
Director
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Anna Lott Jefcoat
Secretary & Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
No compensation reported
Former officers (4)
- Former: Robert T Hardeman Jr. (2020–2024) — Vice President
- Former: William David Lott (2020–2024) — President
- Former: Eleanor T Hardeman (2020) — Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: Sam Fonda (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc
How much does Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc give each year?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc gave $120K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $142K across 8 grants.
What is Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $9,958, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc give grants?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc gives mostly in Mississippi: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Greenwood, MS (9 grants).
Does Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 50% of Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 12) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Greenwood Leflore Educational ($68,160 across 3 grants), Leflore County 4H ($10,400) and Locus Benedictus ($10,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 74% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc reported $1.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $120K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $143K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included unrestricted support for educational organizations and grants to organizations working with youth, people facing poverty or addiction, community food needs, and animal rescue and shelter. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's EIN?
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 64-0853619. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 7, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
Live grants for the work Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Mississippi
TC Energy Foundation
Houston, TX
TC Energy Foundation previously supported charitable organizations, with 2023 grants focused on areas including education, community development, safety, and the environment; grants went to organizations in Texas, Montana, and Alabama. It awarded 7 grants totaling about $1.29 million in 2023, including grants of $41,423 to $250,000, but it has since wound down and stopped grantmaking. It gave only to preselected organizations and did not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
7
Total Given
$1.3M
The Christ Foundation
Nashville, TN
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$7K
Community Foundation for Mississippi
Jackson, MS
The Community Foundation for Mississippi supports nonprofit and community work, with competitive grants focused on Placemaking, Children and Families, and Community Partnerships, as well as donor-directed giving across varied charitable purposes. Its 2025 grants had a median of $19,500, with itemized awards ranging from $5,500 to $800,000; it primarily serves 22 counties in central and southwest Mississippi. It offers competitive grant programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$90.3M
Grants
104
Total Given
$6.2M
Lea Brent Family Charitable Trust
Greenviile, MS
Assets
$104K
Grants
9
Total Given
$7K
Ergon Foundation Inc
Jackson, MS
The foundation funds medical research, education, community development, and services for children with communication disorders, with most giving in Mississippi. In 2025, its grants ranged from $2,500 to $615,000, with a median of $25,000. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$210.7M
Grants
158
Total Given
$10.8M
Pinebelt Foundation
Hattiesburg, MS
Pinebelt Foundation supports charitable activities, community programs, and scholarships, with grants spanning varied local needs. In 2025, its grants had a median of $10,000, though amounts varied widely; its primary focus is the Pine Belt of South Mississippi. It accepts applications through GOapply for listed grant programs.
Assets
$61.9M
Grants
133
Total Given
$5.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Mississippi
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/hardeman-steele-foundation-inc-morg_6a945d1162b249a9bfec89c8ab8ea0d1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_640853619_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/hardeman-steele-foundation-inc-morg_6a945d1162b249a9bfec89c8ab8ea0d1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Hardeman-Steele Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?