The Melkus Family Foundation focuses its giving on a small set of large grants that combine international humanitarian relief with local community and educational investments. Major gifts fund refugee and emergency-response organizations as well as Nashville-area higher education and regional community philanthropy, with some support for local health/behavioral services. Their portfolio favors well-established national NGOs and anchor institutions rather than many small charities.
The Melkus Family Foundation has made two $1 million grants to the International Rescue Committee, in 2023 and again in 2025, a clear sign that refugee and emergency-response work sits near the center of its grantmaking. The foundation also pairs that international relief support with major gifts to Nashville institutions, including Belmont University and Ancora Tn, showing a split between global humanitarian aid and local community investment. Its recent awards include large checks to food access groups, civil-rights and legal advocacy organizations, health and behavioral services, and community foundations, which points to a broad charitable portfolio rather than a single program area. The pattern is not limited to one-off gifts: several organizations appear in multiple years, including City Harvest, National Resources Defense Council, Children’s Aid Society, Sexual Assault Center, Doctors Without Borders, Second Harvest Food Bank, and Community Foundation of Collier County. Grant amounts in the recent record range from six figures to seven figures, with multiple awards at $200,000, $250,000, and $300,000 levels alongside the larger anchor grants.
In international humanitarian relief, the foundation gave $500,000 to Doctors Without Borders in 2025 and $1 million to the International Rescue Committee in 2025, following a similar $1 million grant to the same organization in 2023. That pairing suggests sustained support for emergency and refugee-related work. In higher education, Belmont University received $989,184 in 2025, one of the largest gifts in the recent record. The foundation also backed place-based philanthropy through $800,000 to Community Foundation of Collier County in 2023 and $270,000 in 2025. Local service organizations are also part of the mix, including $400,000 to Ancora Tn in 2025 and $250,000 to Renewal House in 2025.
Typical grants cluster around a $10,000 p25 and median, with a $75,000 p75, but the recent filing record also shows a small set of much larger awards in the $200,000 to $1,000,000 range. The foundation operates as a regular funder and does not fund individuals or make program-related investments. Recurrence is a notable feature: several recipients appear in both 2023 and 2025, including City Harvest, National Resources Defense Council, Children’s Aid Society, Sexual Assault Center, Doctors Without Borders, Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Foundation of Collier County, and the International Rescue Committee. Grants are described as supporting exempt charitable purposes rather than a formal application-based program.
$7.3M
$61.4M
$5.7M
$8.2M
Most grants fall between $10K and $75K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$75K
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Concentrated giving: a very small number of large grants, including repeat funding to select national NGOs and sizable one-off gifts to local institutions; emphasis on high-impact, recognizable organizations rather than many small awards.
Notable grantees: International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), Belmont University, Community Foundation of Collier County, Ancora TN
Giving is regional, with 56% of grants to recipients in Tennessee, and Nashville appears often among recipient locations. Beyond Tennessee, New York is the top state by grant count, with grants to organizations in New York, NY such as the International Rescue Committee, City Harvest, and Children’s Aid Society. Florida recipients also appear, including Community Foundation of Collier County in Naples. The only non-U.S. recipient country in the dataset is the United States, which accounts for all listed grants.
Recent grants go to refugee and emergency-response groups, higher education, local health and behavioral services, food access organizations, community foundations, and civil-rights or advocacy nonprofits. Examples in the record include grants to the International Rescue Committee, Belmont University, Ancora Tn, and Community Foundation of Collier County.
Yes. Several organizations appear in more than one year, including the International Rescue Committee, City Harvest, National Resources Defense Council, Children’s Aid Society, Doctors Without Borders, Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Foundation of Collier County, and Sexual Assault Center.
The typical grant size is $10,000 at both the 25th percentile and the median, with the 75th percentile at $75,000. The recent grants list also includes much larger awards, including multiple gifts at $200,000, $250,000, $300,000, $500,000, and $1,000,000.
Most grants go to Tennessee recipients, which make up 56% of the foundation’s grant count. Outside Tennessee, New York is the top state by grant count, and Florida also appears in the recent record.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE | NEW YORK, NY | $1,000,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| BELMONT UNIVERSITY | NASHVILLE, TN | $989,184 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS | NEW YORK, NY | $500,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| ANCORA TN | NASHVILLE, TN | $400,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CITY HARVEST | NEW YORK, NY | $300,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| MARTHA O'BRYAN CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $294,940 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY | NAPLES, FL | $270,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK | NASHVILLE, TN | $250,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| NATIONAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL | NEW YORK, NY | $250,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| RENEWAL HOUSE | NASHVILLE, TN | $250,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY | NEW YORK, NY | $214,534 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| MANNA FOOD BANK INC | MILLS RIVER, NC | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CARE INC | NASHVILLE, TN | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD | NEW YORK, NY | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| PENCIL FOUNDATION | NASHVILLE, TN | $125,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| KIPP ACADEMY NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE, TN | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| BOSTON COLLEGE | CHESTNUT HILL, MA | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| NASHVILLE ZOO | NASHVILLE, TN | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| UNITED WAY | NASHVILLE, TN | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| SANCTUARY FOR FAMILIES | NEW YORK, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE, TN | $84,086 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE ADDIS CLINIC | NASHVILLE, TN | $80,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | NASHVILLE, TN | $75,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $75,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| TENNESSEE JUSTICE CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $75,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL | WASHINGTON, DC | $60,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE FAMILY CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE, TN | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | BRENTWOOD, TN | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| TENNESSEE INNOCENCE PROJECT | NASHVILLE, TN | $40,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| AWAKE | NASHVILLE, TN | $40,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| TENNESSEANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY | NASHVILLE, TN | $30,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| FIFTY FORWARD | NASHVILLE, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| NORTHERN SUBURBAN SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION | HIGHLAND PARK, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CAMP ONE STEP | CHICAGO, IL | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| GILDA'S CLUB NASHVILLE | NASHVILLE, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE FOUNDATION MIDDLE TN STATE | MURFREESBORO, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| LEITNER CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW AND JUSTICE | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA | NAPLES, FL | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS | HERMITAGE, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION | NAPLES, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| GRAHAM-WINDHAM SERVICES FOR FAMILY & CHILDREN | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE IMAGINE PROJECT | BROOKLYN, NY | $20,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| THE PHIL RAMONE ORCHESTRA FOR CHILDREN | NEW YORK, NY | $16,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| CHINA RESCUE DOGS | VASS, NC | $10,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| ELLIE FUND | NEEDHAM, MA | $10,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE AND THE CUMBERLANDS | NASHVILLE, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE | HOUSTON, TX | $10,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
| OASIS CENTER | NASHVILLE, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY |
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
$1,000,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
$500,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
ANCORA TN
$400,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF COLLIER COUNTY
$270,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
NATIONAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL
$250,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
$214,534TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
CARE INC
$200,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
$200,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER
$200,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
BOSTON COLLEGE
$100,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
THE ADDIS CLINIC
$80,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$75,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
$75,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
$50,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
AWAKE
$40,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
NORTHERN SUBURBAN SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION
$25,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
GILDA'S CLUB NASHVILLE
$25,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
THE FOUNDATION MIDDLE TN STATE
$25,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
LEITNER CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW AND JUSTICE
$25,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS
$25,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
THE IMAGINE PROJECT
$20,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
THE PHIL RAMONE ORCHESTRA FOR CHILDREN
$16,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
CHINA RESCUE DOGS
$10,000TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
TO FURTHER ONE OR MORE OF THE EXEMPT PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY