The Mcleroy Foundation
The McLeroy Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to supporting charitable organizations that serve youth, particularly those involved in or at risk of entering the foster care system. Its mission emphasizes the importance of providing program support and educational opportunities, such as GED incentive grants, to help these young individuals succeed. The foundation also supports initiatives related to adult literacy and community development, reflecting a commitment to education and social welfare. While primarily focused on Tennessee, it has also extended support to organizations in North Carolina. Overall, the McLeroy Foundation aims to empower vulnerable youth through targeted funding and resources.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) serving youth in foster care, youth aging out of foster care, or youth at risk, requesting program-specific support (with budget and timeline) rather than capital or general operating funds.
Good Fit
- • Primary programs serving youth in foster care or youth aging out of care.
- • Operations or projects based in Tennessee (majority of giving is in-state).
- • Can supply proof of 501(c)(3) status, a project budget and timeline.
- • Seeks program support, incentives, or project-specific funding rather than capital or operating dollars.
- • Willing to submit a written proposal via the named email contact and accept a rolling review timeline.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Tennessee — about 96% of the latest year’s dollars — with only very small out-of-state amounts despite three states appearing on the list.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 23 distinct recipients (23 grants) and the funder supported many different charities across education, GED incentives and foster-care programs, with 14 new recipients in that year and nine repeat grantees across the three-year record.
New Applicants
The foundation publishes application instructions (a written proposal by email) and had a high share of new recipients in the latest year (14 new grantees), so unfamiliar applicants with the stated program fit appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
