Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) is an immigrant- and refugee-led statewide collaboration based in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 2003, it organizes communities, develops leadership, advocates for immigrant and refugee rights, and provides resources and direct services.
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition at a glance
In short: Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition gave $622K across 13 grants in 2024 (avg $48K), mostly in Tennessee. 38% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $622,200
- +12.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 13
- +8.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $47,862
- +3.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $30,000
- Total assets
- $9,540,114
- +67.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (5 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (56% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
- Contact
Mailing address: 3310 Ezell Road, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: (615) 833-0384
Website: https://tnimmigrant.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Tirrc Votes ($205K). Together the top 10 received $587K.
Grant Size Distribution
63 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 49 grants of 63 (78%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
TIRRC describes itself as statewide, and its work is centered on Tennessee. In 2024, 56% of grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee. Other recipient-state shares were North Carolina (16%), California (10%), Illinois (6%), and New York (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 13 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $43K; repeat grants $51K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $33K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). 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 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $308K (2021) to $622K (2024). In 2024 it made 13 grants totaling $622K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tirrc Votes Nashville, TN | Support Org Programs | $205,200 |
| Bank of America Charitable Foundation Charlotte, NC | Support Org Programs | $100,000 |
| Civic TN Nashville, TN | Support Org Programs | $75,000 |
| Tides Center I Belong Fund San Francisco, CA | Support Org Programs | $40,000 |
| HCA Healthcare Foundation Nashville, TN | Support Org Programs | $35,000 |
| National Partnership for New Americans Chicago, IL | Support Org Programs | $35,000 |
| National Domestic Workers Alliance New York, NY | Support Org Programs | $30,000 |
| Dr Bronner's Family Foundation Vista, CA | Support Org Programs | $25,000 |
| Nissan Foundation Franklin, TN | Support Org Programs | $25,000 |
| Presbyterian Hunger Fund Louisville, KY | Support Org Programs | $17,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9,540,114 | $7,891,819 | $4,228,649 | $622,200 | 13 | $70,251 |
| 2023 | $5,695,616 | $4,649,963 | $3,733,198 | $554,018 | 12 | — |
| 2022 | $5,165,906 | $3,562,871 | $2,856,176 | $550,216 | 11 | — |
| 2021 | $4,288,701 | $2,541,056 | $2,462,825 | $307,602 | 11 | — |
| 2020 | $3,712,407 | $3,554,069 | $2,590,683 | $544,500 | 16 | — |
| 2019 | $3,075,569 | $3,166,735 | $1,995,277 | $308,000 | 13 | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
TIRRC’s stated mission is to build power, amplify voices, and organize communities to advocate for their rights. Its vision is a more inclusive Tennessee where people of all nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial identities can belong and thrive.
The organization describes its work as including community organizing and leadership development; advocacy and education; and direct services such as application assistance, outreach, and education. Its website also describes policy advocacy, efforts to build belonging, English classes, naturalization assistance, and resource referrals.
Among the organizations it supported in 2024, TIRRC VOTES says it works to build political power for immigrant and refugee communities through voter education and engagement. CivicTN describes its work as strengthening democracy and making it more accessible and representative in Tennessee. The National Partnership for New Americans says it advances an immigrant equity and inclusion agenda. The National Domestic Workers Alliance says it works for respect, dignity, and labor protections for domestic workers. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, TIRRC reported 13 grants totaling $622,200. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $205,200, with a median of $30,000. The largest reported grants included:
The 2024 filing describes an award process in which organizations proposed goals for a set timeframe, and awards were based on the merit and volume of those goals. Awardees signed agreements setting out goals, timelines, and financial terms, then submitted progress reports within 30 days after project completion.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists these officers and directors:
- David Esquivel — President
- Cherisna Jean-Marie — Vice-President
- Safari Munyarugendo — Treasurer
- Katherine Ledezma-Soto — Secretary
- Claudio Mosse — Board Member
- Abey Lissane — Board Member
- Garrett Causey — Board Member
- Tony Kauffman — Board Member
- Priscilla Mountinho Shogan — Board Member
- Berenice Oliva — Board Member
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is led by Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus, Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 14 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus
Executive Director
Executive Di → Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$47K (2020) → $171K (2024)
David Esquivel
President
Board Member → President, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cara Doidge Kilgore
Senior Operations Director
Senior Operations → Senior Operations Director, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$60K (2022) → $78K (2024)
Abey Lissane
Board Member
Board Member → Vice President, 2020
Vice President → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Claudio Mosse
Board Member
President → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Ledezma-Soto
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Garrett Causey
Board Member
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Priscilla Mountinho Shogan
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Safari Munyarugendo
Treasurer
Treasurer → Board Member, 2022
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Berenice Oliva
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tony Kauffman
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ana Mancebo
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cherisna Jean-Marie
Vice President
Board Member → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Salwa Daouk
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (20)
- Former: Terry Vo (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: John Ayella (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Chay Sengkhounmany (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Joda Thongnopnua (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Terri Schmidt (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Abdou Kattih (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Sandra Pita (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Walsh (2020–2021) — Senior Operating
- Former: Arturo Salomon (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Faud Suleman (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jeger Ali (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Lindsey Harris (2019–2020) — Former Co-Ex
- Former: Molly Sehring (2019–2020) — Secretary
- Former: Stephanie Teatro (2019–2020) — Former Co-Ex
- Former: Valeria Gomez (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Andrea Blackman (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Dania Cruz (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Daniel Heacock (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Ivette Ramos (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Jazmin Ramirez (2019) — Vice President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "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 $171K, to Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
How much does Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition give each year?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition gave $622K across 13 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $554K across 12 grants.
What is Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's typical grant size?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's median grant in 2024 was $30,000, and its average grant was $47,862, across 13 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition that year got $43K on average.
Where does Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition give grants?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition gives mostly in Tennessee: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (16%) and California (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Nashville, TN (3 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support Org Programs" (13 grants).
Who are Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's largest grantees?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's largest 2024 grantees include Tirrc Votes ($205,200), Bank of America Charitable Foundation ($100,000) and Civic TN ($75,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition reported $9.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $7.9M.
What does Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition fund?
TIRRC’s stated mission is to build power, amplify voices, and organize communities to advocate for their rights. Its vision is a more inclusive Tennessee where people of all nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial identities can belong and thrive. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check tnimmigrant.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's EIN?
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-0121100. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 14, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 5, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition funds
Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
National Immigration Law Center
Washington, DC
The National Immigration Law Center funds organizations advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants, including legal aid, policy advocacy, and community work. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,400 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000, and went to organizations in multiple states, led by California and Washington, DC. It identifies organizations aligned with its goals; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$39.2M
Grants
31
Total Given
$978K
The Education Trust Inc
Washington, DC
The Education Trust funds U.S. organizations working on education equity, including research, policy, advocacy, and efforts to improve access and outcomes from preschool through college, especially for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,250 to $158,333, with a median of $55,150, and went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest shares in California and Washington, DC. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$77.1M
Grants
42
Total Given
$2.2M
Unbound Philanthropy
New York, NY
Unbound Philanthropy funds U.S. and U.K. organizations working on immigration, belonging, and a fair immigration system, including public education, advocacy, legal support, and inclusive communities. In 2024, grants ranged from $15,000 to $400,000, with a median of about $65,600. It does not accept unsolicited requests; proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$198.4M
Grants
104
Total Given
$8.1M
FWDUS Education Fund Inc
Washington, DC
FWDUS Education Fund supports public education, research, policy analysis, and related work on immigration and criminal justice, including immigrants’ rights and incarceration. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,000 to $294,500, with a median of $25,000; funding went mainly to organizations in DC, California, and New York, with grants also reaching other states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$18.1M
Grants
67
Total Given
$2.7M
Carolyn Smith Foundation
Hendersonville, TN
The Carolyn Smith Foundation funds economic prosperity—especially housing, food security, and economic mobility—and dementia and neurodegenerative disease, as well as animal welfare, education, arts and culture, the environment, and healthcare. It primarily supports nonprofits serving Middle Tennessee, especially Davidson and Sumner Counties, and its 2025 grants had a median of $15,000, ranging from $328 to $225,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through its Spring application cycle; the 2026 cycle has closed, and the next is scheduled for February 1, 2027.
Assets
$2.1M
Grants
165
Total Given
$4.8M
The Healing Trust
Nashville, TN
The Healing Trust funds nonprofits advancing racial equity and reducing health disparities, with support for health-focused work and community priorities in Middle Tennessee. Operating grants are generally $20,000–$50,000, though 2024 awards varied widely; for 2026, applications are limited to current grantee partners for the Sabbatical and Culture and Care Funds, and no broader open application is stated.
Assets
$133.2M
Grants
150
Total Given
$4.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Tennessee
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/tennessee-immigrant-and-refugee-rights-coalition-morg_ca4e3090b2ec48bfb0e3e6ffebdc849b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_200121100_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/tennessee-immigrant-and-refugee-rights-coalition-morg_ca4e3090b2ec48bfb0e3e6ffebdc849b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition'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.
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition down — hundreds of funders to go?