The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson is a private foundation based in Birmingham, Alabama. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations, with the largest share of grant dollars going to recipients in Alabama.
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson at a glance
In short: The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson gave $1.9M across 36 grants in 2025 (avg $53K), mostly in Alabama. 22% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,893,180
- +118.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 36
- +24.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $52,588
- +75.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $11,449,842
- -7.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (8 of 36, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Alabama (82% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. The filing lists Sumner Johnson Rives as the contact, with forms and materials, deadlines, and restrictions on awards listed as N/A.
- Contact
Application contact: Sumner Johnson Rives
Mailing address: PO Box 530965, Birmingham, AL 35253
Phone: (205) 222-8858
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was United Way of Central Alabama ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $1.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
135 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 104 grants of 135 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 82% of grant dollars went to recipients in Alabama, 7% to South Carolina, 6% to New York, 4% to the District of Columbia, and 1% to Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 36 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 8 of 36 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $23K; repeat grants $61K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 56% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 154% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 253% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $489K (2019) to $1.9M (2025). In 2025 it made 36 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Way of Central Alabama Birmingham, AL | Support of Programs | $1,045,000 |
| Wolford College Spartanburg, SC | Support of Programs | $134,225 |
| Birmingham Museum of Art New York City, NY | Support of Programs | $120,122 |
| Community Foodbank of Central Alabama Birmingham, AL | Support of Programs | $100,000 |
| Empower Community School Bessemer, AL | Support of Programs | $83,333 |
| Modern Classrooms Project Washington, DC | Support of Programs | $75,000 |
| Birmingham Education Foundation (Sail Program) Birmingham, AL | Support of Programs | $50,000 |
| O'Neal Library Capital Campaign Mountain Brook, AL | Support of Programs | $30,000 |
| Foundations Early Learning Center Fairfield, AL | Support of Programs | $25,000 |
| Stair Birmingham, AL | Support of Programs | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $11,449,842 | $1,947,813 | $1,998,030 | $1,893,180 | 36 | $1,924,120 | $1,421,961 | $762,008 |
| 2024 | $12,316,768 | $1,970,979 | $936,586 | $867,014 | 29 | $871,362 | $534,201 | $693,682 |
| 2023 | $11,282,375 | $938,627 | $685,349 | $635,238 | 21 | $645,351 | $900,308 | $635,627 |
| 2022 | $11,029,097 | $1,427,367 | $804,163 | $746,055 | 30 | $755,506 | $254,110 | $633,035 |
| 2021 | $10,405,893 | $883,919 | $624,828 | $567,295 | 19 | $578,201 | $627,292 | $673,210 |
| 2020 | $10,146,802 | $1,344,562 | $698,774 | $606,630 | 28 | — | $289,870 | $535,967 |
| 2019 | $9,501,014 | $871,941 | $578,276 | $488,592 | 24 | — | $582,955 | $540,826 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson reported a distributable amount of $762K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants show support for organizations working in areas including community services, education, food assistance, arts and culture, and crisis support.
For example, United Way of Central Alabama, which received $1,045,000 in 2025, says its mission is to increase people’s organized capacity to care for one another and improve their community. Preschool Partners, a 2025 recipient of $15,000, describes its work as preparing preschool children and families for success through education, family engagement, and community collaboration. Crisis Center Inc, which received $5,000, says it provides services to people in crisis, including hotline and sexual-assault response services.
Grantmaking
The foundation reported 36 grants totaling $1,893,180 in 2025. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $1,045,000, with a median of $10,000. In 2024, it reported 29 grants totaling $867,014; in 2023, it reported 21 grants totaling $635,238.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $1,045,000 to United Way of Central Alabama, $134,225 to Wolford College, $120,122 to Birmingham Museum of Art, $100,000 to Community Foodbank of Central Alabama, and $83,333 to Empower Community School. The stated purpose for each was “support of programs.”
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Sumner Johnson Rives as president; Kate Fisher Johnson as secretary/treasurer; and Milton R Johnson, John Christian Rives, James Milton Johnson, and Sallie R Johnson as directors.
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson is led by Sumner Johnson Rives, President on every filing since 2021; 1 of 6 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Sumner Johnson Rives
President
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$50K (2025)
James Milton Johnson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Christian Rives
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Milton R. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sallie R. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kate Fisher Johnson
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Tracy Stephens (2022) — Director
- Former: Sumner Johnson (2019–2020) — President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $50K, to Sumner Johnson Rives (President).
Frequently asked questions about The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson
How much does The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson give each year?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson gave $1.9M across 36 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $867K across 29 grants.
What is The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's typical grant size?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $52,588, across 36 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson that year got $23K on average.
Where does The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson give grants?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson gives mostly in Alabama: 82% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were South Carolina (7%) and New York (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Birmingham, AL (24 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 36 grants with a stated purpose on The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support of Programs" (36 grants).
Who are The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's largest grantees?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's largest 2025 grantees include United Way of Central Alabama ($1,045,000), Wolford College ($134,225) and Birmingham Museum of Art ($120,122), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson reported $11.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $762K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its grants show support for organizations working in areas including community services, education, food assistance, arts and culture, and crisis support. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's EIN?
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-5592026. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson 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.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 19, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 28, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 14, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Live grants for the work The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Community Partnership of Alabama Inc
Birmingham, AL
Community Partnership of Alabama supports United Way of Central Alabama’s charitable work and programs addressing education, health, financial stability, access to services, and relief for people in need in Central Alabama, with senior services in Jefferson County. Its 2022 grants totaled about $1.15 million across 38 awards, with several listed grants of $50,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.7M
Grants
0
Total Given
$97K
Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust
Birmingham, AL
The Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust funds a range of charitable work, including community services, education, historic preservation, and mental health and disability services, with awards limited to Greater Birmingham. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,500 to $150,000, with a median of $10,000. The filing describes an application process but does not explicitly say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$14.1M
Grants
73
Total Given
$889K
Dunn-French Foundation
Birmingham, AL
The Dunn-French Foundation supports religious, community and human services, health care, and education, with most funding going to Alabama organizations and smaller amounts to groups in Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $40,000, with a median of $2,500. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$6.8M
Grants
98
Total Given
$392K
Robert R Meyer Foundation
Birmingham, AL
The foundation supports a range of charitable work, including community services, food assistance, historic preservation, theatre, education, and land conservation, with most funding going to Alabama organizations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $150,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not limit grants to preselected organizations; eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can contact Regions Bank for application materials, with spring and fall deadlines.
Assets
$35.7M
Grants
75
Total Given
$2.1M
Orlean & Ralph W Beeson Fund
Birmingham, AL
The fund supports youth education, humanitarian relief, social services, and Christian ministry, with grants spanning needs such as homelessness, healthcare, food security, and international aid. In 2024, grants ranged from $6,000 to $382,000, with a median of $10,000; most funding went to Alabama, though it also supports work elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally. Applications are accepted through the Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation’s annual and small-grant processes, and emergency grants are available by request to organizations.
Assets
$53.5M
Grants
65
Total Given
$1.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Alabama
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-james-milton-and-sallie-r-johnson-morg_8a5dfa4b5f1d4a0f895ae98cc738a734
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_205592026_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-james-milton-and-sallie-r-johnson-morg_8a5dfa4b5f1d4a0f895ae98cc738a734},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-26. 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 The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson'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.
The James Milton and Sallie R Johnson down — hundreds of funders to go?