The Shelby Foundation
The organization is a private foundation focused on supporting a diverse range of charitable causes. Its mission reflects a commitment to arts and culture, human services, food security, and health-related initiatives, as evidenced by grants to organizations such as the Jacksonville Symphony and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The foundation serves various populations, including those in need of educational support, food assistance, and community services. While it primarily supports organizations in Florida, it also extends its reach to other states, indicating a broader philanthropic interest.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
An established nonprofit (often Florida-based) with local ties or a prior relationship to the trustees, operating in arts, education, human services, or higher education and seeking general-support funding.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in Florida or has a visible Florida connection.
- • Clear alignment with arts, education, human services, or higher-education needs.
- • Existing relationship or introduction to a trustee, prior grantee, or local intermediary.
- • Capacity to receive and report on general operating support or larger one-time gifts.
Geography
Grantmaking has been concentrated in Florida but 2023 included recipients across several other states; the footprint is primarily state-focused with occasional out-of-state grants.
Recipient Variety
Across the three observed years the foundation funded many independent nonprofits (17 distinct recipients in 2023 and 5 in 2022), though 2024 was unusually concentrated.
New Applicants
Behaviorally the foundation funded many new grantees in 2023, but filings state only preselected applicants are considered and no public application route or contact details are visible, so direct openness to unfamiliar applicants is unclear.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
