Horatio B & Willie J Buntin Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to furthering charitable activities across various sectors. Its mission encompasses support for environmental conservation, youth development, food security, and religious organizations, reflecting a commitment to community welfare and social improvement. The foundation primarily serves charities in Tennessee, with a notable focus on local organizations such as churches, environmental groups, and educational institutions. Through its funding, it aims to enhance community engagement and address pressing social issues.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small- to mid-sized Tennessee nonprofit or community organization with an established local presence and either an existing relationship with the foundation or with connections to current grantees; typical requests are modest operating or project support.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in Tennessee (or has a clear TN program).
- • Project or operating needs align with local conservation, historic preservation, parks, churches, arts, or community services.
- • Request size is in the small-to-moderate range (many grants are under $5,000 with occasional larger awards).
- • A board member, staff, or shared intermediary can introduce the organization to the foundation.
- • Evidence of prior or repeat funding relationships with the foundation or known grantees.
Geography
Giving is highly concentrated in Tennessee — roughly 92–93% of dollars each year — though a handful of out-of-state grants appear; the observed footprint is effectively local to TN.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad mix of recipients (around 61 distinct grantees) across churches, conservation groups, parks, cultural organizations and community charities, indicating a wide recipient set despite some dollar concentration among top recipients.
New Applicants
The foundation's filings and application record indicate it funds only preselected/invited applicants, and the latest year shows a high returning-recipient rate (about 80%) with only 12 new grantees; direct evidence of an open application path is absent, so an unfamiliar applicant would face low likelihood of entry.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
