Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation
The Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in several states, including support for arts and music, scholarships, mental health programs, food assistance, and other work.
Key facts about Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation
In short: Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation gave $730K across 14 grants in 2024 (avg $52K), top state North Carolina. 31% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 46-3177124
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $730,000
- Grants made (2024)
- 14
- Average grant
- $52,143
- Median grant
- $20,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (4 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Total assets
- $8,175,831
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (44% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- 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. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$8.2M
+7.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$730K
Grant Count
14
Avg Grant Size
$52K
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $441K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 13 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $53K; repeat grants $58K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $20K repeat.
- Giving grew 100% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 165% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for music and arts organizations, scholarship funds, mental health programs, food banks, and a recovery and child-care organization. The grantees describe their own work in varied terms: Big Ears Festival says it supports artistic expression and cultural education through music, film, and arts programming; HopeWay Foundation says its mission is to broaden the scope of mental health care and education; and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee says it works to feed people experiencing hunger and engage the community in the fight to eliminate hunger. Susannah’s House describes its work as intensive outpatient substance abuse recovery for mothers and trauma-informed care and education for at-risk children.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 14 grants totaling $730,000. The grants ranged from $10,000 to $175,000, with a median grant of $20,000. Notable grants included $175,000 to Eastman School of Music for scholarship funds, $125,000 to an individual recipient for a student ensemble, $100,000 to Big Ears Festival for general operating expenses, $85,000 to UNC at Chapel Hill School of Law for a scholarship fund, and $75,000 to HopeWay Foundation for mental health programs.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Ready to take the next step with Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in North Carolina (44%), New York (29%), Tennessee (19%), Virginia (4%), and Michigan (3%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $247K (2020) to $730K (2024). In 2024 it made 14 grants totaling $730K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Eastman School of Music ($175K). Together the top 10 received $550K.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($160,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
48 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 34 grants of 48 (71%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Eastman School of Music Rochester, NY | Scholarship Funds | $175,000 |
| 2 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $160,000 |
| Big Ears Festival Knoxville, TN | General Operating Expenses | $100,000 |
| UNC at Chapel Hill School of Law Chapel Hill, NC | Scholarship Fund | $85,000 |
| Hopeway Foundation Charlotte, NC | Mental Health Programs | $75,000 |
| Blue and Red Santa Project Culpeper, VA | General Support | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC Raleigh, NC | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN Maryville, TN | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Sphinx Organization Detroit, MI | Commissioning Support | $20,000 |
| Susannah's House Inc Knoxville, TN | General Operations | $20,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants reported | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $730,000 | 14 |
| 2022 | $370,000 | 10 |
| 2021 | $365,000 | 11 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,175,831 | $7,625,172 | $6,979,330 |
| Revenue | $1,316,081 | $1,327,966 | $226,625 |
| Expenses | $765,422 | $25,089 | $412,729 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $730,000 | — | $370,000 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,286,214 | $399,779 | $200,773 |
| Distributable Amount | $441,438 | $357,372 | $368,550 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS July 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sally C Johnson MD as Chairman & P, William D Johnson as Vice Chairma, Hannah J Ong as Secretary, and Emlyn P Johnson as Treasurer.
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation is led by Sally C. Johnson MD, Chairman & P since 2024 (on filings since 2020); none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sally C. Johnson MD
Chairman & P
Chairman & President → Chairman & P, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emlyn P. Johnson
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hannah J. Ong
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William D. Johnson
Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman & Vice President → Vice Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 615 State Street Suite 301, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone: (800) 352-3705
Frequently asked questions about Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation
How much does Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation give each year?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation gave $730K across 14 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $52,143, across 14 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation that year got $53K on average.
Where does Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation give grants?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's top state is North Carolina, with 44% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (29%) and Tennessee (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Knoxville, TN (2 grants) and Raleigh, NC (2 grants).
Does Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 50% of Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 14) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Eastman School of Music ($175,000), Big Ears Festival ($100,000) and UNC at Chapel Hill School of Law ($85,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($160,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation reported $8.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $730K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $441K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for music and arts organizations, scholarship funds, mental health programs, food banks, and a recovery and child-care organization. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's EIN?
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-3177124. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation 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 September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Tennessee
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds education and youth development, environmental and wildlife work, health and human services, and animal welfare, with a reported median grant of $25,000 in 2024. Its competitive programs focus on Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Carolinas, and specific local communities, while donor-advised funds may support eligible nonprofits more broadly; it accepts applications for some competitive grants, but most grants are recommended by fund advisors and have no application process.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce and local economic development, disaster resilience, conservation, clean water, and economic opportunity in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000; applications for grants of $20,000 or less are accepted year-round, after applicants discuss proposals with a state representative.
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music Inc
New York, NY
The Aaron Copland Fund for Music supports organizations advancing public knowledge and appreciation of contemporary American concert music and jazz, including ensembles, presenters, music-service organizations, and record companies. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $90,000, with a median of $5,000; funding went primarily to New York, with grants also made across the United States. It accepts preliminary applications for General Support and Project Support, but only invited applicants may submit to the main round; Legacy grants are by invitation only.
Assets
$18.4M
Grants
203
Total Given
$1.5M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Inc
Nashville, TN
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee supports nonprofits across a range of needs, including housing, disaster relief, education, health, public safety, and the arts. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $8,500, with amounts ranging widely; it primarily serves Middle Tennessee, with 76% of 2024 grant dollars going to Tennessee recipients. Special Interest Grant applications are submitted through its grants portal; no new competitive Community Impact cycle is planned for fiscal year 2026–2027.
Assets
$832.0M
Grants
2,450
Total Given
$107.1M
HCA Healthcare Foundation
Nashville, TN
HCA Healthcare Foundation funds community health and health equity, including primary care, basic needs, education, and the arts; its Middle Tennessee Fund serves nine counties, while other initiatives support communities served by HCA Healthcare. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $9.65 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests through an Applicant Inquiry Form for new applicants and organizations that have not received funding in 18 months; staff provide next steps after review.
Assets
$192.7M
Grants
999
Total Given
$25.4M
Dollar General Employee Assistance
Goodletsville, TN
The foundation provides emergency financial assistance to active Dollar General employees and their families facing qualifying hardships, such as a home loss, a death, or a serious illness or injury. In 2026, grants ranged from $37 to $6,000, with a median of $2,000; all reported recipients were in Tennessee. It accepts applications from eligible employees, who must submit supporting documentation.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
957
Total Given
$1.7M
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Inc
Chattanooga, TN
The foundation supports scholarships and community needs including affordable housing, health and wellness, workforce development, education, culture, and hunger relief, with a focus on Chattanooga and surrounding areas; Fund for Chattanooga grants prioritize organizations serving Hamilton County residents. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000, and a separate program offers unrestricted grants of up to $30,000. It does not describe an open unsolicited application process: prospective applicants are asked to discuss a proposal with staff, who may invite them to apply.
Assets
$245.3M
Grants
810
Total Given
$25.8M
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Inc
Memphis, TN
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports community needs, nonprofit capacity building, and donor-directed and theme-based grants, with awards across West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,200, though amounts varied widely; unsolicited requests are accepted only through specific application-based opportunities, not stated as a general process.
Assets
$953.1M
Grants
761
Total Given
$134.3M
Christian Community Foundation of Memphis
Memphis, TN
The foundation supports a broad range of U.S. charities through donor-advised funds, with a particular focus on Christian ministries and community transformation in Memphis; its Hope for Memphis Fund serves eligible Gospel-centered nonprofits in the Memphis metro area. Its 2025 grants had a median of $22,050, and it accepts applications for the Hope for Memphis Fund during its stated application cycle.
Assets
$229.0M
Grants
636
Total Given
$109.7M
Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation
Chattanooga, TN
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) charities and Christian ministries, with grants for community needs, education, children and families, and other charitable work; its 2024 median grant was $18,250, though awards varied widely. Giving is concentrated in Tennessee, especially the Chattanooga area, with grants also reaching other states; it does not describe a general open application process—one giving circle uses member nominations, and Unidos en Compasión accepts applications by invitation.
Assets
$136.1M
Grants
567
Total Given
$36.4M
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Goodlettsville, TN
The foundation funds adult, family, youth, and summer literacy programs, English-language learning, high school equivalency preparation, and disaster recovery for eligible public school libraries. Its program awards are typically modest—up to $10,000 for Adult and Family Literacy, $3,000 for Summer Reading, and $5,000 for Youth Literacy—though larger grants are reported; it generally funds organizations in states where Dollar General operates and within 15 miles of a store or distribution center. It accepts applications through online processes during open grant periods, after applicants complete eligibility prescreening.
Assets
$84.6M
Grants
564
Total Given
$14.5M
More Funders in Tennessee
Johnson WD and SC Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?