Riverview Foundation Inc
Riverview Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It seeks to enrich the livability and stewardship of select communities and natural areas, with grantmaking priorities that include musical performing arts, habitat and wildlife conservation, parks and greenways, and other projects of interest to its trustees.
Riverview Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Riverview Foundation Inc gave $670K across 12 grants in 2024 (avg $56K), mostly in Tennessee. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $669,830
- -16.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 12
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $55,819
- -16.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $40,000
- Total assets
- $22,747,851
- +14.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (5 of 12, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (53% 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 Riverview Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Grants are made at the foundation’s initiative; organizations invited to submit a proposal must provide a cover sheet with applicant and project details, a 1–3 page project narrative, organizational and personnel qualifications, a board and staff list, the organization’s annual budget, a project budget and timetable, a list of current and prospective foundation and corporate donors with amounts, and—if available—recent audited financial statements and the IRS determination letter. The foundation holds board meetings typically in May and October.
- Review Cycle
- Proposals are due six weeks before a board meeting.
- Deadline
- Proposals are due six weeks before a board meeting.
- Contact
Mailing address: 832 Georgia Ave 410, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (423) 756-5224
Website: https://riverviewfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Riverview Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Georgia Foundation ($200K). Together the top 10 received $628K.
Grant Size Distribution
73 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 32 grants of 73 (44%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies select communities and natural areas within the Buffalo Bayou, Broad, Horsepasture, Lower Tennessee, Medina, and Oconee River watersheds. In 2024, 53% of grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee, 44% to recipients in Georgia, and 3% to recipients in Connecticut.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Riverview Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 12 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $39K; repeat grants $68K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 25% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 35% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 59% 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 (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 $670K (2024) to $1.3M (2020). In 2024 it made 12 grants totaling $670K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia Foundation Athens, GA | Music business program and southeast grasslands initiative coordinator position | $200,000 |
| Lookout Mountain Conservancy Lookout Mountain, TN | Rockmont Park Parking Lot Improvements | $75,000 |
| Nuci Phillips Memorial Foundation Athens, GA | General operating support, health & wellness programs and youth support programs | $75,000 |
| Tennessee River Gorge Trust Chattanooga, TN | Aetna Mountain Trails - Phase II | $75,000 |
| Cumberland Trails Conference Crossville, TN | Trail Building Equipment and Maintenance | $50,000 |
| Trust for Public Land Chattanooga, TN | Dade County Community Forest Project | $50,000 |
| Thrive Regional Partnership Inc Chattanooga, TN | "My Thriving Garden" Native Plant Project | $30,000 |
| Lula Lake Land Trust Lookout Mountain, TN | Nickajack Trailhead Driveway Construction Project | $25,000 |
| Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Nashville, TN | From where I stand: the black experieince in country music | $25,000 |
| City of Elberton Georgia Elberton, GA | Elberton Public Square Renovation Project Phase 1 | $22,830 |
Ready to take the next step with Riverview 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 | $22,747,851 | $3,588,178 | $801,587 | $669,830 | 12 | $737,748 | $3,519,538 | $1,241,980 |
| 2023 | $19,961,260 | $681,408 | $953,758 | $799,260 | 12 | $868,032 | $593,306 | $1,215,610 |
| 2022 | $20,482,211 | $956,470 | $1,317,303 | $1,163,650 | 14 | $1,231,598 | $909,297 | $1,240,307 |
| 2021 | $20,591,791 | $1,779,392 | $1,184,315 | $1,035,500 | 15 | $1,101,653 | $1,728,801 | $1,281,914 |
| 2020 | $20,399,784 | $1,247,178 | $1,457,592 | $1,328,700 | 20 | — | $1,151,181 | $1,122,085 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Riverview Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to enrich the livability and stewardship of select communities and natural areas in the Buffalo Bayou, Broad, Horsepasture, Lower Tennessee, Medina, and Oconee River watersheds. Its stated grantmaking priorities include the performing (musical) arts, habitat and wildlife conservation, parks and greenways, and other projects of interest to the trustees.
Its 2024 grants included support for conservation, trails, parks, music, youth programs, and biodiversity education. For example, Lookout Mountain Conservancy describes its mission as community-centered conservation and environmental education, including equitable and inclusive access to natural areas and recreational opportunities. Cumberland Trails Conference says it provides financial and volunteer assistance for the Cumberland Trail and advocates for the trail and surrounding regions. Lula Lake Land Trust describes its work as preserving natural and historic landscapes in the Rock Creek watershed through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 12 grants totaling $669,830. Grants ranged from $20,000 to $200,000, with a median grant of $40,000. Among the largest were $200,000 to the University of Georgia Foundation for its Music Business Program and a Southeast Grasslands Initiative coordinator position; $75,000 to Lookout Mountain Conservancy for Rockmont Park parking lot improvements; $75,000 to Nuçi Phillips Memorial Foundation for general operating support and health, wellness, and youth support programs; and $75,000 to Tennessee River Gorge Trust for Aetna Mountain Trails – Phase II.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists George R. Fontaine Sr. as president; Benic M. Clark III as secretary; and Brett W. Rousch as treasurer. It also lists Cecilia E. Fontaine, George R. Fontaine Jr., Ryan T. Fontaine, and Cartter L. Fontaine as board members. The foundation’s website identifies Benic M. “Bruz” Clark III as executive director.
Riverview Foundation Inc is led by George R. Fontaine Sr., President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 7 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
George R. Fontaine Sr.
President
Director & President → Board President, 2021
Board President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Benic M. Clark III
Secretary
On filings since 2020
6 hrs/week
$52K (2020) → $67K (2024)
Brett W. Rousch
Treasurer
Director & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cartter L. Fontaine
Board Member
Director → Board Director, 2021
Board Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cecilia E. Fontaine
Board Member
Director → Board Director, 2021
Board Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
George R. Fontaine Jr.
Board Member
Director → Board Director, 2021
Board Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ryan T. Fontaine
Board Member
Director → Board Director, 2021
Board Director → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $67K, to Benic M Clark III (Secretary).
Frequently asked questions about Riverview Foundation Inc
How much does Riverview Foundation Inc give each year?
Riverview Foundation Inc gave $670K across 12 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $799K across 12 grants.
What is Riverview Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Riverview Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $40,000, and its average grant was $55,819, across 12 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Riverview Foundation Inc that year got $39K on average.
Where does Riverview Foundation Inc give grants?
Riverview Foundation Inc gives mostly in Tennessee: 53% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Georgia (44%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chattanooga, TN (4 grants), Athens, GA (2 grants) and Lookout Mountain, TN (2 grants).
Does Riverview Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of Riverview Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 12) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Riverview Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Riverview Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Georgia Foundation ($200,000), Lookout Mountain Conservancy ($75,000) and Nuci Phillips Memorial Foundation ($75,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 52% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Riverview Foundation Inc?
Riverview Foundation Inc reported $22.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $738K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.2M (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 Riverview Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to enrich the livability and stewardship of select communities and natural areas in the Buffalo Bayou, Broad, Horsepasture, Lower Tennessee, Medina, and Oconee River watersheds. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Riverview Foundation Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Riverview Foundation Inc's EIN?
Riverview Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-5485912. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Riverview 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Riverview 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 Riverview Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Riverview Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/riverview-foundation-inc-morg_a18300ff439a409983b8c98a133f3794
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_275485912_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Riverview Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/riverview-foundation-inc-morg_a18300ff439a409983b8c98a133f3794},
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 Riverview 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.
Riverview Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?