JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Columbus, Georgia. Its 2025 grants supported organizations working in education, community advocacy, arts, youth development, historic preservation, and other areas.
Key facts about JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc
In short: JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc gave $1.8M across 53 grants in 2025 (avg $34K), mostly in Georgia. 10% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 58-6049589
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,791,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 53
- Average grant
- $33,792
- Median grant
- $6,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (5 of 51, 2025)
- Total assets
- $10,092,726
- Primary geography
- Georgia (81% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$10.1M
-4.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.8M
-15.4% YoY
Grant Count
53
-3.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$34K
-12.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.1M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 51 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $70K; repeat grants $31K. How we count
Medians: $11K first-time, $6K repeat.
- 90% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+0%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 85% 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 (2021–2025). 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 grants include support for educational institutions, community organizations, arts and cultural institutions, and youth-serving organizations. For example, Brookstone School describes itself as a private school providing education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, while Midtown Inc says it works through education and advocacy to support economic and neighborhood revitalization in Columbus.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 53 grants totaling $1,791,000. Grants ranged from $3,000 to $300,000, with a median grant of $6,000. Among its largest grants were $300,000 to United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley for its 2025 campaign, $245,000 to Auburn University Foundation for scholarships, $216,000 to Brookstone School for education, and $200,000 to Midtown Inc for community advocacy. Other large grants included $125,000 to Columbus Technical College and $111,000 to Columbus State University Foundation, both for education.
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley describes its mission as leading and uniting community resources to transform lives. Auburn University Foundation says it operates for the exclusive benefit of Auburn University, an educational land-grant institution.
How to Apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 81% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia and 14% to recipients in Alabama. The listed shares for New York, Colorado, and Virginia were 1% each.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 53 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.8M (2022) to $2.1M (2024). In 2025 it made 53 grants totaling $1.8M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc ($300K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($6,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
278 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 236 grants of 278 (85%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc Columbus, GA | 2025 Campaign | $300,000 |
| Auburn University Foundation Auburn, AL | Scholarships | $245,000 |
| Brookstone School Inc Columbus, GA | Education | $216,000 |
| Midtown Inc Columbus, GA | Community Advocacy | $200,000 |
| Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA | Education | $125,000 |
| Columbus State University Foundation Columbus, GA | Education | $111,000 |
| Springer Opera House Columbus, GA | ARTS | $80,000 |
| Georgia State University Fdn Atlanta, GA | Education | $70,000 |
| Port Columbus Columbus, GA | Naval Museum | $65,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Chatt Valley Columbus, GA | Youth Development | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $10,092,726 | $1,304,952 | $1,815,668 | $1,791,000 |
| 2024 | $10,603,442 | $1,328,843 | $2,204,443 | $2,116,556 |
| 2023 | $10,845,301 | $1,239,608 | $2,010,151 | $1,989,132 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $10,092,726 | $10,603,442 | $10,845,301 |
| Revenue | $1,304,952 | $1,328,843 | $1,239,608 |
| Expenses | $1,815,668 | $2,204,443 | $2,010,151 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,794,337 | $2,150,879 | $1,991,717 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,302,114 | $1,294,479 | $1,236,984 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,122,609 | $1,937,034 | $1,990,615 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Christopher S Woodruff as chairman and CEO; Katherine F Woodruff as vice chair; Sheila D Ferry, James W Woodruff III, and Dina Woodruff as directors; and Timothy L DeCamp as treasurer/secretary.
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc is led by Christopher S. Woodruff, Chairman & CEO on every filing since 2021; none of the 6 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Christopher S. Woodruff
Chairman & CEO
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dina Woodruff
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James W. Woodruff III
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheila D. Ferry
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine F. Woodruff
Vice Chair
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Timothy L. Decamp
Treasurer & Secretary
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 750, Columbus, GA 31902
Phone: (706) 322-6005
Frequently asked questions about JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc
How much does JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc give each year?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc gave $1.8M across 53 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2.1M across 55 grants.
What is JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $6,000, and its average grant was $33,792, across 53 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc that year got $70K on average.
Where does JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc give grants?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 81% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Alabama (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Columbus, GA (25 grants), Atlanta, GA (4 grants), Auburn, AL (2 grants) and West Pt, NY (2 grants).
Does JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 53) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Education" (10 grants), "Youth Development" (4 grants) and "Arts" (4 grants).
Who are JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc ($300,000), Auburn University Foundation ($248,000 across 2 grants) and Brookstone School Inc ($216,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($6,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc reported $10.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.1M (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 JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants include support for educational institutions, community organizations, arts and cultural institutions, and youth-serving organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc?
The foundation 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 JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's EIN?
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-6049589. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does JW & Ethel I Woodruff 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 September 2026.
Here's the math on researching JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Inc
Columbus, GA
The Foundation supports a broad range of charitable work, with a primary focus on the Chattahoochee Valley; its 2025 grants went mainly to Georgia and Florida. Grant sizes varied widely, with a median of $18,250 in 2025, and most giving is through donor-advised funds. Most donor-advised funds do not accept applications; the profile identifies a Community Impact Grant program but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$392.3M
Grants
207
Total Given
$25.9M
Lockwood Partners Foundation Inc
Columbus, GA
Lockwood Partners Foundation supports education and scholarships, youth programs, healthcare, human services, religious organizations, and arts and history, with most grants going to Georgia organizations. In 2025, grants ranged from $100 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.7M
Grants
144
Total Given
$2.0M
Bradley-Turner Foundation Inc
Columbus, GA
The foundation supports health care, education, social services, arts and history, food assistance, and community organizations, with most funding going to Georgia and Alabama and a preference for local and regional charities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $1,267,052, with a median of $40,153. It accepts requests by letter to the executive secretary; applicants should include their latest determination letter and a detailed description of financial need and the proposed charitable work.
Assets
$111.9M
Grants
113
Total Given
$10.9M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Power Foundation supports programs and capital campaigns that improve quality of life, including work in health care, education, workforce development, arts, and community development, with a strong preference for Georgia organizations and communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; requests of $25,000 or less are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It accepts online grant requests, as described in its filing.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds nonprofits across areas including health, education, human services, arts, housing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on equity and shared prosperity. Its itemized 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, and over 64% of its 2024 grant support stayed in the 23-county metro Atlanta region, though it also funds organizations nationally and internationally. Nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s Grants Portal for competitive opportunities; it also makes donor-advised grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
BGCA funds youth development through local Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting academic success, health, leadership, mentoring, and related programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2,704,861, with a median of $81,098, and went to communities across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affiliates and other organizations working on affordable housing, including homebuilding, housing preservation, coalition building and advocacy. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6.37 million, with a median of about $48,700, supporting work across the U.S. and internationally; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$466.3M
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, and advocacy, including grants to researchers, institutions, and related organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000; research funding supports institutions across the United States. It accepts applications for specific research programs through ProposalCentral, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta funds Jewish education, engagement, social services, and community-strengthening programs, with grantmaking focused on Greater Atlanta as well as Israel and other locations. In 2025 it made 435 grants, with a median award of $18,489; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$431.3M
Grants
435
Total Given
$50.7M
BVM Capacity Building Institute Inc
Atlanta, GA
BVM Capacity Building Institute funds grassroots and community-based organizations advancing social justice, especially through civic engagement, voter access, and organizational capacity building, across more than 20 states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,153 to $412,500, with a median of $14,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$8.6M
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Emory University primarily funds research and subcontract work for universities, hospitals, research organizations, and other organizations, across a range of academic and health-related fields. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $19.1 million, with a median of about $97,000; 41% of grant dollars went to Georgia recipients. The profile does not state whether Emory accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.9B
Grants
362
Total Given
$183.7M
More Funders in Georgia
JW & Ethel I Woodruff Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?