Skip to content
Atticus Trust at a glanceAlso receives grants: funding profile →

· Private foundation

Atticus Trust

Its FY2024 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$1.0M
Granted FY2024still arriving
9
Grants FY2024still arriving
4
States reached
$308k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
0195% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2018 to 2024.

Environment$4.0MArts & Culture$871kReligion$706kFood & Nutrition$346kCrime & Legal$305kRecreation & Sports$152kEducation$128kPhilanthropy$48kOther$0
02FY2024 · 9 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2024

  • $10k–50k5 grants · $102k
  • $50k–250k2 grants · $325k
  • $250k+2 grants · $608k
$30,000
Median grant
4
States reached
$13M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
URBAN GREEN LAB INC$308,000
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW INSTITUTE$300,000
SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER$200,000
NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL$125,000
ONE GENERATION AWAY$30,000
NASHVILLE PARKS FOUNDATION$25,000
SOCIETY OF ST ANDREW$20,000
TURNIP GREEN CREATIVE REUSE$15,000
NASHVILLE TREE FOUNDATION$12,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY19–19, $2k) land where the poverty rate runs at 14%, against an area that typically sits at 10%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 10%ALIVE HOSPICE: $2k → 14%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

81%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$5.5M · 21 repeat orgs$1.3M to everyone else

21 repeat relationships: 9 still active in FY2024, 12 since wound down.

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

21
37

Total granted

$5.5M
$1.3M

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+41%
+55%

Still filing today

67%
76%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2024, 100% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $0 went to new ones.

50%100%’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’18’19’20’21’22’23’24
EnvironmentArts & CultureFood & NutritionCivil RightsEducationRecreation & SportsOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • UG
    URBAN GREEN LAB
    4× · 2020–2024 · $1.1M · revenue +37% · 48% of their budget
  • EL
    Environmental Law Institute
    5× · 2018–2024 · $1.1M · revenue +14%
  • NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC
    5× · 2020–2024 · $950k · revenue +26%

Funded once

  • CC
    CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
    one grant, 2019 · $516k
  • NC
    NASHVILLE COMMUNITY BAIL BOND FUND
    one grant, 2019 · $300k
  • RI
    REFED INCgraduated
    one grant, 2020 · $150k · revenue +55%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Tenngreen Land Conservancy

The organization's primary mission is conserving land where people and nature can thrive by creating green corridors linking existing public lands using conservation easments and outright purchase.

Recreation & Sports
2
Harpeth Conservancy

To restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support broad community stewardship and action.

Environment
3
Eastern National

Eastern national promotes the public's understanding and support of america's national parks and other public trust partners by providing quality educational experiences, products and services.

Recreation & Sports
4
Natural Areas Conservancy Inc

The natural areas conservancy champions urban natural areas in new york city and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. we increase the health and resilience of urban forests and wetlands, catalyze…

Environment
5
Nashville Public Media Inc

Nashville banner is a locally owned, community supported, civic news organization. we exist to empower the people of nashville to make informed decisions by providing non-partisan journalism from an independent, nonprofit newsroom. we are…

Arts & Culture
6
Northeast Tenn Assoc of Realtors

Our mission is to serve our members through education, professionalism, and legislative involvement

—
7
Nashville Technology Council

Ntc mission is to advance the diverse technology ecosystem by connecting and promoting members, attracting, growing and retaining tech talent, and providing opportunities to reinvest in the greater nashville community.

Community Improvement
8
Tennessee Environmental Council

To educate and advocate for the conservation and improvement of tennessees environment, communities and public health

Environment
9
Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville Inc

Arts & business council of greater nashville supports and promotes the arts by driving collaboration between arts and business that contribute to the creativity, vitality, and prosperity of greater nashville/the regions/the city.

Crime & Legal
10
National Association of Clean Water Agencies

Nacwa is the national voice of public clean water utilities, shaping water policy, convening a vibrant peer network, and empowering water leaders.

—
11
Native Plant Trust Inc

The organization's mission is to conserve and promote new england's native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse landscapes.

Environment
12
Centennial Park Conservancy

To sustain the vibrancy of nashville's centennial park, home to the historic parthenon, by supporting metro parks in revitalizing & activating this public green space to ensure the park remains a welcoming destination for recreation,…

Arts & Culture
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Nashville Parks Foundation; the most unlike its peers is Time to Rise Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

45 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 45 of the 60 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
14
Early backer (in before they grew)
44/45
Grantees still filing
37/45
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

URBAN GREEN LAB: $1,060,500 · EnvironmentURBAN GREEN LABEnvironmental Law Institute: $1,060,000 · EnvironmentEnvironmental Law InstituteNATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC: $950,000 · EnvironmentNATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC+7 more: $231,500 · Environment+7 moreSOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER: $708,520 · OtherSOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTERCHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL: $516,000 · OtherCHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRALNASHVILLE COMMUNITY BAIL BOND FUND: $300,000 · OtherNASHVILLE COMMUNITY BAIL BOND FUNDGREEN CASTLE BAPTIST CHURCH: $120,000 · OtherGREEN CASTLE BAPTIST CHURCHPASSTHROUGH FROM LEGACY VENTURE VII LLC: $79,401 · OtherSOCIETY OF ST ANDREW: $70,000 · Other+23 more: $247,000 · Other+23 moreCHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART: $804,000 · Arts & CultureCHEEKWOOD BOTAN…TURNIP GREEN CREATIVE REUSE: $45,000 · Arts & Culture+6 more: $67,000 · Arts & Culture+6 moreREFED INC: $150,000 · Food & NutritionNASHVILLE FOOD PROJECT INC: $95,000 · Food & Nutrition+1 more: $5,000 · Food & NutritionSWEET BRIAR INSTITUTE: $100,000 · EducationFISK UNIVERSITY: $5,000 · EducationNASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION: $5,000 · Education+1 more: $3,000 · EducationONE GENERATION AWAY: $87,000 · Civil RightsPROTECT DEMOCRACY PROJECT: $20,000 · Civil RightsTENNESSEANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY: $5,000 · Civil RightsTHE PHILANTHROPY WORKSHOP INC DBA FORWARD GLOBAL: $30,000 · PhilanthropyUNITED WAY OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC: $10,000 · PhilanthropyTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC: $7,500 · Philanthropy
Environment$3,302,000Other$2,040,921Arts & Culture$916,000Food & Nutrition$250,000Education$113,000Civil Rights$112,000Philanthropy$47,500

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetURBAN GREEN LAB: $1,060,500 over 4y, 48% of budgetEnvironmental Law Institute: $1,060,000 over 5y, 4.4% of budgetNATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL INC: $950,000 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetCHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART: $804,000 over 3y, 2.5% of budgetSOUTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTER: $708,520 over 4y, 0.4% of budgetREFED INC: $150,000 over 1y, 1.8% of budgetSWEET BRIAR INSTITUTE: $100,000 over 2y, 0.2% of budgetNASHVILLE FOOD PROJECT INC: $95,000 over 3y, 1.3% of budgetNASHVILLE PARKS FOUNDATION: $93,000 over 4y, 18% of budgetONE GENERATION AWAY: $87,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetCUMBERLAND RIVER COMPACT INC: $64,000 over 1y, 2.0% of budgetTURNIP GREEN CREATIVE REUSE: $45,000 over 3y, 1.5% of budgetTHE LAND TRUST FOR TENNESSEE INC: $34,000 over 3y, 0.8% of budgetTHE PHILANTHROPY WORKSHOP INC DBA FORWARD GLOBAL: $30,000 over 1y, 1.0% of budgetNATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION: $27,500 over 2y, 0.1% of budgetNASHVILLE TREE FOUNDATION: $24,000 over 2y, 4.2% of budgetLawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: $20,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetPROTECT DEMOCRACY PROJECT: $20,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetOLDHAM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC: $20,000 over 1y, 1.9% of budgetNashville Symphony Association: $20,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetSHAKERTOWN REVISITED INC: $20,000 over 1y, 5.8% of budgetTHE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE EDUCATION FUND INC: $20,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetFRIENDS OF THE WARNER PARKS INC: $13,000 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetNASHVILLE TREE CONSERVATION CORPS: $10,000 over 1y, 11% of budgetUNITED WAY OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTHE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE INC: $7,500 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TN INC: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetCIVIC DESIGN CENTER: $5,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetFISK UNIVERSITY: $5,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTENNESSEANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY: $5,000 over 1y, 1.7% of budgetNASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO: $4,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTHE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $3,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNASHVILLE ZOO INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetALIVE HOSPICE INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetTENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (TPAC) MANAGEMENT CORPORATION: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNASHVILLE SAFE HAVEN FAMILY SHELTER INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetYWCA NASHVILLE & MIDDLE TENNESSEE: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetSEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetGREENWAYS FOR NASHVILLE INC: $2,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetSOUTHERN ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY: $2,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetLAND TRUST ALLIANCE INC: $1,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetNASHVILLE OPERA ASSOCIATION: $1,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetTennessee Clean Water Network: $1,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Msb Cockayne Fund IncThe Community Foundat…The Frist FoundationHca Healthcare Founda…Memorial Foundation I…The Wade-Buntin Famil…Dorothy Cate and Thom…W L Lyons Brown Found…The Blum Family Found…Vanderbilt UniversitySandra Schatten Found…James R Meadows Jr Fo…
Msb Cockayne Fund IncTN38.9× affinity16 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Msb Cockayne Fund Inc · The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Inc · The Frist Foundation · Hca Healthcare Foundation · Memorial Foundation Inc · The Wade-Buntin Family Foundation · Dorothy Cate and Thomas F Frist Foundation · W L Lyons Brown Foundation · The Blum Family Foundation · Vanderbilt University · Sandra Schatten Foundation · James R Meadows Jr Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization Atticus Trust funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from Atticus Trust. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 00%3%13%28%50%funder's share of their income ↑0%10%20%30%40%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    0get no government money at all
    14report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–40%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
    05Through Plinth

    Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

    How do I get to Atticus Trust?

    Find your warmest path to Atticus Trust through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

    Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 60 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2024, released 2024. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Atticus’ filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home