Lyndhurst Foundation Inc
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It invests in collaborative efforts to improve the well-being and vitality of people, places, and natural systems in the Chattanooga region, with strategies intended to support equitable, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes.
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Lyndhurst Foundation Inc gave $7.0M across 142 grants in 2024 (avg $49K), mostly in Tennessee. 33% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $6,974,153
- +70.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 142
- +18.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $49,114
- +44.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,500
- Total assets
- $124,986,009
- +1.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (38 of 115, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Lyndhurst Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests; its website says unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals are not accepted, though it may issue requests for proposals for special initiatives. The foundation states that staff cultivate relationships with organizations and communities in its program areas, which can lead to an invitation to apply. It directs prospective grantees to application guidelines on its website. Its 2024 filing names Benic M Clark III as the contact for applications and states that unsolicited proposals are not eligible for consideration.
- Review Cycle
- The 2024 filing lists proposal deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. The March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2026 dates have passed; the filing does not establish whether this schedule remains current.
- Deadline
- The 2024 filing lists proposal deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
- Contact
Application contact: Benic M Clark Iii
Mailing address: 517 East Fifth Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403
Phone: (423) 756-0767
Website: https://lyndhurstfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Lyndhurst Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Chatt Design Studio ($877K across 6 grants). Together the top 10 received $4.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
602 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 420 grants of 602 (70%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website describes its focal area as a tri-state, sixteen-county region encompassing and surrounding Chattanooga, including portions of the Lower Tennessee River and Upper Coosa River watersheds. In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee, 2% to Georgia, and 1% to Alabama; the filing also reports shares rounded to 0% for recipients in Washington, DC, and Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 142 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Lyndhurst Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 38 of 115 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $68K; repeat grants $57K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+4%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 117% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.1M (2023) to $8.2M (2022). In 2024 it made 142 grants totaling $7.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CHA Charitable Benefit Corporation Chattanooga, TN | Westside Evolves Phase 1 Housing Development | $750,000 |
| CNE Chattanooga, TN | Missing Middle Housing Expansion in Oak Grove | $500,000 |
| Chatt Design Studio Chattanooga, TN | Montague Park Planning Process | $325,000 |
| Chatt Design Studio Chattanooga, TN | 2024 City Center Planning Study | $250,000 |
| Trust for Public Land-TN Office Chattanooga, TN | Purchase of "Vinson" Property and Capitalize RLAF | $250,000 |
| Chatt Design Studio Chattanooga, TN | Study - Optimizing Downtown Streets for People | $236,500 |
| CNE Chattanooga, TN | Creating Healthy Neighborhoods: CNE Homes and Missing Middle Housing | $225,000 |
| City of Chatt-Transportation Dept Chattanooga, TN | East 14th St Greenway and Bicycle Boulevard | $200,000 |
| River City Company Chattanooga, TN | Design Dev'l Riverfront Park at Ross' Landing | $200,000 |
| Tivoli Theatre Foundation Chattanooga, TN | Gap Funding for Construction - Performing Arts Center | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Lyndhurst 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $124,986,009 | $10,568,585 | $8,739,228 | $6,974,153 | 142 | $8,412,672 | $10,199,271 | $7,163,920 |
| 2023 | $123,155,746 | $2,720,630 | $5,670,592 | $4,081,093 | 120 | $5,449,490 | $2,703,667 | $8,192,893 |
| 2022 | $126,107,800 | $2,407,328 | $9,720,183 | $8,208,845 | 123 | $9,510,140 | $2,421,905 | $7,873,374 |
| 2021 | $133,731,560 | $17,356,041 | $8,523,214 | $6,736,254 | 127 | $7,378,629 | $16,247,961 | $7,939,215 |
| 2020 | $124,585,600 | $7,938,611 | $5,539,441 | $4,105,222 | 90 | — | $7,492,328 | $7,403,308 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Lyndhurst Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $7.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to invest in collaborative endeavors that improve well-being and vitality in the Chattanooga region through equitable, inclusive, and sustainable strategies. Its four priority program areas are Access and Equity; Arts and Culture; Conservation, Parks, and Recreation; and Urban Design and Development.
The foundation says its Access and Equity grantmaking concentrates on housing, economic mobility, health, education, and transit, among other related efforts. Its Arts and Culture work focuses on collaborative efforts, access to the arts, leadership development and wellness, and cultural awareness. Conservation, Parks, and Recreation grants support direct protection of habitat and biodiversity and the creation or expansion of public places. The website identifies collaborative efforts as central to the foundation’s work across its programs.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of grantees. CHA Charitable Benefit Corporation says its mission is to support affordable housing and community development initiatives of the Chattanooga Housing Authority. ArtsBuild says it provides operating and project grants, arts education, and arts leadership programs to increase access to the arts. Greenspaces says it promotes environmentally preferable practices for living, working, and building in the Chattanooga region.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 142 grants totaling $6,974,153. Grants ranged from $30 to $750,000, with a median of $15,500.
Among the largest 2024 awards were $750,000 to CHA Charitable Benefit Corporation for Westside Evolves Phase 1 Housing Development; $500,000 to CNE for Missing Middle Housing Expansion in Oak Grove; and $325,000 to Chatt Design Studio for the Montague Park Planning Process. Other listed awards included $250,000 to the Trust for Public Land-TN Office for purchase of the “Vinson” property and capitalization of RLAF, $200,000 to the City of Chattanooga Transportation Department for the East 14th Street Greenway and Bicycle Boulevard, and $170,000 to ArtsBuild for general operating support. ArtsBuild also reported a separate $140,000 award in 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Tom White as Chairman of the Board and Benic M Clark III as President and Treasurer. Trustees listed on that filing are Dana B Perry, Andrew Carroll, Melony Collins, Carter Newbold, Aaron Webb, Ann Coulter, Curtis L Collier, and Rachel Schulson.
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc is led by Benic M Clark III, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; 6 of 10 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Benic M Clark III
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$284K (2020) → $318K (2024)
Tom White
Chairman of the Board
Trustee → Chairman of the Board, 2023
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Webb
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$4K (2020) → $6K (2024)
Andrew Carroll
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$4K (2022) → $8K (2024)
Ann Coulter
Trustee
Trustee → Chairman of the Board, 2022
Chairman of the Board → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$2K (2022) → $3K (2024)
Melony Collins
Trustee
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
$5K (2021) → $4K (2024)
Rachel Schulson
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$500 (2024)
Carter Newbold
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dana B Perry
Trustee
Trustee & Secretary → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Curtis L Collier
Trustee
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: James O Kennedy (2020–2021) — Chairman of the Board
- Former: Kathleen S Hunt MD (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Margaret W Townsend (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Katherine N Currin (2020) — Trustee & Secretary
- Former: Robert C Taylor Jr. (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Stephen A Culp (2020) — Trustee
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $318K, to Benic M Clark III (President and Treasurer). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Lyndhurst Foundation Inc
How much does Lyndhurst Foundation Inc give each year?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc gave $7.0M across 142 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4.1M across 120 grants.
What is Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $15,500, and its average grant was $49,114, across 142 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Lyndhurst Foundation Inc that year got $68K on average.
Where does Lyndhurst Foundation Inc give grants?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc gives mostly in Tennessee: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Chattanooga, TN (99 grants), Nashville, TN (4 grants), Lookout Mountain, TN (3 grants) and Athens, GA (3 grants).
Does Lyndhurst Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 14% of Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 142) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "To match LH Associates contributions" (46 grants) and "LH Associates matching program" (9 grants).
Who are Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Chatt Design Studio ($877,000 across 6 grants), CHA Charitable Benefit Corporation ($750,000) and CNE ($735,000 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Lyndhurst Foundation Inc?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc reported $125.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $8.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $7.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Lyndhurst Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to invest in collaborative endeavors that improve well-being and vitality in the Chattanooga region through equitable, inclusive, and sustainable strategies. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Lyndhurst Foundation Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests; its website says unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals are not accepted, though it may issue requests for proposals for special initiatives. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's EIN?
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 62-6044177. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Lyndhurst 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Tennessee
Tennessee Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Lyndhurst Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
Robert F Stone Foundation AKA Bobby Stone
Wilmington, DE
The Robert F Stone Foundation supports Tennessee nonprofits in areas including arts, housing, health, food assistance, and services for children and families. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $750,000, with a median of $5,000. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$19.5M
Grants
120
Total Given
$3.8M
Benwood Foundation Inc
Chattanooga, TN
Benwood Foundation supports shared prosperity in Chattanooga, funding urban vitality, education and talent, economic opportunity, community leadership, and culture and belonging. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests and works with potential partners it invites to submit proposals.
Assets
$103.9M
Grants
117
Total Given
$7.9M
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
Footprint Foundation Inc
Chattanooga, TN
Footprint Foundation supports creative culture, the environment, learning, and social justice, especially efforts that build community, leadership, equity, and access in Chattanooga and Northern California. In 2024, its grants ranged from $250 to $125,000, with a median of $10,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests and says it is pausing new grants while it develops a new strategy.
Assets
$23.1M
Grants
51
Total Given
$1.1M
Hazel Montague Hutcheson Foundation
Chattanooga, TN
The Hazel Montague Hutcheson Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, wellness, arts and culture, and military and veterans causes, primarily in East Tennessee. Recent grants ranged from $500 to $27,350, with a median of $2,000. It accepts proposals by letter; no deadline is stated.
Assets
$3.8M
Grants
72
Total Given
$280K
More similar funders
More Funders in Tennessee
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Lyndhurst Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/lyndhurst-foundation-inc-morg_d83d420664724b76a37a53f6276966cb
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_626044177_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Lyndhurst Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/lyndhurst-foundation-inc-morg_d83d420664724b76a37a53f6276966cb},
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 Lyndhurst 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.
Lyndhurst Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?