The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Atlanta, Georgia. Its mission is to expand access to opportunity, primarily by fostering an effective and collaborative educational environment so children and youth can reach their potential and become thriving community members.
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc gave $4.4M across 88 grants in 2024 (avg $50K), mostly in Georgia. 22% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,382,261
- -10.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 88
- -3.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $49,798
- -7.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $97,271,426
- -6.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 22% first-time grantees (19 of 85, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Georgia (75% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Nonprofits may submit an Exploratory Submission to share their work, priorities, and needs; this is not a formal grant application. A full application is available only by invitation. The application requests the organization’s most recent strategic plan and board roster, among other materials.
- Review Cycle
- Exploratory Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. The formal review cycles include submissions received by February 1 and September 1.
- Deadline
- Exploratory Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Contact
Application contact: Anne Appleton Program Director
Mailing address: 191 Peachtree Street Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 564-1259
Email: aappleton@lanierfamilyfoundation.org
Website: https://lanierfamilyfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc
Who The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Vanderbilt University ($1.0M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
451 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 349 grants of 451 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation primarily supports organizations serving K–12 students in metro Atlanta’s five core counties: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. In 2024, 75% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia and 23% to recipients in Tennessee; 1% each went to recipients in the District of Columbia and California. Vanderbilt University in Nashville received the largest 2024 grant.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 88 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
22%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 19 of 85 grantees (22%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $30K; repeat grants $58K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 66% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+15%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 97% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.8M (2021) to $4.9M (2023). In 2024 it made 88 grants totaling $4.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $971,946 |
| The Westminster Schools Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $366,341 |
| Emory University Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $275,000 |
| The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $150,000 |
| Georgia Tech Foundation Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $100,000 |
| Path Foundation Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $100,000 |
| Robert W Woodruff Arts Center Inc Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $100,000 |
| Atlanta Speech School Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $80,000 |
| Atlanta Police Foundation Atlanta, GA | To Support the @Promise Youth Development Centers | $75,000 |
| Atlanta Beltline Partnership Atlanta, GA | To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $97,271,426 | $5,692,748 | $5,211,091 | $4,382,261 | 88 | $4,924,245 | $5,277,047 | $5,060,383 |
| 2023 | $103,863,213 | $2,381,171 | $5,764,990 | $4,910,550 | 91 | $5,482,532 | $2,060,508 | $5,141,663 |
| 2022 | $102,041,175 | $1,868,278 | $5,315,320 | $4,651,790 | 91 | $5,016,313 | $1,679,011 | $5,284,949 |
| 2021 | $119,164,281 | $6,560,294 | $4,360,775 | $3,822,790 | 83 | $4,157,047 | $6,314,815 | $5,286,342 |
| 2020 | $92,676,080 | $1,749,216 | $5,121,561 | $4,301,956 | 98 | — | $941,775 | $3,902,721 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $5.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated values are opportunity—expanding access to foundational reading skills and enriching education; humility—listening and learning from people on the frontlines of service delivery; and impact—strengthening partnerships that support meaningful long-term outcomes.
Its main funding categories are literacy instruction, afterschool and summer programs, and college and career readiness. For literacy, it prioritizes evidence-based approaches, rigorous evaluation, and collaboration among partners, service providers, and families. The Foundation primarily supports organizations expanding opportunities for K–12 students in metro Atlanta’s Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties.
Examples of grantees illustrate the range of supported work. Atlanta Speech School describes its mission as bringing deep reading to every child so they can find their voice and shape their future. Junior Achievement of Georgia says it prepares K–12 students to succeed in a global economy through programs covering financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. PATH Foundation describes its work as designing and building a bicycle and pedestrian trail system through metro Atlanta and helping other Georgia cities advance trail development.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation made 88 grants totaling $4,382,261. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $971,946, with a median of $25,000. The largest awards included Vanderbilt University ($971,946), The Westminster Schools ($366,341), Emory University ($275,000), and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta ($150,000). Georgia Tech Foundation, PATH Foundation, and Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center each received $100,000.
The Foundation says it primarily makes multi-year, general operating grants. It has two formal review cycles each year. Organizations may submit an Exploratory Submission at any time; this is not a formal application or funding request. Submissions received by February 1 are included in the February review cycle, and those received by September 1 are included in the September cycle. Organizations invited to take the next step may be asked to submit a full proposal or speak with staff. The Foundation says it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Stephen S. Lanier as trustee and chair; V. Whitson Lanier Jr. as trustee and treasurer; and Liza Lanier Jancik, P. Alex Livingston III, Claudia M. Livingston, Thomas C. Chubb III, Mark B. Riley, and E. Jenner Wood III as trustees. Patricia E. Lummus is listed as executive director. The Foundation’s website identifies Annie Appleton as program director.
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc is led by Patricia E. Lummus, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; all 9 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Patricia E. Lummus
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$173K (2020) → $224K (2024)
Stephen S. Lanier
Trustee & Chair
Trustee → Trustee & Chair, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Claudia M. Livingston
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
E. Jenner Wood III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Liza Lanier Jancik
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
P. Alex Livingston III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
V. Whitson Lanier Jr.
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $2K (2024)
Mark B. Riley
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$2K (2021) → $2K (2024)
Thomas C. Chubb III
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$2K (2021) → $2K (2024)
Former officers (3)
- Former: Cecil D. Conlee (2020) — Trustee & Vice Chair
- Former: J. Hicks Lanier (2020) — Trustee & Chair
- Former: Julie Lanier Balloun (2020) — Trustee
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $224K, to Patricia E Lummus (Executive Director). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc
How much does The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc give each year?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc gave $4.4M across 88 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4.9M across 91 grants.
What is The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $49,798, across 88 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc that year got $30K on average.
Where does The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc give grants?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 75% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Tennessee (23%). The most frequent recipient cities were Atlanta, GA (61 grants), Washington, DC (4 grants), Nashville, TN (2 grants) and Norcross, GA (2 grants).
Does The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 88 grants with a stated purpose on The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Support the Mission of the Recipient Organization" (82 grants).
Who are The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Vanderbilt University ($1,000,000 across 2 grants), The Westminster Schools ($366,341) and Emory University ($275,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc reported $97.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation’s stated values are opportunity—expanding access to foundational reading skills and enriching education; humility—listening and learning from people on the frontlines of service delivery; and impact—strengthening partnerships that support meaningful long-term outcomes. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-6045056. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-sartain-lanier-family-foundation-inc-morg_3f93dab0cb7c4e35a695c250301e928d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_586045056_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-sartain-lanier-family-foundation-inc-morg_3f93dab0cb7c4e35a695c250301e928d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Inc'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.
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