The George R Johnson Family Foundation is a regionally focused funder that concentrates on strengthening youth services, faith-based education, and community infrastructure in the Cleveland/Ocoee area. Grants skew toward capital and program support for local institutions — especially youth-serving organizations and a Christian university — and the foundation frequently backs visible community assets like camp facilities and exhibition space. Their giving emphasizes practical, place-based investments that benefit families and children in their community.
George R Johnson Family Foundation repeatedly backs youth-serving institutions in the Cleveland and Ocoee area, with several of its largest recent awards going to Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region for program support and to YMCA for the Camp Ocoee capital campaign. That pattern points to a funder that combines operating support with capital investment, especially when a project serves children, teens, and families in its local community. Lee University also appears among the foundation’s major recent grants, showing that its giving extends beyond youth programs into faith-based higher education. Alongside those anchors, the foundation has supported community-facing institutions such as The Caring Place, Tri-state Exhibition Center, and Family Resource Agency Inc. The recent record includes repeated support for the same organizations across multiple years, suggesting ongoing relationships rather than isolated gifts. Its portfolio also reaches into school-to-career programming, safe-house services, and health-related community support, but the clearest throughline is place-based funding for institutions that provide direct services or build durable local capacity.
Youth development is a central thread in the foundation’s grantmaking. It gave $180,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region for program support in 2025, after making the same amount available in 2023 and $160,000 in 2024. The YMCA also received multiple awards tied to youth programming, including $35,000 in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for YCAP Program. Education-related support extends into school completion and career pathways: On Point received $30,000 for Graduation Coaching Program, and Bradleycleveland Public Edu Fdtn received $90,000 for the Tango Flight Program. The foundation also funds family and child services, including $37,000 to Family Resource Agency Inc for Harbor Safe House and $30,000 to Child Advocacy Center Mcminn for program support.
Typical awards cluster in the middle five figures: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $15,000, and the 75th percentile is $23,200. The recent record shows repeat grants to the same organizations over several years, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region, YMCA, Tennessee Wesleyan University, and The Caring Place. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards. The foundation is a family foundation, gives program support as well as capital support, and funds individuals. Its giving is local in scope.
$1.9M
$24.6M
$2.6M
$2.1M
Most grants fall between $10K and $23K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$23K
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Concentrated, mid-to-large grants largely directed to a small number of repeat, local grantees; strong preference for capital campaign and facility support alongside multi-grant relationships with key community institutions.
Notable grantees: Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region, YMCA (Camp Ocoee capital campaign), Lee University, Tri-State Exhibition Center, The Caring Place
Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Tennessee, which accounts for 92% of grants to recipients in the HQ state. The recent grants also show a strong Cleveland-centered pattern, with awards to Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region, The Caring Place, Family Resource Agency Inc, and Bradleycleveland Public Edu Fdtn. Other Tennessee recipients include Chattanooga, Athens, McDonald, Loudon County, Hixson, Greeneville, and Lenoir City. Outside Tennessee, a smaller share goes to recipients in Georgia, including Lift Youth Center Inc in Fort Oglethorpe.
The recent record centers on youth-serving groups, community service providers, and institutions tied to education and local facilities. Examples include Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region for program support, YMCA for Camp Ocoee capital support and YCAP Program, and Lee University for a capital campaign. The foundation also supports family services and safe-house work.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region in 2023, 2024, and 2025; YMCA in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and Tennessee Wesleyan University in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The record also shows repeated support for The Caring Place.
Typical awards are in the middle five figures. The 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $15,000, and the 75th percentile is $23,200. Recent grants range higher for major operating and capital support, such as $180,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region and $150,000 to YMCA for Camp Ocoee capital work.
Its giving is local and overwhelmingly Tennessee-based. Tennessee accounts for 92% of grants to recipients in the HQ state, and the recipient list is concentrated in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Athens, McDonald, Lenoir City, Hixson, Greeneville, and Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
It funds individuals as well as organizations. The foundation’s profile indicates that it funds individuals, and its recent grants also show a mix of program support and capital support to nonprofits, schools, and community institutions.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF OCOEE REGION | CLEVELAND, TN | $180,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LEE UNIVERSITY | CLEVELAND, TN | $100,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHATTANOOGA FOUNDATIO | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $100,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MUSEUM CENTER AT 5IVE POINTS | CLEVELAND, TN | $100,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| YMCA | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $100,000 | 2026 | CAMP OCOEE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY | ATHENS, TN | $75,000 | 2026 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| HOLSTON HOME FOR CHILDREN | GREENEVILLE, TN | $75,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| TRI-COUNTY CENTER | ATHENS, TN | $55,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIESCHILDREN | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $50,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CHAMBLISS CENTER FOR CHILDREN | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $50,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LIFE BRIDGES | CLEVELAND, TN | $50,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF GREATER CHATT | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $40,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| THE CARING PLACE | CLEVELAND, TN | $40,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| YMCA | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $35,000 | 2026 | YCAP PROGRAM |
| THE HOPE CENTER INC | CLEVELAND, TN | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CLEVELAND | CLEVELAND, TN | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ON POINT | HIXSON, TN | $30,000 | 2026 | GRADUATION COACHING PROGRAM |
| LOUDON COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | LENOIR CITY, TN | $30,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | CLEVELAND, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOUSTON MUSUEM OF DECORATIVE ARTS | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SCENIC CITY CLAY ARTS | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CLEVELAND STATE COMM COLLEGE FDTN | CLEVELAND, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CITY FIELDS | CLEVELAND, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| HOUSE OF REFUGE | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TN VALLEY | KNOXVILLE, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY | LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | HOWARD HS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM |
| BETHEL BIBLE VILLAGE | HIXSON, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| TRI-STATE EXHIBITION CENTER | MCDONALD, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CASA CORRIDOR OF EAST TENNESSEE | ATHENS, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ADVOCATE TRAINING PROGRAM |
| UNITED WAY OF THE OCOEE REGION | CLEVELAND, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF RHEA COUNTY | DAYTON, TN | $18,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| YOUNG LIFE EAST HILLS | SWEETWATER, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION GA CHAPTER | DALTON, GA | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | CHILDREN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM |
| JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF OCOEE REGION | CLEVELAND, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF MCMINNMEIGS CO | ATHENS, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF MONROE COUNTY | SWEETWATER, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | CLINIC SUPPORT |
| GIRLS INC | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| UNITED WAY OF NORTHWEST GEORGIA | DALTON, GA | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| WELCOME HOME OF CHATTANOOGA | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | CHILDREN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM |
| TROUSDALE SCHOOL | CLEVELAND, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| CHATTANOOGA COMMUNITY KITCHEN | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $12,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| MCMINN COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION | ATHENS, TN | $10,800 | 2026 | IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM |
| THE 247 MOVEMENT | CLEVELAND, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| SIGNAL CENTERS INC | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| ARTSBUILD | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ART EDUCATION |
| TEACH FOR AMERICA - NASHVILLECHATT | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS - CHATT | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | PROGRAM SUPPORT |
MUSEUM CENTER AT 5IVE POINTS
$100,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
YMCA
$100,000CAMP OCOEE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
TRI-COUNTY CENTER
$55,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIP FOR FAMILIESCHILDREN
$50,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CHAMBLISS CENTER FOR CHILDREN
$50,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LIFE BRIDGES
$50,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
UNITED WAY OF GREATER CHATT
$40,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
YMCA
$35,000YCAP PROGRAM
THE HOPE CENTER INC
$30,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CLEVELAND
$30,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LOUDON COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
$30,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
AMERICAN RED CROSS
$25,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
HOUSTON MUSUEM OF DECORATIVE ARTS
$25,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
SCENIC CITY CLAY ARTS
$25,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CLEVELAND STATE COMM COLLEGE FDTN
$25,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
HOUSE OF REFUGE
$20,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF TN VALLEY
$20,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY
$20,000HOWARD HS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
TRI-STATE EXHIBITION CENTER
$20,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CASA CORRIDOR OF EAST TENNESSEE
$20,000ADVOCATE TRAINING PROGRAM
UNITED WAY OF RHEA COUNTY
$18,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
YOUNG LIFE EAST HILLS
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION GA CHAPTER
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF OCOEE REGION
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
UNITED WAY OF MCMINNMEIGS CO
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
UNITED WAY OF MONROE COUNTY
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
$15,000CLINIC SUPPORT
GIRLS INC
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
TROUSDALE SCHOOL
$15,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
CHATTANOOGA COMMUNITY KITCHEN
$12,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
MCMINN COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$10,800IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM
THE 247 MOVEMENT
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT
TEACH FOR AMERICA - NASHVILLECHATT
$10,000PROGRAM SUPPORT