The Samford-Cannon Foundation is a private foundation established in 2004, based in Opelika, Alabama. Also known as the W James Samford Jr Foundation, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing educational and leadership opportunities to its recipients.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$9.3M
-1.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$470K
+7.3% YoY
Grant Count
24
-7.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
+16.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation seeks to provide educational and leadership opportunities, with particular emphasis on:
- First Methodist Church ministries
- Auburn University
- Lee County, Alabama community needs
- Church ministries and religious organizations
- Support for recovering addicts
- Program operations and adoptions
- Support for isolated youths in East Alabama
- Education and immersive engagement programs
- Workforce development and training initiatives
Grantmaking
Average Grant
amount varies by year
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Alabama (primary focus)
- Virginia
- North Carolina
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $9,251,635
- Total Revenues: $443,015
- Total Expenses: $816,035
- Number of Employees: 1
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $9,412,203
- Total Revenues: $2,635,548
- Total Expenses: $674,712
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $9,251,635 | $9,412,203 | $7,281,436 |
| Revenue | $443,015 | $2,635,548 | $323,430 |
| Expenses | $816,035 | $674,712 | $790,495 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $619,662 | $722,921 | $2,683,385 |
| Net Investment Income | $322,701 | $2,533,384 | $213,438 |
| Distributable Amount | $438,137 | $393,920 | $518,616 |
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
145 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Race Cannon (Director)
- Beth Lomenick
- Carrie Thomas
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUCINDA SAMFORD CANNON | PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR | 20 | $72,500 |
| PRESTON B BARNETT | TREASURER AND DIRECTOR | 1 | $1,500 |
| E RASHA CANNON | SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR | 6 | $22,977 |
| HEATHER S CANNON | DIRECTOR | 1 | $1,500 |
Contact Information
Address: 1104 Live Oak Circle, Opelika, AL 36801-2726
Phone: 334-749-8481
EIN: 20-0246688
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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