While most grants made through the Community Foundation are advised by the people and organizations who established private funds here, the FOREVER Funds allows us—through the investment of donors and the guidance of community volunteers—to address the most pressing needs in our community and supports the creation of innovative, transformative solutions in West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi.
Scroll to learn more about the Community Investment Principles that guide our community investing and available grant categories.
A Vision for the Mid-South and Values for Investing that guide the Community Foundation's discretionary grantmaking.
Innovative, multi-year initiative strengthening organizations serving PreK-12 students in Memphis during their out-of-school time
Funding to organizations serving people impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the pandemic
Financial support for initiatives that improve Mid-South communities and the agencies that serve them
Through the FOREVER Funds, the Community Foundation supports local nonprofits through annual, competitive grantmaking processes and through special initiatives. Our volunteer committees, whose backgrounds and perspectives reflect the diversity of the Mid-South, research and assess the needs of our community, and the agencies that are making the greatest impact, to award grants that ensure this region thrives.
Sponsorship in Jumpstart, a highly-rated, yearlong learning cohort that includes personal coaching and technical assistance, is available to nonprofits to improve their fundraising capacity. The application process opens in July, with cohort participants announced in September.
Nonprofit Capacity Building grants are awarded to established nonprofit organizations that are working to become more effective by improving operations and increasing efficiency. The application process opens in September, with awards announced in December.
Intermediary grants are awarded to nonprofits that support the capacity building of other nonprofits. Grants are decided by the foundation's volunteer Strengthening Nonprofits Committee. The application process is invitation-only. It opens in March with awards announced in May.