The Sutherland Foundation concentrates exclusively on education-focused grants, prioritizing literacy and equity programs that expand learning opportunities for families and underserved students. They favor general/unrestricted support to nonprofit operators of literacy, family learning and educational-justice initiatives, and they fund both national intermediaries and local community literacy programs.
Concentrated, education-only giving with few, relatively large unrestricted grants; repeat funding to select grantees (notably a multi-grant relationship with Educational Justice) and support split between national intermediaries and local literacy programs.
The Sutherland Foundation Inc. makes education its sole grantmaking focus, with a pattern of unrestricted support for literacy, family learning, and educational-justice organizations. Its largest recent award in the provided list was $150,000 to Educational Justice LLC in Louisville for general fund support, signaling an interest in flexible funding for organizations working on systemic equity in education. The foundation also returned to the National Center for Families Learning with $75,000 grants in both 2024 and 2025, and it supported Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe with a $65,000 grant in 2025. That mix of local Louisville grants and selected out-of-state partners shows a funder that backs both community-based operators and broader intermediaries. Many of the listed awards are labeled general fund-unrestricted or general fund - unrestricted, which aligns with a philosophy of core support rather than project-only funding. The grant list includes repeat support for organizations such as Decode Project, Sowing Seeds With Faith, and Tech-nique, suggesting an ongoing relationship with some grantees. The result is a grant portfolio centered on learning access, literacy, and educational equity, especially for families and underserved students.
Family literacy is a clear throughline. In 2025, the foundation gave $75,000 to the National Center for Families Learning for general fund support, and the organization also received a matching grant in 2024. Community-based literacy work appears as another priority: Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe received $65,000 in 2025 and another $25,000 grant the same year. The foundation also backs organizations that serve learners through broader educational pathways. Educational Justice LLC received $50,000 in 2025 for general fund support after a $150,000 grant in 2023, while Ivy Plus Academy received $25,000 in 2025. Its education-related support extends to youth development and access-oriented nonprofits as well, including a $40,000 grant to Tech-nique in 2025 and a $30,000 grant to Adelante Hispanic Achievers in Louisville.
The typical grant size sits at $2,750 at the 25th percentile, $8,000 at the median, and $25,000 at the 75th percentile, so the portfolio includes many smaller awards alongside a cluster of larger general support grants. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including the National Center for Families Learning, Decode Project, Sowing Seeds With Faith, Tech-nique, and Educational Justice LLC, indicating repeated support rather than one-time giving only. The foundation is an independent private foundation, not a vehicle for individuals or program-related investments. The recurring grant language is predominantly general fund-unrestricted or general fund - unrestricted, showing a flexible funding style.
$465K
$3.2M
$332K
$541K
Most grants fall between $3K and $25K, with a median of $8K.
25th Percentile
$3K
Median
$8K
75th Percentile
$25K
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Notable grantees: Educational Justice LLC, National Center for Families Learning, Read to Succeed AshevilleBuncombe
Giving is regional and heavily centered in Kentucky, which accounts for 49% of grants by recipient location. Louisville appears frequently among recipients, alongside Asheville, NC; Boulder, CO; Denver, CO; Charlottesville, VA; and Brevard, NC. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based in the data provided, with 113 grants to U.S. organizations. That pattern points to a U.S. regional portfolio anchored in Kentucky rather than a national or international spread.
The foundation gives exclusively to education-focused organizations, with emphasis on literacy, family learning, and educational-justice initiatives. Named recipients include Educational Justice LLC, the National Center for Families Learning, and Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe.
Yes. The recent grants list repeatedly uses general fund-unrestricted or general fund - unrestricted language, including awards to Educational Justice LLC, the National Center for Families Learning, and Tech-nique. That indicates a strong preference for flexible core support.
The listed grant-size distribution shows a 25th percentile of $2,750, a median of $8,000, and a 75th percentile of $25,000. The recent grants list also includes larger awards such as $150,000 and $75,000.
Yes. The National Center for Families Learning received $75,000 in both 2024 and 2025. Other repeat recipients in the list include Decode Project, Sowing Seeds With Faith, Tech-nique, and Educational Justice LLC.
Kentucky is the top state by grant count, with 49% of grants going to recipients in the state. Louisville appears often among recipient locations, alongside other U.S. cities such as Asheville, Boulder, Denver, Charlottesville, and Brevard.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL CENTER FOR FAMILIES LEARNING | LOUISVILLE, KY | $75,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| SOWING SEEDS WITH FAITH | LOUISVILLE, KY | $37,500 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| ADELANTE HISPANIC ACHIEVERS | LOUISVILLE, KY | $30,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| IVY PLUS ACADEMY | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE LLC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| TECH-NIQUE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| READ TO SUCCEED ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE | ASHEVILLE, NC | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| DENVER URBAN GARDENS | DENVER, CO | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| ST GEORGE'S SCHOLAR INSTITUTE INC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| LINCOLN FOUNDATION | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| MUDDY SNEAKERS | BREVARD, NC | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| MUSICWORKS ASHEVILLE | ASHEVILLE, NC | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| DECODE PROJECT | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| PLAY COUSINS COLLECTIVE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| LOUISVILLE YOUTH PHILANTHROPY COUNCIL | LOUISVILLE, KY | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| CAFE 180 | ENGLEWOOD, CO | $8,750 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION | ASHEVILLE, NC | $5,600 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| YOUNG AUTHORS GREENHOUSE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $5,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| COLABORATIVE LA MILPA | ASHEVILLE, NC | $3,750 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| LINCOLN HERITAGE COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,077 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS | DENVER, CO | $2,750 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| WARREN VILLAGE | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| EMILY GRIFFITH FOUNDATION | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| SUN VALLEY YOUTH CENTER | DENVER, CO | $2,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| PS ARTS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,500 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| READ TO SUCCEED ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE | ASHEVILLE, NC | $65,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE LLC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| DECODE PROJECT | LOUISVILLE, KY | $50,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| TECH-NIQUE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| SOWING SEEDS WITH FAITH | LOUISVILLE, KY | $40,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO | BOULDER, CO | $35,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| MUDDY SNEAKERS | BREVARD, NC | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| ST GEORGE'S SCHOLAR INSTITUTE INC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| ADELANTE HISPANIC ACHIEVERS | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| RIVER CITY DRUM CORP | LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| PLAY COUSINS COLLECTIVE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| MUSICWORKS ASHEVILLE | ASHEVILLE, NC | $20,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| COLABORATIVE LA MILPA | ASHEVILLE, NC | $12,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| DENVER URBAN GARDENS | DENVER, CO | $5,000 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS | DENVER, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBOF METRO DENVER | DENVER, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| YOUTH ON RECORD | DENVER, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| BLUFF LAKE NATURE CENTER | DENVER, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| WARREN VILLAGE | DENVER, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| COLORADO SOCCER FOUNDATION | AURORA, CO | $2,500 | 2025 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| NATIONAL CENTER FOR FAMILIES LEARNING | LOUISVILLE, KY | $75,000 | 2024 | GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED |
| DECODE PROJECT | LOUISVILLE, KY | $50,000 | 2024 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| SOWING SEEDS WITH FAITH | LOUISVILLE, KY | $40,000 | 2024 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
| TECH-NIQUE | LOUISVILLE, KY | $40,000 | 2024 | GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED |
ADELANTE HISPANIC ACHIEVERS
$30,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
IVY PLUS ACADEMY
$25,000GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED
EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE LLC
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
TECH-NIQUE
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
READ TO SUCCEED ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
ST GEORGE'S SCHOLAR INSTITUTE INC
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
LINCOLN FOUNDATION
$25,000GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED
MUSICWORKS ASHEVILLE
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
DECODE PROJECT
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
LOUISVILLE YOUTH PHILANTHROPY COUNCIL
$15,000GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED
CAFE 180
$8,750GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED
YOUNG AUTHORS GREENHOUSE
$5,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
COLABORATIVE LA MILPA
$3,750GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
LINCOLN HERITAGE COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
$3,077GENERAL FUND - UNRESTRICTED
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
$2,750GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
READ TO SUCCEED ASHEVILLEBUNCOMBE
$65,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
EDUCATIONAL JUSTICE LLC
$50,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
DECODE PROJECT
$50,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
TECH-NIQUE
$40,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
$35,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
ST GEORGE'S SCHOLAR INSTITUTE INC
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
ADELANTE HISPANIC ACHIEVERS
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
RIVER CITY DRUM CORP
$25,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
PLAY COUSINS COLLECTIVE
$20,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
MUSICWORKS ASHEVILLE
$20,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
$2,500GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
DECODE PROJECT
$50,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED
TECH-NIQUE
$40,000GENERAL FUND-UNRESTRICTED