Jim and Natalie Haslam
/SOURCE OF WEALTH: Pilot Flying J
FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth, Knoxville Community
OVERVIEW: Jim and Natalie Haslam move philanthropy through the Haslam Family Foundation, whose grantmaking focuses on Tennessee. The couple are major patrons of their alma mater, University of Tennessee.
BACKGROUND: Jim Haslam graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1952. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army Corps of Engineers. After returning stateside, Haslam bought a gas station in Virginia. The family-owned Pilot Flying J has grown from that beginning to include more than 750 travel centers across North America. His son, Jimmy, is now CEO. The family has been on the Forbes list of America’s richest families.
Natalie Haslam graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1952. She is active in civic life, including as a founding board member of Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION & YOUTH: The Haslams strongly support their school University of Tennessee, from where their son Jimmy also graduated. The institution is home to the Haslam College of Business. Over the years, the couple has donated tens of millions of dollars to UT, including money for the football team’s practice field, Haslam Field, and a $32.5 million gift in 2006 that was used to construct the James A. Haslam II Business Building and the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center.
The foundation’s grantmaking also prioritizes youth sports. Through the vehicle, the Haslams have given millions to Field of Dreams, “a nonprofit dedicated to providing the opportunity for outdoor adventures to American veterans and special needs kids.” Other grantees have included Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Young Life Knoxville, Emerald Youth Foundation, Maryville College, Ensworth School, and Junior Achievement Tennessee.
COMMUNITY: The couple’s giving in Knoxville also touches a range of arts, cultural, and civic institutions, including Knoxville Museum of Art, Knox Area Rescue Ministries, the East Tennessee Historical Society, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Zoo Knoxville, St. John’s Episcopal Church, and the Boys and Girls Club. In 2021, they gave $35 million to support renovations to the Lakeshore Park Conservancy. Natalie was a founding board member of the nonprofit Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which supports the national park through funds and volunteers.
LOOKING FORWARD: Expect this wealthy family’s robust local grantmaking to continue.
CONTACT:
The foundation accepts applications at the address below:
Todd Ellis
P.O. Box 52206
Knoxville, TN 37950
