W James Samford Jr Foundation
Invitation OnlyOpelika, Alabama · EIN 20-0246688 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2025)$423K
Organizations funded22
Typical grant$5,000
Total assets$11.6M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $23,665.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2025 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
9% of grants went outside Alabama.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Methodist Church | Opelika, AL | Sanctuary renovations | $157,437 |
| Auburn University Foundation | Auburn, AL | Scholarships & awards | $50,048 |
| Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center | Montgomery, AL | Help underwrite construction cost for recreational complex in opelika, al | $50,000 |
| Opelika Chamber Foundation | Opelika, AL | Opelika forward capital campaign | $48,921 |
| East Alabama Medical Center Foundation | Opelika, AL | General funding | $33,999 |
| Opelika City Schools | Opelika, AL | Provide continuing ed to select high school students | $23,665 |
| Hudson Family Foundation | Auburn, AL | Provide financial support for children/families living W/ terminal illness | $10,000 |
| Southern Union Foundation | Wadley, AL | Scholarships for students | $9,844 |
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | General funding | $6,000 |
| Esperanza House | Auburn, AL | General funding | $6,000 |
| Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama | Auburn, AL | Aid individuals W/ intellectual & development disabilities | $5,000 |
| Washington and Lee University | Lexington, VA | General funding | $5,000 |
| Blue Lake United Methodist Assembly | Montgomery, AL | General funding | $5,000 |
| The Sound Wall Music Initiative | Opelika, AL | General funding | $5,000 |
| Big House Foundation | Opelika, AL | Support to foster & adoptive families in area | $3,000 |
| Food Bank of East Alabama | Auburn, AL | Food acquisition for community market | $1,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Opelika, AL | General funding | $1,000 |
| New Birth Outreach Ministries | Midland, GA | General funding | $500 |
| Village Friends | Auburn, AL | General funding | $500 |
| Alabama Rural Ministry | Auburn, AL | General funding | $500 |
| Stegall Seminary Scholarship Foundation | Montgomery, AL | General funding | $400 |
| Keep Opelika Beautiful | Opelika, AL | General funding | $100 |
Grants approved for future payment
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Alabama Medical Center Foundation | Opelika, AL | Capital campaign neonatal intensive care unit | $50,165 |
| Opelika Chamber Foundation | Opelika, AL | Opelika forward capital campaign | $49,053 |
| Southern Union Foundation | Wadley, AL | Scholarships for students | $9,045 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $422,914 | 25 |
| 2024 | $469,973 | 30 |
| 2023 | $437,928 | 32 |
| 2022 | $525,735 | 42 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Jul 17, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202641989349100804
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 20-0246688
- 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.