Venture Philanthropy Grants Program

Phoenix Club of Nashville Venture Philanthropy Grants

Program Description: The Phoenix Club of Nashville has been making grants to nonprofits since 2001 through its Venture Philanthropy program. The club provides funding to support underserved youth in Middle Tennessee and organizations that develop community leaders.

Mission & Focus Areas

• Geographic Scope: Middle Tennessee, with emphasis on Nashville/Davidson County
• Target Population: Underserved youth in Middle Tennessee
• Focus Areas: The club supports a diverse range of youth-serving nonprofits including:
  • Education and academic support
  • Mental health and social-emotional learning
  • Youth development and mentorship
  • Arts and recreation programs
  • Foster care support
  • Transportation for underserved youth
  • Digital literacy and technology access
  • Leadership development
  • Athletic coaching and wellness

Organization Background

About Phoenix Club of Nashville:

• 100% volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization
• Dual mission: benefitting underserved youth in Middle Tennessee AND developing members into leaders in their community and business
• Members are young men committed to philanthropic service
• Has strong network of individual and corporate partners
• Uses a maturing Venture Philanthropy model focused on long-term partnerships with vetted nonprofits

Contact Information

Address: 73 White Bridge Road Suite 103 - Box 126, Nashville, TN 37205
Leadership Contacts:

• Marketing & PR: marketing@phoenixclubofnashville.org
• VP of Venture Philanthropy: Pat O'Brien
• VP of Development: John Boots

Recent Grant Examples (2021-2025)

Recent awards demonstrate the range of funding:

• 2025: Be About Change ($8,000), Nashville Urban Debate League ($3,000), Youth Villages ($10,000), Jonathan's Path ($10,000), Move! Music City ($10,000), Turnip Green Creative Reuse ($10,500)
• 2024: BeWell in School ($10,000)
• 2023: PCON Grants $50,000 to BeWell In School; Aloe Family $21,000 (with partners); Book'em $15,005
• 2022: Nashville Coaching Coalition ($8,600); Dream Streets partnership ($12,500 PCON + $7,500 Nicol family)
• 2021: Teach for America Nashville-Chattanooga ($100,000 with partners); Saddle Up! ($10,000); STARS ($10,000)
• 2022: Preston Taylor Ministries (50 Chromebooks through partnership with S3 Recycling Solutions)

Grant Strategy

• Often partners with other donors, foundations, and corporate partners to leverage impact
• Focuses on established nonprofits with demonstrated track records
• Prioritizes long-term partnerships; many grantees receive repeat funding
• Uses crowdfunding model to engage membership in specific projects
• Emphasizes organizations filling vital community needs

Application Process

Detailed application procedures are not publicly available on the website. However, based on grant announcements, the following can be inferred:

General Process:

1. Organizations typically approach PCON or are identified through member connections and partnerships
2. PCON Board reviews and approves grants throughout the year
3. Grants are awarded to vetted nonprofit partners, often with demonstrated relationships to PCON members

How to Apply:

• Contact the Phoenix Club directly through their website or marketing email
• Establish a relationship with PCON members
• Demonstrate clear impact metrics and outcomes for youth served
• Present a specific funding need or project

Key Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Must serve underserved youth in Middle Tennessee
• Should demonstrate measurable impact and outcomes
• Organizations with existing PCON volunteer partnerships may have advantage

Note: Formal RFP (Request for Proposal) processes are not evident from available materials. Contact the organization directly for detailed application requirements.