Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc
The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation is the largest private foundation in Georgia, based in Atlanta. Founded in 1937 by a 20th-century Coca-Cola CEO and environmentalist, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to improving quality of life through strategic philanthropic investments.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.3B
+35.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$182.3M
-3.9% YoY
Grant Count
30
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$6.1M
-3.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $195.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to "improve the quality of life in metro Atlanta and Georgia by investing in transformational, lasting solutions to community needs."
The foundation invests in six primary areas:
- Arts & Culture — Supporting major arts and cultural organizations that contribute to a vibrant community
- Education — Investing in Georgia's higher education institutions to open doors to opportunity
- Health — Strengthening health systems to expand access to quality care
- Community Development — Building opportunities for a stronger region where everyone can thrive
- Environment — Protecting Georgia's natural resources and connecting people to the outdoors
- Human Services — Improving safety net services and youth development in metro Atlanta
Grantmaking
The foundation makes over $100 million in grants annually. It invests in one-time needs, primarily capital projects, capacity building, and strategic initiatives, rather than ongoing operating support. Funding is directed toward transformational solutions and typically goes to well-established institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support.
Grant Range
** $100,000 to $80,000,000, with a median grant size of $2 million and maximum grants reaching $75 million.
How to Apply
** The foundation accepts letters of request at any time through its online portal. Letters of intent should include detailed financial and budget information. Staff email addresses are available on the foundation's trustees and staff page for grantseekers with questions.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grantmaking is limited to the state of Georgia, with more than half of all grantmaking staying in the greater Atlanta area.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $3.8–$3.9 billion (as of 2023)
- Annual Distributions: $191 million (2023)
- Annual Revenue: $247 million (2023)
- Annual Expenses: $197 million (2023)
- IRS Ruling Year: 1986
- Number of Employees: 8
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,346,471,974 | $991,524,389 | $818,440,192 |
| Revenue | $419,877,448 | $247,264,214 | $103,036,184 |
| Expenses | $191,640,390 | $196,669,231 | $177,058,986 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $184,116,655 | $191,115,162 | $173,540,327 |
| Net Investment Income | $417,957,470 | $245,476,849 | $103,160,410 |
| Distributable Amount | $195,430,198 | $181,568,546 | $190,707,361 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
159 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation: Arts & Culture Grant
Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc
Amount
Up to US $20,000,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation: Community Development Grant
Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation: Education Grant
Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta ($60,000,101), Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta ($40,000,051), Ichauway Incorporated ($12,600,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Cancer Society Atlanta, GA | Support of research partnership with the Winship Cancer Institute. | $1,500,000 |
| American Red Cross Atlanta, GA | Disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene in Georgia. | $2,000,000 |
| APF Support Inc fbo Atlanta Police Foundation Atlanta, GA | Construction of enhancement projects identified by the community for the Public Safety Training Center campus. | $10,000,000 |
| Atlanta Beltline Partnership Atlanta, GA | Completion of the 22-mile trail corridor loop ($75 million) and support for the Legacy Resident Retention Program ($2.5 million) and Partnership operations ($2.5 million). | $10,700,062 |
| Atlanta History Center Atlanta, GA | $48.5 million centennial anniversary campaign to improve the museum with new exhibits, digital storytelling, childrens offerings and campus updates. | $6,000,002 |
| Berry College Mount Berry, GA | $33.4 million campaign to construct a health sciences building. | $5,000,042 |
| Candid New York, NY | Support of Candid's Atlanta office. | $100,000 |
| Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Atlanta, GA | Renovation of Crestview Health and Rehabilitation Center, expansion of neighborhood outpatient centers, and other priority projects as part of Grady Health Systems $110 million campaign. | $40,000,051 |
| Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Atlanta, GA | Development of Georgia State University's Panther Quad and associated improvements from 100 Edgewood to Woodruff Park. | $60,000,101 |
| Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area Augusta, GA | Disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene in Georgia. | $1,000,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- E Jenner Wood III — Trustee, Chair
- James B Williams — Trustee, Chair Emeritus
- Lawrence L Gellerstedt III — Trustee
- David P Stockert — Trustee
- Joseph A Arnold — Trustee
- P Russell Hardin — President
- Erik S Johnson — Vice President & Secretary
- Eli P Niepoky — Treasurer
The foundation is governed by 8 officers and trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| James B Williams | Trustee- deceased 1/23/2024 | 1 | — |
| E Jenner Wood III | Trustee- Chair | 4 | $35,000 |
| Lawrence L Gellerstedt III | Trustee | 1 | $35,000 |
| David P Stockert | Trustee | 2 | $45,000 |
| Joseph A Arnold | Trustee | 1 | $35,000 |
| P Russell Hardin | President | 17 | $454,568 |
| Erik S Johnson | Vice President & Secretary | 17 | $185,120 |
| Eli P Niepoky | Treasurer | 17 | $156,995 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Woodruff Foundation invested a record $4 million in Park Pride
Woodruff Foundation invests a record $4 million in Park PrideWoodruff Arts Center received a $15 million grant from the foundation
Woodruff Foundation invests a record $4 million in Park PrideThe Technical College System of Georgia Foundation received a $1 million grant
Woodruff Foundation invests a record $4 million in Park PrideAtlanta University Center's Woodruff Library received a $49,000 Recordings at Risk Grant to digitize Morehouse College Archives
TCSG Foundation Receives $1 Million Grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation\Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission is to "improve the quality of life in metro Atlanta and Georgia by investing in transformational, lasting solutions to community needs." The foundation invests in six primary areas: • **Arts & Culture** — Supporting major arts and cultural organizations that contribute to a vibrant community • **Education** — Investing in Georgia's higher education institutions to open doors to opportunity • **Health** — Strengthening health systems to expand access to quality care • **…
How do I apply for a grant from Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc?
The foundation makes over $100 million in grants annually. It invests in one-time needs, primarily capital projects, capacity building, and strategic initiatives, rather than ongoing operating support. Funding is directed toward transformational solutions and typically goes to well-established institutions and projects with strong leadership and a broad base of support. **Grant Range:** $100,000 to $80,000,000, with a median grant size of $2 million and maximum grants reaching $75 million. **Ap…
Where does Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc make grants?
Grantmaking is limited to the state of Georgia, with more than half of all grantmaking staying in the greater Atlanta area.
What size grants does Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc awarded 30 grants totaling $182.3M — an average of about $6.1M per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $195.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc's EIN?
Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1695425. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Robert W Woodruff Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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