The Busy Tree Foundation Inc
THE BUSY TREE FOUNDATION INC is a private foundation that files Form 990-PF and is based in Marietta, Georgia. In 2024, it reported 14 grants totaling $1,625,000, supporting charitable organizations including ministries, schools, and service organizations.
Key facts about The Busy Tree Foundation Inc
In short: The Busy Tree Foundation Inc gave $1.6M across 14 grants in 2024 (avg $116K), mostly in Georgia. 14% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 87-3232974
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,625,000
- Grants made (2024)
- 14
- Average grant
- $116,071
- Median grant
- $60,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 14% first-time grantees (2 of 14, 2024)
- Total assets
- $6,943,627
- Primary geography
- Georgia (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.9M
-10.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
+95.8% YoY
Grant Count
14
+75.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$116K
+11.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Busy Tree Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $407K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Busy Tree Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
14%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 14 grantees (14%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $75K; repeat grants $123K. How we count
Medians: $75K first-time, $60K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 201% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 400% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for organizations with varied missions. For example, Gracepoint School says it operates an accredited school for dyslexic students, using sequential, systematic multisensory instruction to help them become independent and confident learners. Lighthouse Family Retreat says it provides respite for families caring for a child with cancer. Promise686 says it works with families and church communities to prevent children entering foster care, support children in the system, and connect children and families in need of a permanent home.
Other 2024 grantees describe their work as supporting Shepherd Center, which provides research, medical care, and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury; refreshing and refueling leaders through recreational activities, according to Refuge Foundation; and offering life-saving resources and life-building tools to people living on the margin in Atlanta, according to City of Refuge.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 14 grants totaling $1,625,000. Grants ranged from $15,000 to $600,000, with a median grant of $60,000. The largest reported grants included $600,000 to North Point Ministries for its general fund, Daytona Youth Camp, and Deeper/Wider Fund; $200,000 to Atlanta Mission for its general fund and Giving Tuesday match; and $200,000 to Gracepoint School for a capital campaign. Other grants included $130,000 to US LBM Foundation, $125,000 to Lighthouse Family Retreat, and $100,000 to East Cobb Church Co North Point Ministries.
Ready to take the next step with The Busy Tree Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia (88%), Illinois (8%), Montana (3%), and New Jersey (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 14 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $435K (2022) to $1.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 14 grants totaling $1.6M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was North Point Ministries ($600K). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
42 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 18 grants of 42 (43%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Point Ministries Alpharetta, GA | General Fund, Daytona Youth Camp, Deeper/Wider Fund | $600,000 |
| Atlanta Mission Atlanta, GA | General Fund, Giving Tuesday Match | $200,000 |
| Gracepoint School Marietta, GA | Capital Campaign | $200,000 |
| US LBM Foundation Buffalo Grove, IL | General Fund | $130,000 |
| Lighthouse Family Retreat Alpharetta, GA | General Fund | $125,000 |
| East Cobb Church Co North Point Ministries Alpharetta, GA | General Fund | $100,000 |
| Mount Paran Christian School Kennesaw, GA | General Fund, Cafeteria Fund, Knox Apc Project | $70,000 |
| Browns Bridge Church Alpharetta, GA | Capital Campaign | $50,000 |
| Refuge Foundation Inc Billings, MT | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Shepherd Center Foundation Atlanta, GA | General Fund | $30,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6,943,627 | $1,025,773 | $1,665,095 | $1,625,000 |
| 2023 | $7,743,731 | $698,604 | $862,232 | $830,000 |
| 2022 | $7,900,050 | $903,453 | $469,535 | $434,700 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,943,627 | $7,743,731 | $7,900,050 |
| Revenue | $1,025,773 | $698,604 | $903,453 |
| Expenses | $1,665,095 | $862,232 | $469,535 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,629,407 | $833,792 | $440,474 |
| Net Investment Income | $623,145 | $203,553 | $142,358 |
| Distributable Amount | $407,188 | $379,579 | $346,554 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jonathan Vaughan as president, Molly Vaughan as secretary/treasurer, and Kelly Dixon as director.
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc is led by Jonathan Vaughan, President on every filing since 2021; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jonathan Vaughan
President
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Dixon
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Molly Vaughan
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 1422 Logan Circle, Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: (770) 308-2705
Frequently asked questions about The Busy Tree Foundation Inc
How much does The Busy Tree Foundation Inc give each year?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc gave $1.6M across 14 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $830K across 8 grants.
What is The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $60,000, and its average grant was $116,071, across 14 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Busy Tree Foundation Inc that year got $75K on average.
Where does The Busy Tree Foundation Inc give grants?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Alpharetta, GA (4 grants) and Atlanta, GA (3 grants).
Does The Busy Tree Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 86% of The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (12 of 14) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include North Point Ministries ($600,000), Atlanta Mission ($200,000) and Gracepoint School ($200,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 62% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Busy Tree Foundation Inc?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc reported $6.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $407K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Busy Tree Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for organizations with varied missions. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Busy Tree Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-3232974. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Does The Busy Tree Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Busy Tree Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Busy Tree Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
J Bulow Campbell Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The J. Bulow Campbell Foundation primarily supports capital campaigns in education, youth development, human services, public spaces, and cultural institutions, with a preference for established nonprofits and added consideration for Christian-based organizations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100,000 to $4.5 million, with a median of $400,000; it focuses on Atlanta and Georgia, with eligibility extending to five neighboring states. Applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning with a one-page request letter.
Assets
$758.1M
Grants
57
Total Given
$40.0M
The Community Foundation for Greater
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds equity and shared-prosperity work across areas including education, housing, income and wealth, arts and culture, health, and neighborhood development, primarily in the Atlanta region. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, though amounts varied widely; specific arts programs offer $5,000–$7,500. The profile describes application opportunities through its Grants Portal but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
Boys & Girls Clubs of America funds local Clubs and youth-development work, including general support, staff training, mentoring, and programs focused on academics, health, leadership, and readiness for life and work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2.7 million, with a median of about $81,000, supporting Clubs across the United States, Native lands, and military communities. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affordable housing through grants to Habitat for Humanity organizations, including local affiliates, across the United States and internationally. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6,365,641, with a median of $48,658. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
The foundation supports health, education and workforce development, the environment, arts and culture, and community initiatives, prioritizing Georgia, where 86% of its 2024 grant dollars went. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000. The Georgia Power Grant is invitation-only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, advocacy, and related programs, with research support available to institutions across the United States. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000. It accepts applications for research grants through specific programs and ProposalCentral; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests for other funding.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Federation funds Jewish education and engagement, community-building, care for people in need, safety, and work connected to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, with a focus on Greater Atlanta. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $4.68 million, with a median of $18,489; some programs accept applications, while core, domestic, and global partner allocations are by invitation only.
Assets
$431.3M
Grants
435
Total Given
$50.7M
BVM Capacity Building Institute Inc
Atlanta, GA
BVM Capacity Building Institute funds grassroots and community-based organizations advancing social justice, especially through civic engagement, voter access, and organizational capacity building, across more than 20 states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,153 to $412,500, with a median of $14,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$8.6M
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Emory University funds research, health care, and medical research, including university research awards and subcontract grants to organizations. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $87,500, though awards ranged from about $5,300 to $35.5 million; recipients were concentrated in Georgia, which received 46% of grant dollars. The profile does not state whether Emory accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.9B
Grants
362
Total Given
$183.7M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
Boys & Girls Clubs of America funds local Club programs for youth, including academic support, health and wellness, leadership, and life and workforce readiness, across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,038 to $3,925,801, with a median of $46,388. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$47.8M
Grants
357
Total Given
$45.7M
Inspire Brands Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
The foundation supports childhood hunger, youth leadership, education, and career readiness through national and local partnerships across the U.S. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,032 to nearly $2 million, with a median of $11,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; grantees are nominated by members of the Inspire Brands community, while SPARK Cohort participants may apply for a growth-focused grant.
Assets
$14.3M
Grants
306
Total Given
$11.0M
More Funders in Georgia
The Busy Tree Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?