The Powell Foundation
Historical FunderBrentwood, Tennessee · EIN 62-1819796 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$1.7M
Organizations funded41
Typical grant$25,000
Total assets$34.5M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $20,000 and $50,000.
From the return
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2024):
| Contact | JAMES J POWELL |
|---|---|
| Address | 2105 KEY DRIVE, BRENTWOOD TN 37027 |
| Phone | 4237946095 |
| Form and materials | LETTER EXPLAINING CHARITABLE PURPOSE AND NEED |
| Deadlines | NONE |
| Restrictions | NONE |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
0% of grants went outside Tennessee.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Jenrett endowment | $235,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | James j powell genomics endowment | $200,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Ut genomics graduate student | $75,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Ut genomics graduate student | $75,000 |
| Crumley House | Limestone, TN | Annual gift | $60,000 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Building fund | $50,000 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Building fund | $50,000 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Building fund | $50,000 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Building fund | $50,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Michael powell scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Jennifer powell scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | James j powell sr scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Jennifer powell scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | James j powell sr scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Sgp womens athletic scholarship | $50,000 |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | Sgp womens athletic scholarship | $50,000 |
| Johnson City Symphony | Johnson City, TN | Concert aid | $45,000 |
| Holston Homes | Greeneville, TN | Mary weems burton | $40,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Orchestra scholarship | $30,000 |
| Davis House | Franklin, TN | Annual gift | $25,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Steinway scholarship | $25,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Engineering | $25,000 |
| Healing House | Brentwood, TN | Annual gift | $25,000 |
| Bumc Day School | Brentwood, TN | Scholarship | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Choral scholarship | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Bluegrass scholarship | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Jenrett endowment | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | College of business | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Bluegrass endowment | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Business endowment | $20,000 |
| Holston Homes | Greeneville, TN | Hutchins legacy fund | $20,000 |
| Holston Homes | Greeneville, TN | Hutchins legacy fund | $20,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Instrumental scholarship | $12,500 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Youth choir scholarships | $10,000 |
| East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN | Pre-College endowment | $10,000 |
| Johnson City Symphony | Johnson City, TN | Annual gift | $10,000 |
| Emily Johnson | Memphis, TN | Scholarship | $6,915 |
| Emily Johnson | Memphis, TN | Scholarship | $6,880 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Bumc | Brentwood, TN | Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame | Nashville, TN | J byrd scholarship | $5,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,661,295 | 41 |
| 2023 | $1,156,000 | 39 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed Nov 17, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202523219349106942
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 62-1819796
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.