The Howard Fund
The fund was established as a supporting organization of the community foundation of greater chattanooga (CFGC). The mission of CFGC is to transform generosity into lasting change toward a prosperous and just chattanooga where all can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Howard Fund at a glance
In short: The Howard Fund gave $160K across 4 grants in 2024 (avg $40K), mostly in Tennessee. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $160,000
- -84.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 4
- -69.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $40,000
- -48.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $12,517,635
- +10.4% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who The Howard Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 4 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Chattanooga Area Chamber Foundation ($115K). Together the top 4 received $160K.
Grant Size Distribution
47 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 35 grants of 47 (74%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 4 itemized grants.
Cities
How The Howard Fund gives
- Giving fell 32% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $160K (2024) to $1.0M (2023). In 2024 it made 4 grants totaling $160K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Area Chamber Foundation Chattanooga, TN | Program Support | $115,000 |
| United Way of Greater Chattanooga Chattanooga, TN | Program Support | $15,000 |
| Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County Chattanooga, TN | Program Support | $15,000 |
| Chattanooga Prep Inc Chattanooga, TN | Program Support | $15,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $12,517,635 | $8,089 | $244,066 | $160,000 | 4 | $8,089 |
| 2023 | $11,336,902 | $2,985,844 | $1,290,289 | $1,017,500 | 13 | $36,985 |
| 2022 | $7,965,529 | $296,820 | $504,839 | $265,000 | 10 | — |
| 2021 | $9,536,465 | $717,630 | $393,412 | $235,000 | 9 | — |
| 2020 | $8,778,558 | $1,594,292 | $582,384 | $489,500 | 11 | — |
About The Howard Fund
Based on IRS filings
The Howard Fund is a public charity, based in Chattanooga, TN. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $12.5M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 4 grants totaling $160K. Net investment income was $8K.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Howard Fund is led by Joseph H. Davenport III, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 6 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Joseph H. Davenport III
President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maeghan Jones
President - Committee Fndn. Gr. Chatt.
President - Cfgc → President - Committee Fndn. Gr. Chatt., 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lesley Scearce
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ted Alling
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Stowe
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph H. Davenport IV
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Ben Probasco (2020–2022) — Director
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Howard Fund
How much does The Howard Fund give each year?
The Howard Fund gave $160K across 4 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.0M across 13 grants.
What is The Howard Fund's typical grant size?
The Howard Fund's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $40,000, across 4 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does The Howard Fund give grants?
The Howard Fund gives mostly in Tennessee: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Chattanooga, TN (4 grants).
Does The Howard Fund give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 4 grants with a stated purpose on The Howard Fund's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (4 grants).
How large is The Howard Fund?
The Howard Fund reported $12.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8K.
What is The Howard Fund's EIN?
The Howard Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-3722308. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 27, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 30, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 4, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 2, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Howard Fund 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 The Howard Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Inc
Chattanooga, TN
The foundation supports scholarships and community needs including affordable housing, health and wellness, workforce development, education, culture, and hunger relief, with a focus on Chattanooga and surrounding areas; Fund for Chattanooga grants prioritize organizations serving Hamilton County residents. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000, and a separate program offers unrestricted grants of up to $30,000. It does not describe an open unsolicited application process: prospective applicants are asked to discuss a proposal with staff, who may invite them to apply.
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Robert F Stone Foundation AKA Bobby Stone
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Benwood Foundation Inc
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Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation
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The foundation supports 501(c)(3) charities and Christian ministries, with grants for community needs, education, children and families, and other charitable work; its 2024 median grant was $18,250, though awards varied widely. Giving is concentrated in Tennessee, especially the Chattanooga area, with grants also reaching other states; it does not describe a general open application process—one giving circle uses member nominations, and Unidos en Compasión accepts applications by invitation.
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United Way of Greater Chattanooga
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United Way of Greater Chattanooga funds nonprofits and community programs focused on children, family economic mobility, and community connection, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and collaboration. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,197 to $275,900, with a median of $26,438; it serves a regional area including counties in Tennessee and Georgia. It accepts unsolicited requests through its community investment application process.
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Lillian L Colby Charitable Fdn IA
Chattanooga, TN
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving underserved children and adults in the greater Chattanooga region, focusing on education, community health, and urgent needs such as homelessness and hunger. Typical grants are historically $5,000–$25,000, though recent awards ranged from $7,500 to $55,000. It accepts online applications, with deadlines of February 1 and August 1.
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Total Given
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The Howard Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?